WSU vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

Wichita State University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wichita State University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Wichita State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wichita State University 19:1; Stephens College 8:1.

WSU vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wichita State University than Stephens College ($14,228 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wichita State University are 7.1% lower than at Stephens College ($12,420 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 192.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $18,616 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $9,684.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.4% higher at Stephens College than at Wichita State University (about $8,431 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Wichita State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 187.3% larger than aid received by Wichita State University students ($23,341 vs. $8,125).

WSU vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 130 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming WSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 905/1240; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 17/25; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at WSU vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

WSU vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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).

• Stephens College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Wichita State University's (43%).
• Graduates from Wichita State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wichita State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.