Stephens College
Columbia, MO, USA

Reviews

Stephens College

Caitlin from Columbia, MO

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm a theatre student here and this program is amazing! It's intense, but extremely satisfying. You go to each theatre class with the same people and you build a great trust that allows you to do really great work with each other. All the theatre faculty are there to encourage you and give you information about the professional world. They always have their doors open if you ever want to ask a question, and all their criticism is constructive. They understand the realities of doing theatre professionally and they make sure you understand them too. They can be harsh, but it's all to make you better.

The core classes can be on the easy side. They aren't very challenging, but the teachers are engaging and the class sizes are small enough that discussion is always on the lesson plan. There is a lot to be learned in a class discussion. The classes to choose from can be really interesting as well such as: history of rock and roll, or the jazz experience.

Theatre and Fashion are the largest majors at the school, and they are the best programs to enroll in. Otherwise, this college can leave a little lacking in the academic department.
Am enjoying being here
It's located in the middle of downtown. 2 blocks away from a large co-ed university, 2 blocks away from any and all shops/restaurants, and 2 blocks away from a beautiful lake/park. Pets are allowed on campus, and in dorms. There's always something artsy going on, and the people are really friendly.


A lot of the girls (it's a women's college) go home on weekends their first semester, so it can be pretty quiet around campus, and hard if you're from out of state. But it quickly gets better and easier!
Bang for the buck
Expensive school, but the amount of financial aide available makes it about the same price as in state tuition to a public university.

Get the lowest meal plan--you get the same amount of flex points no matter what. And it's cheaper to go buy your own groceries then it is to eat in the commons.

The food is looking up! They've had more options this year and they're trying to make it healthier. They offer vegan and vegetarian options as well. There's always a fresh salad bar.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be scared to meet people and get involved. All the clubs and activities are really fun, and everyone wants more members. The leadership scholarship helps with that as well.

Make nice with your RA in case you have roommate troubles, because everyone is required to share a room unless you bring a pet. But roommates are usually pretty great!
Great for these types of students
Artists
Fashion
Theatre
Musical
Film
Independent Women!!!

Sarah from Columbia, MO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
When I started at Stephen's College, I was trying to choose between them and another school. I chose Stephen's and I have not been disappointed yet. Everyone is so caring and my education is very personal.
Food and Dining
The flex plan needs to be reviewed and changed a bit, but other than that the food is pretty good. I have had a few not so good meals there, but all in all, its good.
What to do for fun
There are many different things to do in Columbia Missouri for fun. There are also basketball games to watch.
Bang for the buck
I am not sure about how much bang I am getting for my buck, but I sure am busy and challenged.
Campus Safety
Security is EXCELLENT!

Kyla from Kansas City, MO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Stephens College is a great institution. With only about 1,000 students, all female, they prepare women for real world day to day experiences with their courses and degree requirements. Stephens' small class size make it easier for each student to get one on one attention to succeed if needed.
Tips for prospective students
To the future Stephens women;
Stephens College is an open environment where women are free to express themselves in almost any way possible. The Stephens staff and alumni make it possible for the current Stephens women to achieve far more than a degree
Academic Rigor
Academically, Stephens College provides an environment for all to learn. The small class sizes and caring professors make students feel comfort in an academic environment
Dorm Life
The dorms at Stephens are a little older than most. The rooms dont have cable but every lobby does. Also, some rooms don't have air condition
Food and Dining
The food is ok at Stephens. It gets old at times. But right when you get tired of it, the staff switches it up with something new and tasty.
What to do for fun
Stephens College is located in the heart of Columbia, Missouri. Just about five minutes from both University of Missouri and Columbia College, Stephens is in the middle of a college town and right next to downtown Columbia. The restaurants and other colleges make Columbia a fun place to be and theres always something to do.

