University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Missouri Columbia is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Missouri Columbia 17:1; Stephens College 8:1.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Missouri-Columbia 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 Missouri Columbia than Stephens College ($22,169 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 2.4% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($13,366 vs. $13,700).
• Stephens College is 90.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Missouri-Columbia (about $13,463 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $14,837.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.4% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at Stephens College (about $7,756 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at University of Missouri Columbia (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 76.8% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($23,341 vs. $13,203).

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Missouri-Columbia 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 University of Missouri-Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Columbia (1240) is 40 points higher than at Stephens College (1200).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 23/30; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Missouri-Columbia 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 Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $16,800 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $5,117 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($21,883 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($226 vs. $279).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.