Stephens College vs. Converse University

Comparable Facts

Compare Stephens College in Columbia, MO with Converse University in Spartanburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Converse University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (1,787 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stephens College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Converse University is in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting).
• Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Converse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stephens College 8:1; Converse University 12:1.

Stephens College vs. Converse University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens College or Converse University? 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 Converse University than Stephens College ($19,061 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 0.1% lower than at Converse University ($13,366 vs. $13,380).
• Stephens College is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Converse University (about $3,060 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at Stephens College than at Converse University (about $3,060 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Converse University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Converse University students ($23,341 vs. $18,575).

Stephens College vs. Converse University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Stephens College or Converse University? 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 Converse University and Stephens College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 70 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming Converse University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 1130/1270; Converse University 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23; Converse University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; Converse University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026; Converse University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Converse University students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Converse University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 12% at Converse University.

Stephens College vs. Converse University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stephens College and Converse University? 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).

• Converse University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Stephens College earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Converse University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $33,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Converse University graduates have a $48 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($26,952 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Converse University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Converse University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.