Meredith from Leawood, KS

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Stephens College is the perfect fit for any young girl pursuing a career in almost any aspect of art. It has been very beneficial to me as a Graphic Design and Film Major. The students and staff can be considered as one large family, and the atmosphere is one of the most welcoming I have ever seen.
Tips for prospective students
Incoming students should be made aware that this is an all girls college, and that housing on campus is necessary all four years: unless otherwise approved. This college has very small classes (anywhere from 5-20) and has a lot of hands on training in any field offered. This is a perfect college to help with networking and learning real world industry items.
Academic Rigor
Since this is an art school - the classes are just that. Only a few general ed classes are necessary, and the rest are exactly what you are going into (which is much different than a regular university). Most of these classes are very hands on, and do deal with clients in the real world. It is difficult (like any other college) but if you are excited about your area of study you will have a good time!
Dorm Life
I personally loved my dorm experience. As a freshman the dorms you are usually put in do not have air conditioning- unless asked for. All other years do. The dorms are very nice and slightly larger than normal dorms. All students are very welcoming and it is easy to make friends within these dorms.
Food and Dining
This area I can proudly say is our best. We have our own catering company that brings/cooks us fresh food everyday. We even have sushi fridays, which is made right in front of you. If you are looking for a school with great food - it is ours!
What to do for fun
Our college is located in college town USA. In Columbia, we have two other colleges right next door practically. So if you are afraid about how small our school is - do not be alarmed. It is easy to make friends from the surrounding schools. As well as our college is located directly on downtown. It is a one minute walk to get to our famous downtown which has: food, clubs, and shopping!
Bang for the buck
Unfortunately I cannot rate this a 5. Our school is decently expensive, but there are ways around it. Almost 95 percent of our students are rewarded scholarships that help them pay. This is a private institution, so it will be more expensive than a public university. From my personal story: the Stephens staff new I was tight on money and did everything in their power to help me find ways to pay for it. I was awarded and told about many scholarships, loans, and student working opportunities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
1.) Our campus is said to be haunted. Some spooky stories have happened hear, and everyone agrees if you look hard enough you will find something.
2.) Our president of our school only wears red shoes.
3.) Our school used to be a pilots school as well.
4.) One tradition we have is having a group called The Ten, this group of girls is chosen secretly by the school based on our ten ideals. (Responsibility, Creativity, Leadership, etc) They then watch over the students to pick the next years ideal girls. Very honorable position.
Great for these types of students
-Art students
-Equestrian
-Anyone who loves good college food
-Any girl who enjoys making life long friends
Clubs and Activities
Even though we are a small school: we have a ton of clubs! As well as anyone can start their own club. So many to chose from though!
Greek Life
We do have sororities here on campus, there are only a few though. A lot of people I know went into them, and loved it.
Campus Safety
We have 24 hour campus security, with more than enough staff members. Our campus is the safest in Columbia, and takes pride in it.

Nae from Kansas City, MO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
stephens is an incredible school in all aspects. it is a small campus, with small classes but they all have quality and value. this school makes well-rounded students even more rounded and builds incredible stephens women!
Tips for prospective students
coming to stephens is one of the greatest decisions i have made, it is also an incredible investment i've made. when deciding to come to steve's know that the initial commitment is easy, staying committed through four years is difficult but it is definitely worth it in the end.
Academic Rigor
the course load and academics are most certainly rigorous. however, that is what makes it worth coming to stephens because we are learning things from the time we walk in the door most other programs don't begin learning until their junior year.
Dorm Life
as this is a small campus there is a great community feel on this campus. the dorms are actually quite nice and spacious compared to other dorms. there is an option to live in a pet dorm if you choose. there are on-campus apartments and once you reach your senior year you have the option to move off campus.
Food and Dining
the food and dining improves every year. this coming year we'll have the option of frozen yogurt in our new student union! otherwise we have the options of unlimited meal plans to eat whatever whenever. or, if you live in an apartment you get to choose the all-flex plan where you have a dollar amount per semester to shop at the convenience store, hot box cookies, kaldi's coffee (in our cafe on campus) or papa johns.
What to do for fun
this is columbia! even when there's nothing to do, there's something to do. yes, we support mizzou sports but we also have our own sports teams on campus. thus, between our campus and mizzou, i'm sure you'll find something to do.
Bang for the buck
the academic charge is worth every penny, the room and board is a bit on the expensive side but overall it all pays off.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
presidents office! our president is incredible, as the lady in the red shoes and has the chocolate bowl in her office, she is always open to listen to the problems of those that are willing to express them. this i would consider an unusual tradition because not all school presidents, especially college presidents are as involved with students as ours.
Great for these types of students
this school is great for creative students with a lot of ambition and tenacity. not commercial ambition and tenacity but the real stuff. this school will challenge you mentally, physically, emotionally and financially, but it is worth it.
Clubs and Activities
there is plenty to do and are plenty of clubs to join for such a small campus. we also have the advantage of being able to join clubs and participate in activities at mizzou.
Greek Life
we do have greek organizations on campus, in addition to our academic greek organizations we have sigma sigma sigma and kappa delta.
Campus Safety
here at steve's we have campus security on-site 24/7. they are located in the dorm and are extremely accessible at all times.

