Simmons College of Kentucky: 67.1% Acceptance Rate

67.1%Acceptance

$16,398Tuition

381Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsOtherData: 2023-24HBCUAmerican Baptist

About Simmons College of Kentucky

Simmons College of Kentucky carries forward a 144-year legacy as one of America's historically black colleges and universities. The college enrolls 381 students in Louisville, creating an intimate academic environment where personal attention drives student success. Founded in 1879 with American Baptist roots, Simmons has long served as a cornerstone institution for African American higher education in Kentucky. The college draws students primarily from out of state, with 64.71% coming from beyond Kentucky's borders.

Students typically pay around $19,960 after financial aid, regardless of family income level. This consistent net price reflects the college's straightforward approach to affordability. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity on campus. However, only 4.20% receive institutional grants averaging $9,788, meaning most financial support comes from federal sources rather than the college itself.

The student body is predominantly male at 63.25% and overwhelmingly African American at 39.90%. With just 30 total athletes competing in two varsity sports, athletics plays a minor role in campus life. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships, though the 51.35% retention rate suggests some students struggle to stay enrolled. Only 31.76% graduate within four years, making persistence a key challenge for incoming students.

Academics & Faculty

Simmons College of Kentucky operates as a historically Black liberal arts institution focused on developing leadership skills and practical career preparation. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally and can provide intensive mentoring. However, the 31.76% four-year graduation rate and 51.35% retention rate reflect the challenges many students face completing their degrees. The college traditionally emphasizes business, education, and social work programs designed to serve the Louisville community. With just 381 students enrolled, every class feels like a seminar where participation matters. Faculty members often serve as both instructors and career advisors for their students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.0%
Retention Rate: 51.4%
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Simmons sits in Kentucky's largest city, where 381 students navigate a close-knit campus with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. Louisville's downtown energy surrounds the historically Black college, offering internships, cultural events, and job opportunities within walking distance. You'll need a winter coat for January lows in the 20s and 30s, but spring and fall bring mild weather perfect for campus life.

The student body is 63% male and nearly 40% Black, creating a tight community where everyone knows each other's name. With only 30 total athletes across 2 varsity sports, school spirit centers more on academic achievements and Baptist traditions than game day crowds. About 35% of students come from Kentucky, while others travel from across the country for the personalized attention that small classes provide. Weekend activities often center around Louisville's music scene, local restaurants, and community service projects that connect students to the city's neighborhoods. The 51% retention rate reflects both the challenges of a demanding environment and the close bonds students form here.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1879

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	4	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–43°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.0"
Annual Snowfall: 4.3"

Student Demographics

Simmons draws students from across the country, with nearly two-thirds coming from outside Kentucky. The historically Black college serves a predominantly African American student body seeking affordable education and small class sizes. Men outnumber women by nearly two to one, reflecting the school's emphasis on business and ministry programs. Many students come from working-class families, with over 40% qualifying for Pell Grants. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name.

Men: 63.3%
Women: 36.8%
White: 0.3%
Black: 39.9%
Hispanic: 0.5%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 35.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.0%

Location

Simmons College sits in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city with over 600,000 residents. The campus operates within a major metropolitan area that serves as Kentucky's economic and cultural center. Louisville offers students access to internships at major corporations like UPS and Humana, both headquartered downtown. The city blends Southern charm with Midwest practicality, famous for the Kentucky Derby and a thriving arts district. Students can explore the Ohio River waterfront or venture into nearby bourbon country. With 35% of students coming from in-state, many are already familiar with Louisville's mix of urban amenities and regional culture. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Simmons College of Kentucky with similar schools in the region.

Address: Louisville, Kentucky 40203-3322

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Simmons College of Kentucky?

Simmons College of Kentucky accepts 67% of applicants. This historically Black college welcomes students with diverse academic backgrounds to its Baptist-affiliated campus in Louisville.

How much does Simmons College of Kentucky cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,960 annually at Simmons College of Kentucky. The same tuition rate of $16,398 applies to both in-state and out-of-state students, making it accessible for families nationwide.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Simmons College of Kentucky?

Simmons College of Kentucky maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 381 total students. This intimate learning environment allows for personalized attention and mentorship opportunities at this small HBCU.

What is the graduation rate at Simmons College of Kentucky?

Only 32% of students graduate within four years from Simmons College of Kentucky. The college serves many first-generation and working students who face additional challenges completing their degrees on a traditional timeline.

Where is Simmons College of Kentucky located?

Simmons College of Kentucky sits in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city. Students can access internships and job opportunities in this major metropolitan area while attending one of the oldest HBCUs west of the Mississippi River.

Is Simmons College of Kentucky a historically Black college?

Yes, Simmons College of Kentucky is an HBCU founded in 1879 with American Baptist roots. The student body is 40% Black and 63% male, reflecting the college's mission to serve underrepresented communities in higher education.