Stephens College is a great women’s college that holds a great advantage for studying. They’re unique to help women chase down their dreams, find their voice, and discover what and how you’re meant to be.
Follow through while we show you all you need to know about Stephen’s College including Admissions Requirements, Acceptance Rate, Courses, Tuition Fees, and Aid.
Stephens College is a small school in a big town. Due to the fact it is a small school, you get to know people around there.
Although we are small, we are powerful, said one student, “It’s like a warm hug every day on campus.”
So, they encourage you to come with your good personality and dreams, because in Stephens, friendship means something and last a lifetime.
About Stephens College
Founded in 1833, Stephens College is an institution committed to its mission: Learn, Grow, and Lead.
Stephens College is resilient and optimistic, true to her traditions, and eager to embrace whatever the future holds.
Focused on the arts, humanities, and health sciences, Stephens continues to prepare graduates (from their residential undergraduate college, coeducational graduate programs, and a 90-year school) for the life that awaits them: lives of distinction, integrity, service.
Why Choose Stephens College
Stephens College is a proud women’s college located in Columbia, Missouri. Since its founding in 1833, it has offered innovative and career-oriented programs in the liberal arts with an emphasis on the creative arts and sciences.
Stephens College is one of the oldest women’s educational institutions in the country, having spent more than 180 years “empowering women to be independent and showing that we can change the world.”
Recently, they take a hands-on, experiential approach to education, ensuring that their students receive quality classroom instruction and outside work experiences that complement their courses.
The classes are very small, making it a very intensive learning experience, but thankfully their programs are so cool and creative that no Stephens woman gets bored.
The fashion program is very popular and an annual fashion show is one of the school’s most anticipated events, and a strong theater program “consistently produces great artists.”
They also offer online and graduate programs for women and men as part of their commitment to lifelong learning.
Stephens is “blessed” to have such an amazing teaching staff. By creating an incredible and comfortable environment for learning and asking questions, it sets them for success in our future.
Above all, what unites all of their programs is their commitment to helping those with big dreams. They are out to help you find the knowledge, opportunities, and experiences you need to pursue your dreams and pursue them with whatever you have.
Stephens College Community
This community of “inspiring, united, and motivating women,” is “a melting pot of women,” where everyone “appreciates the outcast and the black sheep.”
There is no college group here, and a quick survey of the campus will reveal a group of “genuine” women who embody what they love, and if that means wearing riding boots, stage makeup, or wearing light equipment that is too heavy, students are always working on something and looking to make their dreams come true.
“We literally come from all over the world. It’s such a welcoming and diverse environment,” says one girl.
Unsurprisingly, feminism is strong here and Stephens is also a “very liberal LGBT +” place.
Life at Stephens College
Wondering what academics life at Stephen will be like? There is a lot to love about this prestigious school.
Life at Stephens College has put a lot of students in the midst of love.
Most of their students interviewed confess that they always feel at home there. They believe that the campus is beautiful, easy to navigate, and a great place to make friends. They also value the university’s close relationship with the local community and appreciate the interaction of different types of students on campus.
And that’s not all there is to love about life at Stephens. The hometown of Columbia, Missouri, is frequently ranked as one of America’s top college towns.
There is always something to do here, thanks to three universities and more than 30,000 students. Columbia really has it all: great college sports; film, music, and arts festivals; amazing recreation; and a great city center with plenty of places to eat, shop, and watch the latest bands.
The historic Stephens campus is a short walk from downtown Columbia, so you get the best of both worlds: the charm of brick and ivy and the bustle of a bustling college town.
During your stay, you will discover a culture of respect and support, as well as a network of friends eager to live the incredible adventures of life with you. Most importantly, their college dorms are truly a home away from home (you can even bring a pet!).
They always look forward to welcoming you to this great campus.