Elizabeth from Saint Louis, MO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a fashion design student. I have learned so much about the industry even though I've only been here a semester. I love it ! Everyone is friendly, classes are legit, and there is so many fun clubs and outside events to join and attend.

Suhey from Kansas City, MO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to stand out and be yourself. Stephens is all about being unique and diversity is valued incredibly here. Also since we are private and a little more expensive than our neighboring schools, going with the cheapest dorm isn't a bad idea. Community style bathrooms are easy to get used to (and a little better considering they are cleaned daily), so if you're tight on money, but love Stephens so much then Searcy or Prunty are the halls for you!
Academic Rigor
Just like any other college, you have to work hard for your grades. But one thing you can count on is one on one help from your professors. Thats something most bigger colleges and universities aren't able to do because of class size. Since Stephens classrooms on average have about 25 students per class, it is easy to receive help. Stephens really cares about success in the classroom so we have the Student Success Center which helps students who are struggling in classes to get back on their feet and raise those grades.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is marvelous. Everyone is sweet, so you never have to worry about living on a floor with people you don't get along with. On move in day there was is always someone there to help you out. It's hard not to love. I currently live in Searcy Hall which is the cheapest dorm here at Stephens. Although it is the cheapest, that doesn't mean its not as nice as the other dorms. Its all about perspective and how you decorate your room. I have found that creativity can transform anything!
Food and Dining
Fresh Ideas does a swell job on keeping variety in the food. If there isn't anything you would enjoy on the main menu then there is always the grill which serves you hot burgers, fries, and chicken. The fruit is always fresh and not to mention the dessert table does an excellent job on satisfying our stomachs.
What to do for fun
Stephens holds a ton of on campus events! An awesome annual event at Stephens is the Citizen Jane Film Festival, which is a film festival that focuses on films by female directors. Many from across the world come to attend and volunteering is just as fun as attending. If that isn't enough for you, Mizzou and Columbia College are right down the street, easy way to make friends is to walk a couple blocks towards downtown. Plenty of boutiques for a shopaholic, great local coffee shops, book stores, and video stores. Being the heart of Columbia, there is never a dull day.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A cool tradition Stephens has is the walking of the bridge. Being a freshman, I walked across the bridge towards Stephens as a welcoming into the next chapter of my life here. As a senior, I will walk the bridge again away from Stephens as an indication that I am starting my new life as a Stephens Alumna.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs on campus. Ranging from a Stephens Republican club to the environmental club. And the great thing about Stephens is if you want to start your own, you certainly can! There's always something for everyone.
Greek Life
Stephens has two sororities on campus which are Sigma Sigma Sigma and Kappa Delta. I am currently in Sigma Sigma Sigma and I love it! I have never felt more welcomed and the sisterhood is something that will last a lifetime. So i suggest to rush, rush, rush!
Campus Safety
Stephens security is on duty 24 hours. I can honestly say I've never felt in danger at Stephens. Stephens security will do anything and everything for you. Even if you are downtown and feel unsafe walking alone, you can call security to personally come to walk you back to campus and thats something you can't get anywhere else.

Madison

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Stephens is a fantastic place where girls can grow into powerful, well educated young women. It is a place full of opportunities without the need to fight males for a top spot. All of our studies are centered around women's issues making learning both interesting and rewarding.
Tips for prospective students
Don't dismiss this college before making a visit, its small size and personable, profession and caring staff make this feel more like home away from home rather than just a place where you are a number rather than a name. Everyone here is on a first name basis from students to staff (even the college President)!

Also remember, that even though this campus is a girls only campus, there is no reason to worry about not being able to meet boys if that is what you want to do, with Missouri University and Columbia College just 2 miles away in either direction there are males all around.

Academic Rigor
While classes are rigorous, staff is always ready to help in any way possible. The classes here are meant to push you not only academically but mentally and emotionally as well so that you will become a strong independent women. Using women's issues makes these classes more meaningful and rewarding not to mention interesting, for example take a chemistry class and you may learn how to make perfume!
Dorm Life
Dorm life at Stephens is wonderful! Not only can you find a wonderful roommate, but you can also choose to bring your own pet with you to reside in your dorm room. If don't have a pet of your own you can foster a pet instead. If pets are not your thing there are dorms that are pet free, or even apartment style dorms to choose from.
Food and Dining
Any college food program can always be better, but Stephens dining and food is very good. We have a large variety daily and even have a Sushi Chef who comes in roughly once a week to make fresh Sushi for all to enjoy!
What to do for fun
Columbia is a college town, with not only Stephens College but Columbia College and Missouri University. There are always activities to partake in all over town, a downtown area full of restaurants and bars as well as shopping, and parks to enjoy.
Bang for the buck
Stephens is a highly respected college known throughout the US. The list of alumni who have gone on to great things is quite large and will only continue to grow with each graduating class. This group of alumni is also a great source for internships and employment after graduation. While tuition is higher than some other institutions, the benefits and perks of a private college are quite nice.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every year Stephens college chooses ten women who exemplify the Ten Ideals of a Stephens Women. The identities of these women are kept secret until the end of the year.

