Academic Comparison between Stephens and Missouri Southern

Stephens College and Missouri Southern State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Stephens is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Columbia, MO and Missouri Southern is a four-year, public school located in Joplin, MO.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Stephens is a private (not-for-profit) and Missouri Southern is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Stephens has more expensive tuition & fees ($28,300) than Missouri Southern ($18,300).
  • It is harder to admit to Stephens than Missouri Southern.
  • Missouri Southern has more students with 4,147 students while Stephens has 568 students.
  • Stephens has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Missouri Southern's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Missouri Southern has more full-time faculties with 139 faculties while Stephens has 43 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Stephens Collegevs.Missouri Southern State University
Columbia, MissouriLocationJoplin, Missouri
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
$28,3002025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,600
Out-Of-State$18,300
96%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$21,115Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,609
77.22 %Acceptance Rates97.03 %
14.57 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.46 %
-SAT Score1,340
-ACT Score20
43 %Graduation Rate42 %
39 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
78 %Retention Rate63 %
568Student Population4,147
43Number of Faculties139
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare