Stephens College was founded on August 24, 1833 as the Columbia Female Academy. Later in 1856 it was changed to Columbia Female Baptist Academy in 1856 by David H. Hickman. In the 1860’s the name was changed to Stephens Female College. It still remains a women’s college in spite of almost 6%of undergraduates are men. 

Graduates of Stephens are career-ready women of distinction, connected through a supportive network of alumnae across the world, confident in themselves, and inspired by our tradition of the Ten Ideals as core values that enrich women’s lives. Stephens College engages students in an innovative educational experience focused on pre-professional fields and the performing arts and grounded in the liberal arts.

The most popular majors at Stephens are theatre, fashion designed and dance. Also Stephens is best known for its fine arts programs. Its theatre program is especially well regarded. Stephens offers more than 40 majors and minors, including majors in traditional subjects such as psychology, English, biology and business management.

After completing of undergraduate studies, Stephens students can receive either a Bachelor’s or an associate’s degree. All Associate degrees offered are in the field of Liberal Arts & Studies. For graduate students Master’s program in business administration and education are also available, moreover, the Master in Business Administration is available online.

Stephens College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. Stephens College earned initial accreditation from the North Central Association in 1918. Other areas of the College receive additional accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits the Health Information Administration program. The Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accredits the Education programs.

Numerous forms of financial aid are available through the Stephens College Office of Financial Aid.