Some say many of the buildings of this campus are haunted and every year at halloween ghost tours are taken to the areas believed to be haunted at this college which is over 175 years old.
Great for these types of students
Stephens College is great for any young woman who wants to grow without restraints found at many co-ed institutions. While fashion, theatre and dance make up a large portion of students attending Stephens, there are many other liberal arts and pre-professional programs to choose from.
Clubs and Activities
Even though Stephens College is a womens only college, sports are still a part of the Stephens experience. Stephens Stars athletes enjoy sports such as softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, golf, to name a few.

If sports is not a students idea of fun, there are numerous clubs and other groups to become involved in throughout the Stephens campus.
Greek Life
Stephens has two sororities on campus students may pledge. Kappa Delta and Tri Sigma are both active on campus and throughout the community.
Campus Safety
Campus security and safety is fantastic! No only are they on constant patrol, they are only a phone call away for any issue that may arise. This group of security personnel will meet you at your car if you do not feel safe walking back to the dorm, they will go across town and pick you up at the mall or downtown if you want to come back and the rest of your group is not ready. They also coordinate runs to Wal-Mart so there is no need to ride the local bus if you don't want to. They are super friendly and caring 24 hours a day!

Savannah from Pinellas Park, FL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A lovely school, where we all feel like family. The faculty and staff are wonderful, and can't do enough to ensure your success! The pet friendly rules are quite awesome, and lots of people have animals!
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the campus, and try to sit in on some classes to make sure it's right for you.
Academic Rigor
Of course all of the teachers vary, but all are willing to work with you, and make sure each individual student succeeds. The classes range in difficulty, but if you're having issues Student Services are more than happy to help!
Dorm Life
The pet policy is awesome, you're allowed to bring your dogs and cats, lizards, fish, birds, rabbits, rodents, just no snakes! Dorms are kept clean, and each building has activities for the students to do.
Food and Dining
I personally love the food! There are options from pizza, to the grill, fruit, salad bar, sushi on Fridays, and every night there are the 'cultural' options which range from chicken to fish to pasta. Everything is delicious, and they even have a dessert bar!
What to do for fun
Stephens is downtown, so there are movie theaters, dog parks, shopping, and lots of food. Many of the bars and clubs have weekly performers, so there's always a concert going on.
Bang for the buck
The teachers really want to see you succeed, so they will do whatever they can to help you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Each year students with the '10 Ideals' are picked, so make sure you do your best and be the best person you can be!
Great for these types of students
This is an all-girls school, so you need to make sure you're okay with that! Mizzou is right around the corner though, so there are guys everywhere downtown!
Clubs and Activities
There are many many different clubs and activities for students to join.
Greek Life
there are two sororities on campus, Kappa Delta, and Tri Sigma.
Campus Safety
The security are always driving around making sure everything is safe. throughout campus there are stations that had a phone and you can call the police or security if needed. If you're stuck in your room sick, they'll bring you food, and will sometimes even be your DD if you need!

Anon from Columbia, MO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Stephens is a fantastic college choice for anyone looking for a unique experience, well rounded experience. Stephens surrounds you with competent, strong, eager to learn women. This school also gives you the tools necessary to succeed outside of the realm of the university.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely look into taking AP courses and tests in high school as well as CLEP tests to see what liberal arts classes you can get out of paying for.
Academic Rigor
The courses here can be intense, but that it is to prepare you for the outside world. Though rigorous, you are sure to learn all that you need to know and have easy access to all of the help that you need to engrain this knowledge and these skills.
Dorm Life
The dorms are crumbly in places, however, many dorms allow pets, which helps ease the wear and tear caused by homesickness for many.
Food and Dining
The food is decent, however, the options are somewhat limited for special dietary concerns like vegetarians and particularly vegans. The vegan options are severely lacking here.
What to do for fun
Campus is right smack in the middle of downtown Columbia so you are never far from a nice restaurant or some sort of club/shop.
Bang for the buck
It is VERY expensive, but the education is wonderful as is the experience.