KU vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Stephens College 8:1.

KU vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU 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 Kansas than Stephens College ($19,205 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 15% lower than at Stephens College ($11,358 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 133.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than KU (about $16,198 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $12,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at KU than at Stephens College (about $2,132 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at University of Kansas (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 102.2% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($23,341 vs. $11,541).

KU vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KU 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 KU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 10 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming KU 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 Kansas 1070/1300; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

KU vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU 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 Kansas's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More KU 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.