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 and master’s degrees in more than 35 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.
Why Choose Stephens
Become a partner in your own education. Start the free and easy application process to become a key part of our community.
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 16, 2026
From last-minute leap of faith to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine When Sydney Henry ’22 looks back at the moment that changed her life, it didn’t happen in a lab or a lecture hall. It happened at her kitchen table. “I had already committed to play collegiate volleyball somewhere else,” she says. “It had been a […]
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 than lectures and textbooks. From day one, students explore how animals think, feel and interact with their environments, through a blend of classroom learning, observation, research and fieldwork. It’s a program built for people […]
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 is something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time,” Nunn said, reflecting on her recent appointment as Vice Chair of the City of […]
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 during a severe national blood shortage. The Red Cross recently reported that blood supplies have dropped by nearly 35% nationwide, prompting an urgent call for […]
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 hallways and learning how to stay focused in real-world environments. For some of these dogs, campus life is more than companionship. They are future service […]
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 she had until she found herself searching for her next step after leaving the military. Pregnant and navigating life as a veteran, Ashley was looking for more than a […]
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 inauguration theme,“Future Focused. Tradition Inspired.”, reflects the College’s bold vision for the future and its deep respect for the traditions that have shaped Stephens since 1833. Dr. Lundeen’s […]
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 straight into hands-on, career-ready experiences. Over the past two weeks, students didn’t just study animal welfare — they lived it. Through guest experts, behind-the-scenes insights, and an immersive site visit, they […]
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 2026. The collaboration grew organically from a shared philosophy rooted in compassionate, ethical animal care and meaningful learning experiences. Through KVS’s on-site presence, students, faculty, […]
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 Wallace ’82 during a behind-the-scenes visit to NBC Nightly News in New York City. Anne Louise, a proud Stephens Mass Communications graduate, has built an […]
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, Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, during his visit to St. Louis on Nov. 18. The rare opportunity came through the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, which hosted 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 B. Lundeen supports the College’s growing emphasis on experiential learning and community-centered innovation. Located at 1201 E. Broadway, Suite B, Nourish will continue to operate with its existing […]
