Simmons College of Kentucky
Simmons College of Kentucky is a private nonprofit university in Louisville, KY ranked #1756 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 481 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 100.0%. Students most often pursue health and life sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.9% first-year retention, and 13.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,434, about $1,436 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -69.2%, roughly 154.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $22,732. That's about $20,956 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Simmons College of Kentucky Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Simmons College of Kentucky graduates 13.7% of students within six years and keeps 63.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Simmons College of Kentucky's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,398 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,664 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,095 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $26,596 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 41.4% of Simmons College of Kentucky students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Use Simmons College of Kentucky's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $22,732
- 10-Year Median Earnings $22,732
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt Not reported
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Simmons College of Kentucky graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Simmons College of Kentucky vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Simmons College of Kentucky's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Simmons College of Kentucky's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Simmons College of Kentucky graduates earn $22,732 median, the -69.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 481
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.9%
- Graduation Rate 13.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Simmons College of Kentucky
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Simmons College of Kentucky requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 100.0%, Simmons College of Kentucky is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 100.0% acceptance rate, Simmons College of Kentucky is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Simmons College of Kentucky undergraduates. Religion/Religious Studies, Sociology, and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi draw the most students.
- Religion/Religious Studies 35.7%
- Sociology 28.6%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 21.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.3%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 0.0%
- Theological and Ministerial Studies 0.0%
See more majors
- Social Sciences, Other 0.0%
- Music 0.0%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Simmons College of Kentucky. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
- Religion/Religious Studies (Associate's Degree, 2 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Music
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 481
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 57.2%
- Female Students 42.8%
- Caucasian 25.2%
- Asian 0.0%
- Hispanic 1.2%
- Black 46.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 41.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Simmons College of Kentucky's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Simmons College of Kentucky's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Simmons College of Kentucky, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Simmons College of Kentucky has a diverse student body, with 25.2% identifying as White.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Simmons College of Kentucky, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Simmons College of Kentucky offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -69.2% ROI. Ranked #1756 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,434 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $22,732 median earnings. With 13.7% graduating within six years and 63.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Simmons College of Kentucky's Positioning
With a C grade and #1756 ranking, Simmons College of Kentucky competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,434 annually, Simmons College of Kentucky charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 63.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,904 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -69.2% ROI and $22,732 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,434+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Simmons College of Kentucky ranks #1756 of 1942 institutions, with 1603 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 13.7% six-year graduation rate sits 48.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.9% first-year retention is 12.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -69.2% return on investment is 154.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $22,732 run about 48% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,434 is roughly $1,584 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- -69.2% ROI indicates the degree delivers strong value for hands-on majors.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Simmons College of Kentucky, a private nonprofit university in Louisville, KY, secures a C grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1756 nationally Completion earns C-, Support B-, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
63.9% of learners come back after year one while 13.7% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -69.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,434 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $26,596.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,162 per year.
Federal loan data is not available for this institution.
About 41.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $22,732 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 48% lower.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
The ROI comes in near -69.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
100.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Simmons College of Kentucky admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Louisville, KY 40203-3322
- Website simmonscollegeky.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationAssociation for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)