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 gives you a middle-of-the-road financial return that leans on your major. Median earnings ten years out clear the debt load by a wide margin, and a $26,000 debt figure is manageable if you land in the right program. But the gap between what your degree pays depends heavily on what you study.
Computer Science is the clear winner here. It pays roughly $25,000 more per year than Marketing, and it carries about the same debt. Accounting is the other solid bet, pairing strong pay with the lowest debt of any listed program. Business Administration and Marketing sit at the bottom, and Marketing especially leaves you earning barely above the school's overall median while paying the same tuition as everyone else. If you're drawn to Simpson for a business or marketing degree, run the numbers hard before you commit.
The main risk is retention. One in four of you won't return after the first year, and a 65.7% graduation rate means a real chance of leaving with debt and no degree. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it's the one Simpson's numbers flag most.
The income tiers matter a lot for who this works for. If your family earns under $30k, your net price drops to about $15,000 a year, which makes the CS or accounting path defensible. If you're over $110k, you're paying close to the full $27,000, and only the top-earning majors justify that sticker.
Simpson is a good fit for you if you're set on computer science or accounting and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you're planning a lower-paying major at full price, or if there's real doubt you'll make it past year one.
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.