
1200 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65215, USA


Stephens College holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that it meets established standards for quality and integrity in higher education. This accreditation is a vital factor for prospective students, as it affects the recognition of degrees earned and eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
The college's education programs have also received accreditation from specialized agencies relevant to teacher preparation, which speaks to the rigor and credibility of these offerings. Such program-specific accreditation can be particularly important for students pursuing careers in education, as it often aligns with state licensure requirements.
Stephens College requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent high school diploma. A secondary school GPA and official school records must be submitted as part of the application, while the submission of secondary school class rank is recommended but not mandatory. English proficiency is required, demonstrated through a TOEFL score, with other standardized tests being recommended but not compulsory. The college does not have an open admission policy, meaning that not all applicants are automatically accepted.
The average SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1100, which places these students in the bottom 35th percentile nationally. Specifically, the average SAT Math score is 525, ranking in the bottom 25 percent, while the SAT Writing score averages 575, in the bottom 50 percent. The average ACT composite score is about 21, also in the lower 25th percentile.
Applicants to Stephens College are admitted at a notably high rate, with an acceptance rate of about 92 percent, making admission relatively accessible compared to many other colleges. Despite the high acceptance rate, only a portion of admitted students enroll, with the enrolled student body at a low level in comparison to national data.
Stephens College charges a standard application fee for prospective students submitting their admissions materials. However, the college offers fee waivers for certain applicants who meet specific criteria, reducing financial barriers to submitting an application. Fee waivers may be available for students demonstrating financial need or those who participate in designated outreach programs. It is recommended that applicants check with Stephens College's admissions office for detailed waiver eligibility and the process for requesting a waiver.
Stephens College does not host an ROTC branch unit on its campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs can do so through cooperating host institutions that house these units. This arrangement allows prospective students to pursue military training and leadership development via affiliated universities that administer ROTC programs.
Transfer students seeking admission to Stephens College can apply for multiple start terms throughout the year, including fall, spring, and summer semesters. The college welcomes transfer credit evaluation and is open to accepting credits earned through CLEP exams, both subject-specific and general.
The acceptance of transfer credits demonstrates the institution's flexibility for students who have completed coursework elsewhere. Prospective transfer applicants should note that the college maintains a moderately difficult entrance standard. Stephens College also imposes a credit age limit of 10 years, meaning that transferred credits must not be older than this threshold to be considered eligible.
Stephens College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic and cultural experiences of its students. Programs include semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer sessions that allow participants to immerse themselves in different countries and academic environments.
The college focuses on providing programs that integrate coursework with cultural activities, promoting both academic growth and global awareness. Destinations vary annually but have historically included locations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These programs are structured to complement students' degree requirements, enabling them to earn credit while abroad.
Additionally, Stephens College supports customized study abroad plans, allowing students to seek opportunities that best fit their academic and personal interests in collaboration with college advisors. The institution highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, encouraging participation from students across all majors.
Median composite SAT score
1100Median composite ACT score
21Percent of students submitting ACT scores
45%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
7%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer