Simpson College is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Indianola, Iowa with 1,227 undergraduates. It admits 86% of applicants, costs an average of $20,460 a year after grants and graduates 63% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Simpson College acceptance rate and admissions
Simpson College admitted 86% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024. The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Simpson College application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Simpson College’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Simpson College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $48,988 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,000 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $63,127 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $20,460 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $20,460 a year after grants and scholarships, $42,667 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Simpson College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Simpson College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 63% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $57,816 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $26,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 45% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Simpson College majors and what graduates earn
Simpson College awarded bachelor's degrees in 43 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer and information sciences ($93,749).
All 43 majors at Simpson College
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Simpson College
3 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 3 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,227 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 50% women, 51% men
- 12 students for every faculty member
- Setting: town near a city
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Simpson College?
Simpson College admitted 86% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Simpson College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $48,988. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $20,460 a year in 2024-25.
Is Simpson College test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Simpson College reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Simpson College?
63% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Simpson College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $57,816 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
Similar colleges
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More: all colleges in Iowa · Simpson College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.