Stephens College vs. Milligan

Comparable Facts

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

Milligan University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (1,240 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Stephens College vs. Milligan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens College or Milligan? 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 Milligan University than Stephens College ($21,165 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milligan University are 33.4% lower than at Stephens College ($8,900 vs. $13,366).
• Milligan University is 42.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $12,150 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.9% higher at Milligan than at Stephens College (about $12,150 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College as at Milligan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milligan University students is 33.8% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($31,220 vs. $23,341).

Stephens College vs. Milligan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is the same as at Milligan (1200).
• Incoming Milligan 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: Stephens College 1130/1270; Milligan University 1133/1268.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23; Milligan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; Milligan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026; Milligan Aug 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Milligan students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Milligan (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 27.6% at Milligan.

Stephens College vs. Milligan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stephens College and Milligan? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Milligan University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Milligan graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Milligan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.