Stephens College Accreditation
Stephens College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Learning and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Aside from this, this college also got notable accreditation for some of its faculties. They include:
Stephens College Rankings
Here is a comprehensive list of Stephens College rankings in 2024:
- #1 by thoughtco.com as the Top Pet-Friendly Colleges and Universities
- #2 by collegemagazine.com as the Top 10 Pet-Friendly Colleges 2018
- #2 by lendedu.com as the 25 Most Pet-Friendly Colleges
- #4 by collegefactual.com as the Best Schools to Study Drama & Theater Arts in Missouri
- #5 by bestvalueschools.org as the 15 Best Pet-Friendly Colleges in 2020
- #5 by universities.com as The Best Costume Design Colleges of 2019
- #12 by fashion-schools.org as the Top 15 Fashion Marketing Schools in the US
- #15 by wardrobetrendsfashion.com as the Top 100 Fashion Schools In The World
- #17 by ceoworld.biz as the Best Fashion Schools In The World For 2020
- #22 by nonprofitcollegesonline.com as the 50 Most Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges
Stephens College Location
Address: 1200 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65215-0002, United States
Phone:(573) 876-7207
Fax:(573) 876-7237
Email:apply@stephens.edu
Stephens College Reviews
Here is a brief review of Stephens College by some students studying and those who have graduated.
“I’m currently enrolled in summer courses here, online of course, and I am so happy with the instruction!! All my professors are super professional and seem to absolutely love what they are doing. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be taught by teachers who actually care about their students and what they are teaching about. I got accepted here for the fall semester and I honestly can’t wait.” – Shannon A
“Unofficial visit because of Covid19. The campus is beautiful. It has been 30 years since I was on campus but it is still as beautiful as I remember. Big shade trees and beautiful brick buildings.” – Kelley Cooper- Cameron
“Absolutely awesome place, my daughter is starting her junior year” – Robert Lauritzen
“I ended up transferring my 2nd year and I am so glad I did! Amazing community of female leaders and an environment that fosters leadership, hard work and innovation! I made lifelong friendships with talented women who I watched grow and foster their own passions. Small class sizes and caring staff. I would not be the woman I am today without Stephens! Thank you Stephens!!!” – Ashley Landrum
“I wouldn’t trade anything for my Stephens experience. My instructors were phenomenal & my classmates are still some of my dearest friends. The training I revived in the Theatre program continues to open doors for me.” – Marie Woodson
“Small classes, administration that gets to know you as an individual, top notch equine program and performing arts.” – Cordy Brannan
Stephens College Acceptance Rate
Is it difficult to get into Stephens College and can I get accepted?
From our analysis, Stephens College has an acceptance rate of 56%, ranking 11th in Missouri for the lowest acceptance rate. This means that the school is moderately selective.
We didn’t just make this up, there are statistics that led to this.
This is what we mean.
Last year, 558 out of 992 applicants were admitted, making Stephens College a more competitive school to enter with good chances of acceptance for eligible applicants.
Academically, it has average requirements for admissions test scores and generally admits students who rank in the top 54%.
The school expects you to meet its requirements for GPA and SAT / ACT scores, but they are more flexible than other schools. If you exceed your requirements, you have an excellent opportunity to enter. But if you don’t, you could be part of the unfortunate minority that receives a rejection letter.
Stephens College generally accepts and attracts “B +” high school students. Only 20% of those admitted chose to enroll in school. Most of the freshmen graduated in the lower half of their high school class.
Here is a good break down of the Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
| Applied | 992 | 0 | 992 |
| Accepted | 558 | 0 | 558 |
| Enrolled | 20% | 0 | 20% |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 110 | 0 | 110 |
| Acceptance Rate | 56% | 0 | 56% |
| Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2019 starting class |
Admissions at Stephens College
Getting admission into Stephens College means putting your foot forward. Because admission at Stephens College is competitive.
Admissions officials at Stephens College always require a student’s GPA as one of their academic factors. They also put into consideration the applicant’s high school class rank, when available, and letters of recommendation for admissions.
Stephens College Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
What are the admission requirements to Stephens College?
While there are many elements that are included in a college application, you only need to focus on a few critical points:
- GPA requirements
- Test requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
- Application requirements
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to Stephens College. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application.
