Admission to the College

General Policy

The College requires that all candidates for admission are graduates of accredited four-year high schools or have satisfied high school requirements through the GED or other officially specified arrangements. Students applying for transfer to Stephens College must submit all College transcripts for evaluation. Admission to Stephens College is based on academic ability and potential seriousness of purpose, character and certain other qualifications. Offers of admission are extended to students most likely to benefit from the educational opportunities at Stephens. The Office of Admissions staff will assist all applicants in applying for admission and in planning their future at Stephens College.

Stephens College does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability or handicap in administration of its educational policies; admission policies; scholarship, and loan, athletic and or other College-administered programs; or in its employment practices. Stephens College is committed to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under Federal and State laws as they are currently written or as they may be amended from time to time, and is further committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and learn and work in an atmosphere of respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Inquiries concerning compliance with applicable law may be directed to the Office of Vice President of Student Services, Campus Box 2033, Stephens College, Columbia, MO 65215.

Application Procedure

FRESHMAN APPLICANTS
Please submit the following to the Stephens College Office of Admission in order for your application to be reviewed.

• Completed and signed application for admission
• Non-refundable application fee of $25 or alumna referral card fee waiver. If you have visited campus prior to applying, Stephens will waive the application fee.
• Official high school transcript with a cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale through the end of your junior year. An official transcript must be sent directly to Stephens College by your high school. The General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is also accepted.
• Official results of the ACT with a minimum composite score of 21 OR an SAT I minimum combined score of 990
• High school guidance counselor/adviser recommendation form

Please mail materials to: Office of Admissions, Stephens College, 1200 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65215

Admission Options for Freshmen

REGULAR ADMISSION: Stephens College reviews applications on a rolling admission basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application and credentials as early as possible in the fall of their senior year of high school in order to receive preferential consideration for merit scholarships.


DUAL-CREDIT ADMISSION: Qualified applicants currently attending an area high school may apply to enroll in coursework at Stephens College for college credit. Candidates must complete the Dual-Credit Program Student Admission Application.

Transfer Applicants

Please submit the following to the Stephens College Office of Admissions in order for your application to be reviewed.

• Completed and signed application for admission
• Non-refundable application fee of $25 or alumna or student referral card fee waiver. If you have visited campus prior to applying, Stephens will waive the application fee.
• Official high school and college transcripts with a cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. An official transcript must be sent directly to Stephens College by your high school and college. The General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is also accepted.
• Official results of the ACT or SAT I exam.

Please mail materials to: Office of Admissions, Stephens College, 1200 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65215.

Transfer applicants are evaluated and notified of their admission status on a rolling basis. Transfer credit evaluations will be forwarded after acceptance. Unofficial evaluations can be arranged before the application is filed. Transfer credit, including dual credit taken while in high school, will count as elective credit if not approved to count in a major or minor or toward liberal arts requirements.

International Students

Stephens College invites students from other countries to apply for admission. International students are required to submit the following:

• Completed International Application for Admission
• $25 U.S. non-refundable application fee
• Certified Photostat copies of all diplomas or certificates received
• Certified copy in English, or English translation, of secondary school record showing subjects studied, grades received and numerical rank in class
• A 500-word essay written in English
• Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), SAT I or ACT

In order to be assured full consideration, international applicants must file their application no later than April 15 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term. Upon receipt of a "Certification of Finances" demonstrating means of support while studying at Stephens College and the U.S. advance enrollment deposit, admitted applicants will be issued the I-20 Form, which is required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Readmission or Reinstatement of Former Students

Former Stephens College students who have been absent from the College at least one semester (not to include study abroad, leave or summer session), must reapply for admission. Those who wish to be considered for reinstatement following suspension must also have approval from the Academic Standing Committee. Official transcripts of any college or university coursework attempted or completed must be submitted for evaluation by the Registrar. No one will be permitted to register for classes until officially readmitted or reinstated to the College. Students who have been absent from Stephens College one or more years will be subject to degree requirements in the catalog of the re-entry year.

Previously earned grades and credit are carried forward, except for those students who enter a continuing education degree program.

Second Degree

A student applying to Stephens College to pursue a second bachelor's degree must apply through the Continuing Education Program if the major declared is offered through that program. When the declared major is not currently offered through the Continuing Education program, the student must apply through Admissions into the Residential Program regardless of the student's age.

