Simpson College
Simpson College is a private nonprofit university in Indianola, IA ranked #356 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,227 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.2%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 81.3% first-year retention, and 63.3% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $21,936, about $4,938 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -43.1%, roughly 128.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,946. That's about $6,258 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Simpson College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Simpson College graduates 63.3% of students within six years and keeps 81.3% 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 Simpson College'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 | $47,656 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,168 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,500 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,202 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $61,227 |
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 34.6% of Simpson College students receive Pell Grants — slightly below 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. Net prices range from $17,941 to $26,586 depending on family income. Use Simpson College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,468/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,586/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,946
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,946
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,262
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 75.7%
- Employment Rate 94.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Simpson College 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.
Simpson College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Simpson College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Simpson College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Simpson College graduates earn $49,946 median, the -43.1% 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 31-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,227
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 81.3%
- Graduation Rate 63.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Simpson College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Simpson College 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 86.2%, Simpson College is relatively open. 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 86.2% acceptance rate, Simpson College 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 Simpson College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Accounting and Related Services draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.5%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.0%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.3%
- Psychology, General 5.0%
- Biology, General 4.6%
- Music 4.6%
See more majors
- Human Services, General 4.1%
- Computer Science 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $99,317
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $77,451
- 3. Computer Science $70,950
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $66,834
- 5. Political Science and Government $62,268
- 6. Biology, General $60,908
- 7. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $57,644
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $55,995
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $55,150
- 10. Sociology $53,392
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $99,317—86% more than Sociology ($53,392). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Simpson College. 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
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 19 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 (44 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Music
- Biology, General
- Human Services, General
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Journalism
- Sociology
- Security Science and Technology
- Physics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Design and Applied Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Philosophy
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- International Business
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Marketing
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Physics
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,227
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.4%
- Female Students 49.5%
- Caucasian 72.5%
- Asian 1.9%
- Hispanic 12.9%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Simpson College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Simpson College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Simpson College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Simpson College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 72.5% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Simpson College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Simpson College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Simpson College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -43.1% ROI. Ranked #356 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,936 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,946 median earnings. With 63.3% graduating within six years and 81.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Simpson College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #356 ranking, Simpson College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,936 annually, Simpson College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 81.3% 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 $15,355 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -43.1% ROI and $49,946 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,936+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Simpson College ranks #356 of 1942 institutions, with 837 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
- 63.3% six-year graduation rate sits 0.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 81.3% first-year retention is 4.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -43.1% return on investment is 128.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,946 run about 14% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,936 is roughly $1,918 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 81.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.7% employment rate within three years sits 26.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,936 is about $1,918 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- 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
Simpson College is a private nonprofit university based in Indianola, IA and earns a B+ overall grade. It holds a #356 national ranking Completion earns B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, 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.
81.3% of learners come back after year one while 63.3% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -43.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $21,936 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $61,227.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $39,291 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,262 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.6% 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
Median earnings come in near $49,946 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 14% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 94.7% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -43.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.2% 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 Simpson College 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 Indianola, IA 50125
- Website simpson.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$81.9M