Why Stephens?
At Stephens College, we go all in on immersive and experiential learning. There are lots of reasons to choose Stephens—see for yourself!
Proud to be one of the oldest women's colleges in the nation, we strive every day to provide all our students with the best college experience possible.
Academics
We offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and certificates in nearly 50 subjects. Browse our programs to find the one that intrigues you.
Learn about our Block Schedule that offers one immersive class, topic, and experience at a time.
Admissions & Aid
We are committed to providing a world-class education that is also affordable. Learn more about our tuition and financial aid.
The Stephens Promise provides up to four years of tuition funding for qualified full-time undergraduate students. Imagine graduating with no tuition debt!
Life at Stephens
Make Stephens College your home away from home. Discover what makes our campus and student experience truly unique.
A small college in the middle of nowhere? Nope, not us. Bring your pet and explore all Stephens and "College Town USA" have to offer.
Conservatory
The Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College offers programs for artists of all gender identities who are interested in theatre, television, and film.
The Conservatory accepts students of all gender identities. Learn more about our immersive programs.
Home / News
February 12, 2026
At Stephens College, studying animals means more than learning theories—it means working with animals starting in your first semester. The Animal Behavior Program is designed for students who want more […]
February 5, 2026
How Stephens College Grad Student Shana Nunn is Leading with Purpose—on Campus and Beyond When Shana Nunn talks about leadership, it doesn’t sound aspirational—it sounds inevitable. “I feel like this […]
February 4, 2026
Stephens College students in the Tri Beta Biological Honors Society stepped up to meet a critical need by partnering with the American Red Cross to host a campus blood drive […]
February 2, 2026
A CAMPUS PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL IMPACT On any given day at Stephens College, it’s not unusual to see dogs walking across campus with students – settling into classrooms, navigating busy […]
January 23, 2026
A Nontraditional Path to College Walking across the stage at graduation with her daughter in hand was a dream Ashley Inez ’25 never thought would be possible – a dream she didn’t even know […]
January 14, 2026
Stephens College will celebrate a defining moment in its nearly 200-year history with the inauguration of Shannon B. Lundeen, Ph.D., as the 25th President on Saturday, March 14, 2026, on the Stephens College campus in Columbia, Missouri. The […]
January 5, 2026
Inside Stephens’ Animal Behavior Program What happens when animal behavior, science, and real-world experience collide? You get Stephens College’s Animal Enrichment course — where learning goes way beyond lectures and […]
December 11, 2025
Stephens College is expanding its commitment to hands-on, ethics-centered education through a new partnership with Kuehler Veterinary Services (KVS), which will begin offering small animal therapy on campus starting January […]
December 8, 2025
Behind the Scenes at NBC Nightly News Stephens College President Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen and Vice President of Advancement Kelley Marchbanks recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with Anne Louise […]
December 4, 2025
Three recent Stephens College Fashion Design graduates—Claire Johnson ’25, Hannah Kleman ’25 and Julia League ’25—were among a select group of emerging designers chosen to present their collections to Wes Gordon, […]
December 2, 2025
Stephens College announced today that it has purchased Nourish Café + Market, the beloved downtown Columbia restaurant known for its organic, locally sourced, nutrient-rich menu. Stephens’ first major acquisition under the leadership of President Shannon […]
November 26, 2025
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Kansas City Chapter (AFPKC) honored Kim Harbur ’79, co-founder of Gift of Life, with the 2025 Spirit of Philanthropy Award, recognizing her extraordinary leadership in advancing organ, eye, […]