Acceptance of Offer of Admission

When a student has been accepted for admission, the student may enroll at the College by submitting her enrollment deposit. This deposit will be credited to the student's account during her first semester of enrollment.

Campus Visits

Prospective students and their parents are encouraged to visit the Stephens College campus. The campus visit coordinator is pleased to arrange individual visits for students and their families and/or register students to attend one of our regularly scheduled Preview Days. Students are welcome to spend a night with an admission student assistant in one of the residence halls during the academic year as guests of the College. Opportunities to meet with faculty, students and admission and financial aid staff, and to participate in classes and become familiar with the living and learning atmosphere at Stephens College can be experienced firsthand during a campus visit. The Office of Admissions is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, on scheduled Saturdays and by special arrangement. Appointments for campus visits should be made in advance of the desired date by calling the Office of Admission.

Stephens College Office of Admissions
Campus Box 2121
Columbia, MO 65215
Phone: (800) 876-7207 Fax: (573) 876-7237
E-mail: apply@stephens.edu

Tuition and Fees

The following sections are designed to answer questions about expenses to students at Stephens College, different payment options and refund policy. Please refer to the Financial Aid section of this catalog for alternatives that may assist you in financing your higher education.

Direct College Expenses 2004–2005

In planning to attend Stephens College, a student should expect the following fees, subject to change at the discretion of the Stephens College Board of Trustees:

Tuition and General Fees: $18,230
Single room: $4,210
Board (14-meal/$0 flex used in financial aid calculation): $2,970

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TOTAL FEES: $ 25,410

Other meal plans offered:
10-meal/$200 flex cash: $3,090
14-meal/$200 flex cash: $3,170
17-meal/$0 flex cash: $3,290

Direct college expenses for financial aid purposes for residential students include single room, board and tuition. (Optional meal plans are available for students.) Tuition includes all courses registered for the fall and spring semesters; however, fees for some supplies and services are not included (see below). The residential fee also includes recreational privileges (use of private tennis courts, swimming pool), Student Government Association membership, residence hall dues, attendance at many on-campus cultural events, limited student health center services, all issues of the student newspaper (Stephens Life), and a student identification card. With the ID card, a student may cash checks, obtain a Stephens postal box and be given ticket discounts for most Stephens Macklanburg Playhouse productions. It may also be used as a debit card at the Bookshelf. Students who have permission to live off campus or who live at home will be billed $1,070 per year for board in addition to the tuition and general fees of $18,230. This $1,070 fee entitles the student to 75 meals on campus per semester. These students do have the option of one of the four plans listed above if desired. All changes in meal plans must be requested within the first week of classes.

Personal expenses, such as laundry, linens, books and incidentals, transcript fees, and graduation cap and gown rental, are not included in the residential fee.

Fees for Supplies and Services

Air conditioning: $300
Applied music lessons: $90 per 1 semester hr; $180 per 3 semester hr.
Equestrian Science: Riding ($440 per class each semester); boarding a horse ($2,975 per academic year: $325 spring deposit, $1,300 due Aug. 15, $1,300 due Jan. 15). Space is limited.

Additional lab fees and supply fees are listed in the schedule of courses for each semester. Additional tuition, at the per-course fee in effect at the time, is charged for summer programs and for independent studies registered during intersession periods. A separate fee schedule is published each year for off-campus programs sponsored by Stephens College.

The College reserves the right to adjust fees subsequent to the publication of this catalog.

Terms of Payment

An application fee of $25 should accompany an application for admission. This is a non-refundable service charge that partially covers the cost of processing an application. Payment of charges for tuition, fees, room and board for the year is an obligation of the parents (or guardian) and the student. The $25,410 fee for the 2004–2005 school year must be paid with one of the options described below. These figures are adjusted for financial aid offered through Stephens College.

Initial Enrollment Deposit
An initial enrollment deposit of $100 is required of all first-year and transfer students. This initial enrollment deposit will allow a Stephens student to register for classes and to receive residence hall room assignments throughout her time at the College.