In this article, we will cover what you need to get into Stephens College and build a strong application.
Stephens College SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Stephens College?
Stephens College generally requires applicants to be above 60% for the SAT tests. The school systematically lowers composite SAT scores to 1000 on a scale of 1600, below which admission should be easy to reach.
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.
We estimate that some students could be accepted with an SAT as low as 880. Hence, the estimated composite SAT average for admitted freshmen is 1200 out of 1600.
The school is ranked 17th in Missouri for the highest average composite SAT score. Meanwhile, 21 percent of applicants send SAT scores to the school.
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1000, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1200. In other words, 1000 on the New SAT places you below average, while 1200 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 530 | 480 | 570 |
| Reading + Writing | 580 | 520 | 630 |
| Composite | 1110 | 1000 | 1200 |
Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit.
Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below 1110, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.
Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
| SAT Score (1600 scale) | Competitiveness | Admission Chances |
| 1240 and Above | Good | >68% |
| 1120 to 1240 | Avg + | 56%-68% |
| 1000 to 1120 | Avg – | 43%-56% |
| 880 to 1000 | Reach | 31%-43% |
| Less than 880 | Low | <31% |
Stephens College ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Stephens College?
Just like for the SAT, Stephens College likely doesn’t have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.
Admission data indicates that Stephens College regularly accepts students with ACT’s of 20 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 49 percent nationally.
We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores of around 18 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 22 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants – and students with a 25 and above have very competitive chances.
The school ranks #23 in Missouri for the highest average ACT composite score. Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 87 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Stephens College.
Stephens College GPA Requirements
Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.
The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school’s average GPA for its current students.
With a GPA of 3.27, Stephens College accepts below-average students. It’s OK to be a B-average student, with some A’s mixed in. It’d be best to avoid C’s and D’s since application readers might doubt whether you can handle the stress of college academics.
If you’re currently junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.27, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.
The school ranks #25 in Missouri for highest average GPA. If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Stephens College accepts 56% of students who apply.
Stephens College Graduate Admissions
Stephens College master’s programs for women and men are designed to challenge, inspire, and open up doors to the life you want.
They offer a variety of learning models, including full-residency, low-residency, evening classes, and 100% online, depending on the program you choose.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Stephens College Programs and Courses
Undergraduate Programs
Stephens has a long history of innovation in the health sciences. The School of Health Sciences is home to a growing offering of undergraduate programs, including clinical, pre-professional, and management programs, as well as three graduate programs aimed at making a difference in our communities.
Their Master’s programs in Educational Counseling and Physician Assistant Studies focus on behavioral health, enhanced by our community partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health. And, as we develop our faculty, we seek to develop a true spirit of interprofessional collaboration between our programs.
Graduate Programs
The Graduate faculty offer current, relevant experience. Clinical mental health counselling track focus on promoting the mental health of individuals, families, groups and organizations in a diverse society.
The Professional School Counselling track help students address their personal, social, educational and career needs in elementary, middle and high schools.
While the Post-Graduate Certification for School Counseling is for those who have completed a school counselling master’s program and are seeking certification.
Honors Program
The Stephens Honors Program is open to freshmen who have at least a 3.5 GPA and a composite ACT of 25 or higher (or SAT 1220 composite or higher). MACC students interested in the Stephens Honors program should contact their advisors.
Stephens College Application Process
Let’s show you the different ways you can apply to Stephens College.
Application Process for First-Year Students
Are you attending college for the first time? You are a freshman.
You can apply in 3 easy steps, with no application fees.
Step 1: Fill out the free online application and tell them more about you
Go to the Stephens College application portal
Step 2: Submit your official transcripts
You can upload your unofficial transcripts (a picture of your grades from your student portal) to the app.
Before registering with Stephens, you will need to provide your official transcripts. Your high school counsellor can help you.
Mail your official transcripts to:
Stephens College Admissions Office
1200 E. Broadway
Campus Box 2121
Columbia, MO 65215
Electronic transcripts can be submitted through various electronic transcription services and can also be sent to admissions@stephens.edu directly from the institution.
