Rockhurst vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rockhurst University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (3,577 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockhurst University is located in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockhurst University 12:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Rockhurst vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockhurst or Stephens College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Stephens College than Rockhurst ($23,194 vs. $25,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockhurst University are 10.8% lower than at Stephens College ($11,920 vs. $13,366).
• Rockhurst University is 58.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $16,666 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.9% higher at Rockhurst than at Stephens College (about $16,666 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rockhurst University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 48.1% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($34,562 vs. $23,341).

Rockhurst vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockhurst or Stephens College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Stephens College and Rockhurst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 20 points higher than at Rockhurst (1180).
• Incoming Rockhurst students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockhurst University 1116/1246; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockhurst University 22/27; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockhurst - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027; Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Rockhurst students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Rockhurst vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Rockhurst vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockhurst and Stephens College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $16,100 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Rockhurst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.