EFT Ten-Month Plan
Installment plan consisting of monthly payments of $2,541 ($25,410 ÷ 10 = $2,541 for 14-meal/$0 flex cash plan) plus other charges incurred. This plan requires a payment of a one-time per year setup charge of $25 that you must return with the Payment Plan Form and a voided check. By selecting this option, you are authorizing Stephens College to deduct one-tenth of the annual comprehensive fees (less financial aid credits, if any) from your checking or savings account on the last business day of each month from August 2004 through May 2005. Charges for other incidental items such as lab fees will also be paid with this transfer authorization. This process will be done by electronic funds transfer (EFT). On your monthly billing statement, Stephens College will inform you at least 15 days before each EFT of the amount to be charged to your checking or savings account. No finance charge will accrue on this plan. Stephens College reserves the right to remove you from this plan and consider all fees due and payable for failure to pay two or more consecutive installments. The account will then accrue a monthly finance charge of 1% (12% APR) on the unpaid balance. After May 31, 2005, all accounts will accrue a monthly finance charge of 1% (12% APR) on the unpaid balance.

Semester/Non-EFT Ten-Month Plan
The comprehensive fee is billed in August and January. This plan requires a minimum monthly payment of 10% of the annual comprehensive fee of $2,541 ($25,541÷ 10 = $2,541 for 14-meal/$0 flex cash plan) less financial aid credits, if any, plus the monthly finance charge on the unpaid balance, and all other charges incurred. Monthly payments are due on the 25th day of each month from August 2004 through May 2005. The minimum amount due will be clearly printed on your billing statement. A monthly finance charge of 1% (12% APR) will accrue on any unpaid balance. Finance charges may be avoided only by payment in full of the account balance.

Information of financial aid that may apply to any of the above plans is available from the Financial Aid office and in the Financial Aid section of the catalog. Stephens College has also made arrangements with participating lenders in the Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program. This program provides interest loans to qualified parents with amounts up to the cost of attendance. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed.

Failure to Pay College Accounts

Past-due tuition and fees accounts will be billed a monthly finance charge of 1% (12 % APR). A student may register, attend classes, take examinations and be entitled to the benefits of a fully registered student when satisfactory financial arrangements have been approved by the Office of Accounting. Students with past-due tuition and fees accounts on November 1 of the first semester and April 1 of the second semester are subject to immediate financial suspension unless clearance is obtained from the Accounting office.

A "hold" is placed on the transcripts and diplomas of students with past-due accounts; it is removed only when the obligation is cleared. Stephens College will not release the transcript or diploma of anyone subject to such a financial "hold." A student may petition the Vice President for Administration & Finance for the release of a transcript if a substantial part of the outstanding balance is paid and satisfactory arrangements to pay the balance are made.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Except for a $100 administrative fee, Stephens will refund all of the student's comprehensive fees if he or she cancels his or her enrollment before the first day of the semester. In the event that a student completely withdraws, after the first day of classes, either voluntarily or at the request of the College prior to 60% of the completion of the semester, a pro-ration of comprehensive fees is calculated based on the number of days attended compared to the total number of days in the semester. Calendar days (including weekends) are used, but breaks of at least 5 days are excluded. Comprehensive fees are credited and financial aid is charged back to the student's account according to this calculation. Federally funded aid will be charged back in accordance with Federal regulations in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant). "Official" notification of withdrawal must be given to the Dean of Students in all cases of voluntary withdrawal. "Official" notification is a verbal or written notice provided to the Dean of Students. If no "official" notice is given, the documented last date of attendance will be used. After the 60% point in the semester, a student will be charged 100% of the comprehensive fees and will be deemed to have earned 100% of their financial aid.

Summer Session Withdrawal and Refund Policy

The above policy also applies to the summer session.

Returned Checks

Writing a check without sufficient funds is a violation of state law, and the violator is subject to prosecution. A check returned to the College due to insufficient funds will result in a $10 charge plus the amount of the check.

Financial Aid

Stephens College understands that a college education represents a major financial investment for a student and her family. This financial investment may be beyond the resources of the student who otherwise has the academic and personal qualifications needed to experience a successful college career at Stephens. The following information is to acquaint you, the student, and your parents with alternatives that can be provided to assist you in financing your higher education.

As an institutional commitment, Stephens College endeavors to provide assistance to its admitted students who demonstrate financial need. This assistance is made possible through the generosity of friends of the College, alumnae, state and federal government programs and the College itself. More than 80 percent of Stephens students receive financial assistance from the College.

There are two basic categories of financial assistance: (1) scholarships that are based on academic ability and special skills; and (2) financial aid that is awarded on the basis of need. The chart below is a summary listing of various types of scholarships and financial aid available at Stephens College through Federal, state and institutional sources.

