At $22,231/yr net price, Simpson College graduates earn $59,274/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,274/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,231 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,924 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,274/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,274/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,172/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,775/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,007/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,744/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,854/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $25,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,041 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,509 | $19,586 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,105 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,787 | $21,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $42,012 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,025 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $25,672 |
The Risk Factor
65.7% of students at Simpson College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Simpson College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $22,231 net price creates a reasonable foundation for ROI, but your program selection will determine whether you see strong returns or struggle financially.
Computer science majors at Simpson earn $74,576 annually with just $25,000 in debt, creating excellent ROI that justifies the investment. Accounting graduates also perform well at $54,509 with lower debt loads of $19,586. These technical programs clearly benefit from Iowa's growing tech sector and strong demand for skilled accountants.
Education and business majors face tougher financial prospects. Teacher education graduates earn $50,105 annually, which barely covers loan payments given Iowa's teacher salary constraints. Business administration majors earn similar amounts while carrying $21,500 in debt, making this program a weaker financial choice.
The 65.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed for career advancement. The 76% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic or social fit, potentially leading to expensive transfers.
Simpson works best financially for students pursuing computer science or accounting who can commit to graduation. The school's small size and Iowa location limit networking opportunities compared to larger universities, making your major choice even more critical.
Avoid Simpson if you're considering education or liberal arts majors unless you have significant financial resources. The regional job market cannot support strong returns for these programs, and you'd find better value at Iowa's public universities for these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simpson College worth the cost for most students?
Simpson College graduates earn $59,274 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $22,231 annual net price. The 65.7% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish, creating debt without a degree.
What are the best paying majors at Simpson College?
Computer Science leads at $74,576 annually, followed by Computer and Information Sciences at $73,041. Business and education majors earn significantly less, around $50,000, which barely justifies the investment.
How much student debt do Simpson College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $26,000, which is manageable for computer science graduates but creates financial strain for education and business majors earning under $51,000.
Should I choose Simpson College over a state school in Iowa?
Simpson College costs significantly more than Iowa public universities while producing similar or lower earnings for most majors. Only consider Simpson if you're pursuing computer science or need the smaller class environment.