Transcripts received through this account from a student will not be considered official.
Step 3: Submit your official ACT or SAT
If you’d like us to consider your test scores, submit your official ACT or SAT results to Stephens College. However, Stephens is test-optional for 2024-2024.
- ACT code: 2374
- SAT code: 6683
Application Process for Transfer Students
Stephens College understands the importance of responding quickly to busy transfer students.
In most cases, once they receive your completed application and college-level transcripts, they will respond with an admissions decision within five days.
Step 1: Apply Online
Fill out the free online application and tell them more about you.
There is no application fee, and your application will be automatically reviewed for transfer scholarship eligibility.
Step 2: Submit your official transcripts
Submit your official transcript(s) from previously attended institutions.
Electronic transcripts may be submitted through various electronic transcript services and can also be sent to apply@stephens.edu directly from the institution. Transcripts received from a student will not be considered official.
Paper transcripts must be mailed directly to Stephens College by your school(s). Have your official transcript(s) mailed to:
Stephens College Office of Admissions
Campus Box 2121
1200 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65215
Application Process for International Students
Step 1: Fill out the free online application and tell them more about you
Enter the Stephens College Application Portal
Step 2: Submit your official transcripts
- Official high school records (list of subjects, grades, and graduation date)
- If the documents are not in English, you will be responsible for the official translation.
- Score reports must be converted to a 4.0 GPA scale.
- If applicable, submit transcripts for all colleges you attended (it is considered academic dishonesty not to disclose all colleges you previously attended).
- Electronic transcripts can be submitted through various electronic transcription services and can also be sent to intl@stephens.edu directly from the institution. Transcripts received through this account from a student will not be considered official.
OR
Send your official transcripts to:
Stephens College
International admissions
Campus Box 2121
1200 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65215
Step 3: Submit at least ONE of the following test results:
- Official ACT Scores (Stephens College Code: 2374)
- Official SAT Scores (Stephens College Code: 6683)
- ITEP official score. They need a 3.7-3.9 or higher
- Official TOEFL scores or ESL certificate of completion (Stephens College TOEFL code: 6683)
- For the TOEFL, they need a paper score of 550, a computer score of 213, or an internet-based score of 79.
Step 4: Submit a Certification of Finances
If accepted, you will be asked to send a financial certificate to intl@stephens.edu.
Applicants are required by the United States government to demonstrate the ability to fund their education and pay for living expenses before Stephens can issue documents for a visa.
Step 5: Pay Enrollment Deposit
If accepted, you will be asked to pay a registration deposit to confirm your registration.
Application Deadline
Stephens uses a rolling admissions process, which means it is never too early or too late to apply. We have two early resolution deadlines for the priority scholarship review.
Early Decision I: apply before November 1
Early Decision II: apply before February 1
They also look at deposit date when it’s time to make housing and other assignments, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. They’ll always take the time to thoroughly review your application, and provide a timely response.
Stephens College Tuition Fees
How much does it cost to attend Stephens College? The amount you end up paying at Stephens College totally depends on where you decide to reside.
However, for a domestic student, you are expected to pay the following:
Before even completing the FAFSA, you can use Stephen College Net Price Calculator to estimate how much help you can receive at Stephens College.
- Tuition: $23,175.00
- General Fees: $210.00
- Room (double): $5,374.00
- Board: $3,950.00
- Total Direct Cost: $32,709.00
Undergraduate Residential College Tuition Fees
Cost of Attendance (COA) refers to the total amount of tuition fees (tuition, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, transportation costs, loan fees, etc.).
| RESIDENTIAL | |||
| FALL & SPRING | FALL | SPRING | |
| Tuition | $23,175 | $11,587.50 | $11,587.50 |
| Fees | 210 | 105 | 105 |
| Room | 5,374 | 2,687 | 2,687 |
| Board | 3,950 | 1,975 | 1,975 |
| Total | $32,709 | $16,354.50 | $16,354.50 |
| SUMMER | SUMMER | ||
| DANCE 2024 | OKOBOJI 2024 | ||
| Tuition, Room & Board | $8,300 | $10,250 | |
| Transportation | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| Loan Fees | 40 | 40 | |
| Miscellaneous | 500 | 500 | |
| Total | $9,840 | $11,790 | |
| PART TIME | |||
| 2020-21 | 1-6 Hours | $695 | |
| 6.1-11.9 Hours | $695 | ||
Stephens College Scholarships
Stephens awards more than $9 million in scholarships each year. Almost all their students receive scholarships or institutional aid.
Upon being accepted into their residential undergraduate college as a freshman, you will automatically be considered for merit scholarships.
First-Year Student Scholarships
First-Year Student Scholarship Eligibility
The program is open to first-year students who have at least a 3.5 GPA and an ACT composite of 25 or higher (or SAT 1220 composite or higher).
- Must be classified as First Time in College (FTIC), having earned fewer than 10 college credits after high school graduation.
- Must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more per semester).
- No scholarships can ever total more than tuition (no refund checks).
- Renewable awards are for a maximum of 8 semesters or as noted.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required to maintain and renew awards.
- International students are eligible for all published awards.
- Academic Merit Scholarships are determined upon acceptance.
| Scholarship Name | Amount per year (unless otherwise noted) | Terms | Eligibility |
| Academic Merit Scholarship | Starting at $8,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Learn of eligibility upon acceptance. Based on GPA/ACT or SAT |
| Susie Legacy Scholarship | $1,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Legacy definition: A relative (i.e. parent, sister, aunt/uncle, grandparent) has graduated from or is currently enrolled in the undergraduate, residential program at Stephens |
| A+ Program | $1,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Missouri Department of Higher Education A+ Program |
| Stephens Scholars Honors Program Scholarship | $1,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Accept invitation to join the Stephens Scholars Program |
| High Academic Achievement Award | $2,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | ACT 30+/SAT 1360+ and GPA 3.5+ |
| National Merit Finalist | $5,000 | First-year award only | National Merit Scholarship Competition |
| National Hispanic Recognition | $5,000 | First-year award only | National Merit Scholarship Competition |
| Stars Athletic Scholarship | Starting at $1,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Athletic scholarship awarded by the coach of one of our 6 NAIA athletic teams and/or esports team |
| Academic Program Scholarship | $2,000 | First-year award; only 2 per program | Determined by program faculty with decision by March 1 |
MACC students interested in the Stephens Honors program should contact their advisers.
Transfer Student Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Amount per year | Terms | Eligibility |
| Academic Merit Scholarship | starting at $8,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Based on GPA; learn of eligibility upon acceptance. |
| Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | $2,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Recipient must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa for a full semester. Requires a GPA of 3.75 or higher. |
| Susie Legacy Scholarship | $1,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Legacy definition: A relative (i.e. parent, sister, aunt/uncle, grandparent) has graduated from or is currently enrolled in the undergraduate, residential program at Stephens |
| Stars Athletic Scholarship | Starting at $1,000 | Renewable up to 8 semesters | Athletic scholarship awarded by the coach of one of our 6 NAIA athletic teams and/or Esports team |
Stephens College Financial Aid
To apply for grants, scholarships, studies, and loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (called the “FAFSA”).
This application is used by the federal government to determine certain types of eligibility, but also by Stephens College as a first step in determining other scholarships for which you may be eligible.
The FAFSA opens on October 1. The priority filing date is February 1. Stephens Federal School Code is 002512.
Note: If you have submitted your FAFSA and are asked to complete a verification process.
Stephens College’s Office of Financial Aid is always here to help you understand your options for paying your tuition. Talk to them at any time.
Submit your FAFSA>
Office of Financial Aid
Campus Box: 2124
Telephone: (573) 876-7106, Ext. 4106
Fax: (573) 876-2320
finaid@stephens.edu
Address: 216 Lela Raney Wood Hall
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