Student Cost of Education

In planning to attend Stephens College, a student should expect the following typical costs for an academic year based on the 2004–2005 residential fee structure.

Tuition and General Fees: $ 18,230
Single room: $ 4,210
Board: $ 2,970

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TOTAL DIRECT FEES: $ 25,410 (includes amount for 14-meal/$0 flex cash)

Additional Estimated Expenses: (Books, supplies, etc.) $ 3,295
These fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Stephens College Board of Trustees. In addition, allowances for transportation costs of at least two (2) round trips per academic year from your residence to campus should be anticipated. The Office of Financial Aid will consider the total cost of education, which consists of the above items, when awarding financial aid.

Educational costs of independent students and nonresidential students will vary from the above amounts. Please contact the Financial Aid office for the exact costs of attendance for these categories of students.

Academic Standing Criteria for Financial Assistance

Students receiving financial aid must fulfill certain criteria to determine that they are in good standing and maintaining satisfactory progress in their course of study. For financial assistance purposes, a full-time student must maintain satisfactory academic progress defined as successful completion of at least 21 semester hours per year with a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Students who carry a normal load of 15 semester hours per semester, who maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and who meet other degree requirements, can expect to receive a baccalaureate degree in four academic years. For purposes of financial aid, Stephens College sets a maximum time frame of six academic years for a full-time student to complete a baccalaureate degree. At the end of each semester, a determination of continued eligibility for financial assistance is made. Any student who fails to meet the established criteria will be placed on financial probation for one semester. Continued failure to meet the established criteria will result in financial assistance suspension and loss of all eligibility for financial assistance.

In the event of loss of eligibility for financial assistance due to extenuating circumstances, the student may appeal to an Appeals Committee for reinstatement of financial assistance eligibility. The student must complete the Financial Assistance Appeal Statement, which is available from the director of financial aid. Examples of extenuating circumstances, which must be documented by the student and which would be considered by the Appeals Committee, include the death of a relative of the student or an injury or illness of the student.

Where there are no extenuating circumstances, the student may petition for reinstatement of financial assistance eligibility when she subsequently obtains academic standing consistent with the established criteria as stated in the first paragraph of this section.
Successful course completion requirements for financial assistance eligibility will be pro-rated for transfer, three-quarter and half-time students. GPA requirements are the same for part-time students as for full-time students.

Eligibility for Financial Assistance

To establish eligibility for need-based institutional, federal and state financial assistance, students must complete a need analysis form. Stephens College requires the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completion of this form establishes what the student's family can reasonably be expected to contribute to the student's education.

The expected family contribution (parents' contribution plus student contribution) is subtracted from the cost of education (as discussed under "Student Cost of Education") to determine the amount of financial assistance for which the student is eligible.

Students who have been determined eligible for financial assistance are offered a financial aid "package" consisting of various types of assistance such as grants, scholarships, loans and student employment. Financial aid award letters will be sent to each student applying for financial assistance. The award letter will list each amount of financial assistance offered. The student may accept or decline any portion of the award offered.

All students who complete the financial assistance process by the publicized priority deadline (March 15) will be given first consideration in awarding financial assistance. Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered only if funds are available.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Apply for undergraduate admission to Stephens College. The student must be accepted for admission before financial aid can be awarded. Students may apply for admission as early as September 1 to be considered as candidates for merit-based institutional scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded from October through May. All students who are accepted for admission will be considered as a candidate for these scholarships if they meet the academic criteria.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. The Stephens College priority deadline is March 15. For Missouri residents, the deadline for state aid is April 1. The FAFSA should be available from your high school or the Stephens College Office of Financial Aid after December 1. This form should be completed either via Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on the paper form and submitted to the Department of Education. Be sure to designate Stephens College as a recipient of the results of this FAFSA form by including the Stephens College school code: 002512. Upon receipt of the required form from the processing service, the Stephens College Office of Financial Aid will analyze the report to determine eligibility for assistance. The basis for computing financial need is the difference between the cost of education and the expected family contribution (EFC) as established by the need analysis form.
   

   *If your family chooses not to complete the FAFSA and only wants institutional merit scholarships, you will need to contact the Financial Aid office for the appropriate institutional application. The Financial Aid office will provide the "Financial Aid Application for Scholarship-Only Students" upon your request. You need to request and complete this form each year in order for your merit scholarships to be renewed.

