Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Stephens College (Stephens) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Higher Learning Commission Columbia, Missouri 91.6% Acceptance Rate

Stephens College (Stephens) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Columbia, Missouri 65215 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.stephens.edu/

Stephens College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

91.6%Acceptance Rate
3.27Avg GPA
1104Avg SAT
20Avg ACT
$42,694Annual Cost
$43,071Grad Salary
41.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
91.6%
Avg GPA
3.27
Avg SAT
1104
Avg ACT
20
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1130–1270
ACT Middle 50%
16–23
Need-Based Aid
41.7% receive Pell

Stephens College, founded in 1833 in Columbia, Missouri, is one of America's oldest women's colleges with strengths in performing arts, health sciences, and fashion design.

The 86-acre campus includes the Costume Museum, state-of-the-art science labs, and the historic Windsor Auditorium. Stephens emphasizes leadership development through its Women's College programs.

Stephens College Acceptance Rate

Stephens College (Stephens) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 91.6%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
  • Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.

Selectivity at a Glance

Inclusive
Stephens College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 91.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.27 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.07 – 3.26
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.82
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Stephens GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Stephens is 3.27. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.47-3.67 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 2.97 and 3.27, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

Stephens GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at Stephens utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.27, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.27 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.07 – 3.26
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.87 – 3.06
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.86
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Stephens, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Stephens

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Stephens College's verified institutional data

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Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Stephens College (Stephens) Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Stephens Without SAT or ACT?

Stephens College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Stephens College Average SAT Score: 1104

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Stephens College is 1104 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Stephens College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1104 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1104 on the SAT.

SAT Math
570
SAT Reading
630
Composite
1104
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Stephens College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1130, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Stephens. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Stephens College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math570520620
SAT Reading630610650
SAT Composite110411301270

It means that if you have scored less than 1130 then you are below most of the admitted students at Stephens and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100

Can I get into Stephens College (Stephens) with a 1250 SAT?

With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Stephens College (Stephens) are good but the admission staff at Stephens tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Stephens College (Stephens) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Stephens is 20.

ACT Competitiveness

Stephens College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 20 — Less Competitive

This score makes Stephens College less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 20 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Stephens College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math181521
ACT English201524
ACT Composite201623

Can I get into Stephens College with a 23 ACT?

A 23 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Stephens College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Stephens College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Stephens College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Stephens College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 23 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 20

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Stephens

Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer

Stephens provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.

Meet Eligibility Floors

Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.

Placement Preparation

Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.

Transfer Path Planning

If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.

Career Certification

Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Stephens that connect directly to the local job market.

Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.

Stephens Profile

Full Name
Stephens College (Stephens)
City
Columbia
State
Missouri
ZIP Code
65215
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)

Is a Stephens Degree Worth It?

Getting into Stephens can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Stephens offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Stephens is $61,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.18%.

How much does a degree from Stephens Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Stephens College is $42,694. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Stephens College is much less than this.

41.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 62.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Stephens and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Stephens College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Stephens as your choice in the form.

How much does a Stephens Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,071. An average Stephens graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$42,694Annual Cost
41.7%Pell Grant
62.8%Federal Loan
$43,071Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Stephens College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21
Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 1093 22
Fort Lewis College Durango, CO 1084 20
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 1070 23
University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO 1077 22
Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT 1091 24
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Stephens College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22
University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, CT 1100 NA
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FL 1100 22
Flagler College Saint Augustine, FL 1099 22
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, FL 1101 23
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Stephens College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 1148 23
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 1140 25
Lynn University Boca Raton, FL 1136 25

Degree Programs at Stephens

Bachelor Degree Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Stephens College →

Frequently Asked Questions About Stephens Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,071 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $42,694 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

41.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of Stephens College is 91.6% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.27. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.97, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.97, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.87 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.27, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Stephens College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1104 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1130–1270.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

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Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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