Simmons University: 76.5% Acceptance Rate

76.5%Acceptance

$45,538Tuition

1,750Students

71%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,494Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Simmons University

Simmons University is one of the nation's top women's colleges, serving 1,750 undergraduate students in the heart of Boston. Founded in 1899, this institution built its reputation on helping women through rigorous academics and professional preparation. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in nursing, library science, social work, and business. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention and mentorship.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While tuition runs $45,538, the average student pays just $27,313 after aid thanks to generous institutional support. Graduates see strong returns on their investment, earning a median of $63,494 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $24,840 in debt, manageable given the earning potential. An impressive 95.7% of graduates find employment, reflecting the university's strong career preparation and alumni network.

The all-women environment creates a unique campus culture where students take on leadership roles across academics, athletics, and student organizations. With 48.91% white students and significant representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities, the student body brings diverse perspectives to classroom discussions. The Sharks compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, adding school spirit to the collaborative academic atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Simmons has built its reputation as a women's university with particularly strong programs in nursing, social work, and public health. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide individualized mentoring. About 73% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the supportive academic environment. The nursing program consistently ranks among the top in New England, while the school's social work program attracts students interested in advocacy and community change. As one of the few remaining women's colleges, Simmons creates an environment where female students take on leadership roles across all disciplines. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships and research opportunities in Boston's healthcare and nonprofit sectors.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 73.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 71.2%
Retention Rate: 81.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,494
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$97,241
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$91,744
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$71,778
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$71,643
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$67,789
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$67,740
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$61,751
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$55,286
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$52,808
English Language and Literature, General.	Master	$50,856

View all 108 programs →

Campus Life

Simmons sits right in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, putting you within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts and a short subway ride from downtown. You'll definitely need a winter coat here - Boston winters are long and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. About 60% of the 1,750 students live on campus in residence halls that house 1,039 students total.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, which fits the school's close-knit community feel. As an all-women's institution, Simmons fosters a collaborative environment where students support each other's academic and career goals. Weekends often involve exploring Boston's neighborhoods, attending cultural events, or studying in small groups. The campus itself is compact and urban, blending historic buildings with modern facilities. Students frequently take advantage of Boston's college town atmosphere, with easy access to internships, cultural venues, and other universities nearby. The Sharks compete in Division III athletics, and school spirit shows up more in academic achievements and social justice initiatives than traditional sports culture.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,039 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1899

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	8	4
Dating Violence	2	0
Domestic Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–37°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.4"
Annual Snowfall: 49.2"

Student Demographics

Simmons draws ambitious women from across New England who value small class sizes and career-focused education. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to making education accessible. The diverse student body includes strong representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. Most students come from Massachusetts and nearby states, drawn by Simmons' reputation for helping women in health sciences, business, and social work programs.

Men: 0.0%
Women: 100.0%
White: 48.9%
Black: 10.2%
Hispanic: 15.1%
Asian: 10.8%
In-State Students: 60.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.8%

Location

Simmons University sits in Boston, Massachusetts, one of America's top college cities. The campus occupies the Fenway neighborhood, placing students in the heart of a metropolitan area with over 4.8 million residents. Boston's dense concentration of universities creates an unmatched academic atmosphere where students can cross-register at nearby institutions and tap into internship networks across finance, healthcare, and technology. The city's walkable neighborhoods and extensive public transit system make it easy to explore museums, historic sites, and professional opportunities. With 60% of students coming from Massachusetts, many appreciate staying close to home while experiencing big-city college life. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Simmons University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5898

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $63,494
Median Earnings (5 years): $72,384
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $49,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 77.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $263/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,840

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Simmons University?

Simmons accepts 76.46% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200-1390 on the SAT. This women's university has built its reputation on helping female leaders across healthcare, business, and social work fields.

How much does Simmons University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $27,313 after aid, lower than the full cost of $63,922. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating meaningful economic diversity. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $36,606 to help make this Boston education accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Simmons University?

Simmons maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,750 enrolled students. This intimate setting allows for close mentorship relationships that the university emphasizes. The small class sizes support Simmons' focus on experiential learning and professional preparation in fields like nursing, social work, and library science.

What do Simmons University graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $63,494 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The employment rate reaches 95.7%, demonstrating the value of Simmons' career-focused programs. The university's location in Boston provides extensive internship and job opportunities in healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors.

Where do students live at Simmons University?

The campus houses 1,039 students in its residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. About 60% of students come from Massachusetts, giving the campus a strong New England character. The urban Boston location puts students steps away from hospitals, museums, and cultural institutions that enhance their academic experience.

Is Simmons University a women's college?

Simmons enrolls 100% women in its undergraduate programs, maintaining its founding mission from 1899. The university pioneered women's professional education and remains committed to developing female leaders. This single-gender environment fosters confidence and leadership skills that alumni credit with launching successful careers in male-dominated fields.