3. Certain students (approximately 30 percent) will be selected for verification under federally mandated guidelines. The family will be asked to provide a signed photocopy of the student and parents' most recent U.S. income tax return and fill out an institutional verification form. Therefore, we recommend that you keep copies of tax returns.
4. You must reapply each year for financial assistance.

Applications for financial assistance should be received by the March 15 priority deadline. Financial aid decisions will be made after completing items 1–3. Late applications will be considered only if funds are available.

Sources of Financial Aid

Stephens College provides financial assistance through Federal aid, state-administered aid, gifts from alumnae, parents, friends, faculty and staff, business firms, foundations, trusts, corporations and the Columbia community.
In addition to its own funds, Stephens College participates in the following federal programs: the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study Program (FWS), Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan for independent students as defined by the federal regulations.

Institutional Merit-Based Aid

Freshman Scholarships:

High Honors Scholarship
High school GPA of 3.60 to 4.00. ACT 27 +, SAT I 1300 +. $8,000 to $10,000 per year. Renewable.

Presidential Scholarship
High school GPA of 3.00 to 3.50. ACT 25 +, SAT 1070 +. $6,500 to $8,000 per year. Renewable.

Stephens Award
High school GPA of 2.5 to 2.9. ACT 20 +, SAT 1000. $2,000 to $6,000 per year. Renewable.

Leadership Award
Freshmen with outstanding achievements. $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Renewable by earning Leadership points through participation in scheduled events and activities.

A+ Leadership Award
High school GPA of 3.0 or higher, ACT 21 +, Missouri resident, verified participation in the A+ program.  $1,000 per year. Renewable.

Transfer Students Scholarships:

Phi Theta Kappa Founders Scholarship
AA degree and 3.0 + GPA. $7,000 to $10,000 per year. Renewable.

Transfer Scholarship
24+ hours of transfer credit with 2.5 + college GPA. $5,000 to $6,000 per year. Renewable.

Institutional and Federal Need-Based Aid

Stephens Grants
Full-time students with proven financial need. Value varies with established need.

Mid-Missouri Grant
Full-time student from Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, Randolph counties. Family must have resided there one full year prior to student's enrollment. $1,700 per year.

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

Freshmen residing in Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska or North Dakota;  Student must indicate "MSEP Applicant" on Application for Admission.  Award equals 10% of tuition each year. 

Sister Grant
Sisters concurrently enrolled full-time in Stephens College will receive award. $500 per year.

Federal Pell Grant
Full- or half-time undergraduate students meeting program requirements. Up to $4,050 per year.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
Undergraduate students with proven financial need, who also receive the Pell Grant. Value varies. Maximum cumulative to $9,000 for undergraduate program; $4,500 maximum for first two years of study.

Federal Perkins Loan
Undergraduate students with proven financial need. Value varies. Cannot exceed $4,000 per year.

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)
Undergraduate students with proven financial need. Value varies according to need. Paid hourly rate (minimum wage) every two weeks. Students must earn these funds.

Stephens Employment Program
Full-time undergraduate students with preference to financial aid students. Value varies. Paid hourly rate (minimum wage) every two weeks.

Federal Stafford Student Loan Program (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Full- or half-time students meeting program requirements. Up to $2,625 per year for freshmen; $3,500 per year for sophomores; $5,500 per year for juniors and seniors.

Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Full- or half-time students meeting program requirements. Cost of education less other financial aid.

Federal Stafford Additional Unsubsidized Loan
Full- or half-time students meeting program requirements who are independent or dependent students denied PLUS. Up to $4,000 for freshmen and sophomores; up to $5,000 for juniors and seniors.

State-Administered Programs

Charles Gallagher Grant Program
Legal residents of Missouri with proven financial need. Full-time undergraduate students. Up to $1,500. Renewable by application with continued determined need. Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be processed by April 1.

Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship Program
Missouri resident with composite ACT or SAT I score in top 3% of all Missouri students. $2,000 per year.

Other Sources of Financial Aid

Veterans Administration (G.I. Bill)
Veterans, widows of veterans and children of disabled or deceased veterans. Value varies.

Rehabilitation Commission
Students with certain physical or emotional disabilities. Value varies.

Local Awards
Value varies.

Reserve Officer Training (ROTC)—Army, Navy, Air Force
Full-time undergraduate students who are physically qualified. Three-year and two-year scholarships available. Tuition, fees, books and monthly subsistence for duration of scholarship.