Stephens College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Stephens College in Columbia, MO with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Stephens College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens College or PLU? 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 Pacific Lutheran University than Stephens College ($22,299 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 2.7% lower than at Stephens College ($13,008 vs. $13,366).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 84.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $23,954 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.6% higher at PLU than at Stephens College (about $23,954 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 73.8% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($40,573 vs. $23,341).

Stephens College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 50 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 1130/1270; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Stephens College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.