Valpo vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Valpo vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Valparaiso University than Stephens College ($21,766 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 1.9% lower than at Valparaiso University ($13,366 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 71.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $20,150 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.2% higher at Valpo than at Stephens College (about $20,150 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 60.9% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($37,548 vs. $23,341).

Valpo vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 30 points higher than at Valpo (1170).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Valpo vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $16,600 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephens College and Valpo graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Stephens College and Valpo graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Valpo 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.