Stephens College

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Students Say - Academics
"A small women's college located in the lively college town of Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College is characterized by its intensive liberal arts programs and supportive learning environment. A junior enthuses, "Academics at Stephens are great. Teachers are always available outside of class and the classes are usually challenging and interesting enough to keep students motivated to work hard!" Professors are "completely willing to help in any way, but they also expect a lot from their students," adds a senior. Stephens offers more than 50 majors, of which performing and applied arts (such as theater and fashion design) are among the most popular. Students sing the praises of their major programs, many noting Stephens's strong commitment to hands-on education, alumni networking, and leadership opportunities. A sophomore attests, "Stephens has one of the best fashion design schools in the country. The teachers are highly knowledgeable, and the alumnae network is extensive." Similarly, "The theater program here is unlike any other because we have great alumnae connections and everything we do is hands-on. The students even run their own theater (Warehouse) right next to the Stephens Theater." Students also tell us that "all of the administration is very approachable," often noting in particular the efforts of friendly President Libby."

Students Say - Campus Life
"Ask almost any Stephens undergrad and she will tell you that "the greatest strength of Stephens College is its close community." Stephens women go out of their way to support campus activities and events; for example, "The theater productions and dance productions are wildly popular. They are always on the verge of being sold out." Off campus, Columbia, Missouri (also home to the University of Missouri), is a boisterous college town, boasting "lots of little shops and restaurants, and, of course, tons of bars." Come the weekend, many Stephens women make a beeline for the coed parties at Mizzou. Others "enjoy shopping in the District downtown, hanging out at the Artisan (a coffee shop with live music), and going to concerts at the Blue Note." Many students mention that the campus facilities need a face-lift; even so, they agree that residential life is particularly agreeable at Stephens, in large part because the school offers almost every student a spacious, private dorm room. A junior jokes, "I expect my first studio apartment in New York will be about half the size of my current dorm room." Pet-lovers take note: "Another perk about Stephens is that students are allowed to bring pets! The ‘pet floor' program has been very successful. Girls really enjoy having their cat or dog with them at college.""

Students Say - Student Body
"Stephens College tends to attract "hardworking, dedicated, and ambitious" young women, most of whom hail from middle-class families in the Midwest. A freshman tells us, "Typically, the students here are average Midwestern girls, and at times there are girls from the coasts who mix things up a bit." "We are not incredibly diverse," adds one junior, "but there are some minorities here on campus." There is a general homogeneity of interests among the students as well, with many gravitating toward similar majors and extracurricular activities. A freshman reports, "There are a lot of theater/dance/fashion majors," so students in other majors can feel like "a bit of a minority. You usually spend time with those in your major since you are in so many classes with them." Stephens undergrads assure us, however, that every student, no matter what her background, fits in on this friendly campus. As one junior attests, "The Stephens community is incredibly accepting and friendly, making it very easy for any student, typical or atypical, to fit in well.""

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