About Stephens College
Stephens College trains women for careers in theater, fashion, dance, and creative writing. The 353 students attend classes in Columbia, Missouri, where the school has operated as a women's college since 1833. Students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio that enables intensive mentoring in creative programs. The college attracts students who want hands-on training in the arts rather than traditional liberal arts education.
Students pay an average net price of $23,277 after financial aid, with 41.71% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $43,071 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the $27,000 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $286 for those borrowing. The employment rate reaches 92.9%, suggesting employers value the school's practical training approach.
Women make up 96.03% of the student body, creating an environment focused on female leadership development. Only 46.02% graduate in four years, reflecting the demanding nature of creative programs where students often need extra time to complete portfolios and productions. The Stars compete in four NAIA sports with 65 total athletes. Students live on a compact campus where 327 housing spaces accommodate most of the small enrollment.
Students pay an average net price of $23,277 after financial aid, with 41.71% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $43,071 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the $27,000 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $286 for those borrowing. The employment rate reaches 92.9%, suggesting employers value the school's practical training approach.
Women make up 96.03% of the student body, creating an environment focused on female leadership development. Only 46.02% graduate in four years, reflecting the demanding nature of creative programs where students often need extra time to complete portfolios and productions. The Stars compete in four NAIA sports with 65 total athletes. Students live on a compact campus where 327 housing spaces accommodate most of the small enrollment.
Academics & Faculty
Stephens College specializes in creative arts and professional programs, making it one of the few remaining women's colleges in the country. The school is particularly well-known for its fashion design, dance, and theatre programs, which attract students from across the nation. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive mentorship and personalized attention from professors. However, only 46% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the demanding nature of creative programs where many students take gap years for internships or professional opportunities. The college's focus on hands-on learning in specialized fields means students often graduate with portfolio-ready work and industry connections rather than following traditional academic timelines.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 91.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.5%
- Retention Rate
- 71.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,071
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $54,035 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $36,488 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $27,947 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $21,052 |
Campus Life
Columbia sits two hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis, giving students access to major city internships and cultural events. With 327 housing spots for 353 total students, nearly everyone lives on the intimate campus where brick buildings blend historic charm with modern facilities. Missouri's four-season climate means packing both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-ins.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit community where professors know every name. With 96% of students being women, the campus culture centers on female helpment and creative collaboration. Students gather in the historic quad between classes, many heading to the well-known fashion design studios or equestrian facilities that put Stephens on the map. Weekend activities revolve around Columbia's college town energy, with students exploring the downtown district's shops and restaurants or attending University of Missouri sporting events just miles away. The small size means campus traditions like Senior Walk create lasting bonds among the tight community of Stars.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit community where professors know every name. With 96% of students being women, the campus culture centers on female helpment and creative collaboration. Students gather in the historic quad between classes, many heading to the well-known fashion design studios or equestrian facilities that put Stephens on the map. Weekend activities revolve around Columbia's college town energy, with students exploring the downtown district's shops and restaurants or attending University of Missouri sporting events just miles away. The small size means campus traditions like Senior Walk create lasting bonds among the tight community of Stars.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 327 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1833
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–39°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.4"
Student Demographics
Students at this nearly all-women's college come primarily from Missouri, with 64% choosing to stay in-state for their education. The student body reflects the school's commitment to accessibility, as 42% receive Pell Grants indicating significant financial need. Students are drawn to Stephens for its creative arts focus and intimate learning environment. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships essential for developing artistic talent. Most students are white, though the college serves a notable Black student population at 10%. The small size of 353 students creates a tight-knit community where aspiring artists and creative professionals support each other's growth.
- Men
- 4.0%
- Women
- 96.0%
- White
- 56.7%
- Black
- 10.5%
- Hispanic
- 0.9%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 64.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.7%
Location
Columbia sits in central Missouri, about 120 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis. This college town of 126,000 residents hosts the University of Missouri's flagship campus, creating a active academic atmosphere. The city offers a mix of student-friendly restaurants, music venues, and cultural activities typical of a university community. Columbia's location provides easy access to outdoor recreation areas and state parks. The median household income in Columbia runs about $52,000, reflecting the blend of university employees, students, and local professionals. The area experiences four distinct seasons with mild springs and warm summers. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Stephens College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Columbia, Missouri 65215
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,071
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $40,355
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Stephens College?
Stephens College accepts 64% of applicants. This women's college founded in 1833 focuses on creative arts and professional programs, making it moderately selective for students seeking specialized education in these fields.
How much does Stephens College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,277 after aid, down from the full $42,538 total cost. About 42% of students receive financial aid, with institutional grants averaging $15,518 for those who qualify.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Stephens College?
The student-faculty ratio is 7:1 with just 353 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in the college's signature programs like fashion design, theatre, and equestrian studies.
What are employment outcomes like for Stephens College graduates?
Graduates have a 93% employment rate with median earnings of $43,071 ten years after graduation. However, the 47% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges some students face completing their specialized creative and professional programs.
Where is Stephens College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Columbia, Missouri, housing 327 students in residence halls. With 96% women enrollment, the college creates a tight-knit community where students can focus on their studies without traditional co-ed distractions.
Does Stephens College offer athletic programs?
The Stars compete in four NAIA varsity sports with 65 total athletes receiving $1,028,646 in athletic scholarships. The equestrian program stands out as one of the nation's top collegiate riding teams, reflecting the school's unique focus areas.
