About Simpson College
Most students pay far less than the $46,212 sticker price, with average net costs dropping to $22,231 after financial aid. Graduates typically earn $59,274 ten years after college, making the median debt load of $26,000 manageable for most careers. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a reasonable investment given the earning potential. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $15,172 net.
Athletic opportunities abound for Storm athletes competing in 23 varsity sports at the Division III level. About 600 students participate in athletics, creating a campus culture where nearly half the student body competes. The 89% acceptance rate welcomes motivated students, though the 66% four-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor once enrolled.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,274
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,041 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,509 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,105 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,787 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $42,012 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
Campus Life
Weekends revolve around Storm athletics, with 600 student-athletes competing across 23 Division III sports. The music and theater programs draw crowds to performances throughout the year. Students often head to Des Moines for internships, shopping, or nightlife, taking advantage of the nearby capital city's opportunities. The Four-One-Four calendar includes a January term for travel courses or intensive studies. With 76% of students returning each year, the Methodist college atmosphere emphasizes service and community involvement. Greek life and campus organizations provide social outlets in a setting where 75% of students come from Iowa.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,282 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–31°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -749.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 75.8%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 11.2%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 75.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.7%
Location
- Address
- Indianola, Iowa 50125
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,274
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,998
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Simpson College?
Simpson College accepts 89.10% of applicants with an average ACT score of 32. The school welcomes most students who apply, making it accessible while still attracting academically strong candidates to this Methodist liberal arts college.
How much does Simpson College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Simpson College is $22,231, lower than the full tuition of $46,212. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,172 on average, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $34,552 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Simpson College?
Simpson College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,130 total students. This small scale allows for personalized attention in the college's well-known music and theatre programs, which have built the school's reputation in the performing arts.
What are the career outcomes for Simpson College graduates?
Simpson College graduates earn a median salary of $59,274 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 97.8%. The 65.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but those who complete their degrees find strong job prospects.
Where is Simpson College located and what is campus life like?
Simpson College sits in Indianola, Iowa, a small town setting that houses 1,282 students in campus residences. The college operates on a Four-One-Four calendar system and fields 23 varsity sports teams with 600 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III.
Is Simpson College affiliated with a religious denomination?
Simpson College maintains its United Methodist affiliation while serving a diverse student body that is 75.75% white and includes students from various backgrounds. The Methodist tradition influences campus culture while the college welcomes students of all faiths to this liberal arts community.
