MLC vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Martin Luther College is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (878 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Martin Luther College is located in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Martin Luther College 10:1; Stephens College 8:1.

MLC vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MLC or Stephens College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Martin Luther College than Stephens College ($18,974 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 40.9% lower than at Stephens College ($7,900 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 56.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MLC (about $10,180 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.2% higher at Stephens College than at Martin Luther College (about $10,180 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 127.1% larger than aid received by Martin Luther College students ($23,341 vs. $10,276).

MLC vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MLC or Stephens College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Stephens College and MLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 30 points higher than at MLC (1170).
• Incoming MLC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 1078/1256; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 22/27; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MLC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Stephens College - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman MLC students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• MLC has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at MLC vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

MLC vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MLC and Stephens College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Martin Luther College earn a median of about $600 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Martin Luther College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MLC graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.