Stephens College
Stephens College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Stephens College Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, Stephens College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,071 — 20% below average — while paying $23,459/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 45% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 63% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Stephens College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Stephens College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MO
Ranked #35 of 61 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Appalachian Bible College | 59 | $11,579 | $37,467 |
| #4 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka | 52 | $5,646 | $36,545 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #35 | Stephens College | 21 | $23,459 | $43,071 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Stephens College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in MO.
Best Programs at Stephens College
The highest-earning program at Stephens College is Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations at $23,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $18,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations graduate from Stephens College earns $23,400, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $18,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,459/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $23,400 | $23,400 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $18,900 | $18,900 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbia, MO
- Student Body
- 391 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,459
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,071
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000