Southwest Baptist University vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Baptist University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,199 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwest Baptist University is located in Bolivar, MO (Distant Town setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Southwest Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwest Baptist University 10:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Southwest Baptist University vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Baptist University 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 Southwest Baptist University than Stephens College ($21,336 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Baptist University are 26.9% lower than at Stephens College ($9,776 vs. $13,366).
• Southwest Baptist University is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $2,266 more per year; $30,566.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at Southwest Baptist University than at Stephens College (about $2,266 more per year; $30,566.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Southwest Baptist University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 22.6% larger than aid received by Southwest Baptist University students ($23,341 vs. $19,043).

Southwest Baptist University vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwest Baptist University 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 Southwest Baptist University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 190 points higher than at Southwest Baptist University (1010).
• Incoming Southwest Baptist University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Baptist University 810/1210; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Baptist University 17/26; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Baptist University - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Southwest Baptist University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Southwest Baptist University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.3% at Southwest Baptist University vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Southwest Baptist University vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southwest Baptist University 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).

• Stephens College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Southwest Baptist University's (48%).
• Graduates from Stephens College earn a median of about $700 more per year than Southwest Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have a $5,913 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($21,087 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($218 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Baptist University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.