Stephens College vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

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

DeSales University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Stephens College vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens College or DeSales 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 DeSales University ($23,194 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 3.1% lower than at DeSales University ($13,366 vs. $13,800).
• DeSales University is 65.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $18,500 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.4% higher at DeSales University than at Stephens College (about $18,500 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College as at DeSales University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($30,909 vs. $23,341).

Stephens College vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 20 points higher than at DeSales University (1180).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 1130/1270; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026; DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DeSales University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Stephens College vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stephens College and DeSales 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).

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DeSales University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DeSales University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.