At $27,313/yr net price, Simmons University graduates earn $63,494/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,494/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,313 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,494/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,494/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,840 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,518/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,142/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,473/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,297/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,812/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,241 | $71,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $91,744 | $71,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,778 | $81,874 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $71,643 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,789 | $22,125 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,740 | $72,750 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $61,751 | $50,276 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,286 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $52,808 | $36,597 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $50,856 |
The Risk Factor
71.2% of students at Simmons University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Simmons University delivers strong ROI for health science majors but weak returns for most liberal arts programs. The nursing programs stand out with graduates earning $67,000 to $97,000 annually, making the $27,313 annual net price worthwhile despite higher debt loads up to $71,750 for some nursing tracks.
Business and finance majors see decent returns around $71,000, though business administration graduates carry concerning debt levels near $82,000. The school's Boston location helps with job placement in healthcare and financial services, but you'll struggle to justify the cost if you pursue lower-earning majors like education or social work.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 29% graduation rate gap. Nearly three in ten students don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 82% retention rate suggests most who stay complete their programs, but that initial attrition creates significant financial danger.
Simmons makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing, health administration, or business and can handle the academic rigor. The school works best for students who qualify for merit aid or have family support to minimize borrowing. Avoid Simmons if you're exploring liberal arts fields, unsure about your major, or need substantial financial aid beyond the limited support available to just 30% of students.
The nursing programs justify the investment, but weaker majors combined with high costs and limited aid make this school financially risky for most students outside health sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simmons University worth the cost?
Simmons University can be worth it if you pursue nursing or health administration, where graduates earn $67,000-$97,000. For other majors, the $27,313 annual cost may not justify the $63,494 average earnings after 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Simmons University?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $67,000-$97,000, while health administration pays around $91,744. Business and finance majors earn about $71,000, which is solid but not exceptional for the tuition cost.
How much debt do Simmons University graduates have?
The median debt is $24,840, which is manageable compared to many private schools. With nursing graduates earning $67,000-$97,000, debt payments should be reasonable for healthcare majors.
Does Simmons University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects depend heavily on your major. Nursing and health administration graduates do well in Boston's strong healthcare market, but the 71% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs.