Stephens College vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Stephens College in Columbia, MO with Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nebraska Wesleyan University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (1,654 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Stephens College vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens College or Nebraska Wesleyan 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 Nebraska Wesleyan University than Stephens College ($21,122 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nebraska Wesleyan University are 10.9% lower than at Stephens College ($11,915 vs. $13,366).
• Nebraska Wesleyan University is 54% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $15,272 more per year; $43,572.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54% higher at Nebraska Wesleyan University than at Stephens College (about $15,272 more per year; $43,572.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College as at Nebraska Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nebraska Wesleyan University students is 40.8% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($32,863 vs. $23,341).

Stephens College vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 40 points higher than at Nebraska Wesleyan University (1160).
• Incoming Nebraska Wesleyan University 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; Nebraska Wesleyan University 1020/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23; Nebraska Wesleyan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; Nebraska Wesleyan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026; Nebraska Wesleyan University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nebraska Wesleyan University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Nebraska Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 16.2% at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Stephens College vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stephens College and Nebraska Wesleyan 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).

• Nebraska Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Nebraska Wesleyan University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.