Arkansas vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Arkansas is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Arkansas vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas or Stephens College? 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 University of Arkansas than Stephens College ($18,408 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 6.2% lower than at University of Arkansas ($13,366 vs. $14,244).
• Stephens College is 180.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas (about $18,196 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Arkansas than at Stephens College (about $1,666 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at University of Arkansas (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 165.1% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($23,341 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 70 points higher than at Arkansas (1130).
• Incoming Arkansas 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: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027; Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Arkansas (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Arkansas vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arkansas graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Arkansas 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.