Stephens College vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Stephens College in Columbia, MO with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stephens College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stephens College 8:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Stephens College vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens College or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University ($23,194 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 13.5% lower than at Alvernia University ($13,366 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 59% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $16,700 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59% higher at Alvernia University than at Stephens College (about $16,700 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College as at Alvernia University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($29,034 vs. $23,341).

Stephens College vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Stephens College or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University and Stephens College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 10 points higher than at Alvernia University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 1130/1270; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Stephens College vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stephens College and Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Alvernia University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alvernia University and Stephens College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Alvernia University and Stephens College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.