At $27,923/yr net price, Simpson University graduates earn $54,340/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,340/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,923 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,692 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,340/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,340/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,880/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,551/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,439/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,660/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,193/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. | Bachelor | $84,161 | $28,010 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $50,270 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $44,971 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $40,281 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,042 | $18,750 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,765 | $16,667 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $18,750 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. | Bachelor | $19,227 |
The Risk Factor
41.7% of students at Simpson University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Simpson University delivers weak financial returns with a median 10-year salary of $54,340 against a $27,923 annual net price. The 41.7% graduation rate means six out of ten students leave without completing their degree, making this a high-risk investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at $84,161 annually, though you'll graduate with $28,010 in debt. The program justifies its higher debt load with strong earning potential in Northern California's healthcare market. Accounting graduates earn $56,415, providing decent returns without excessive borrowing. Education majors face tough economics at $50,270, typical for teaching careers but challenging given the school's cost structure.
Psychology and human resources programs offer particularly poor value, with psychology graduates earning just $47,260 and human resources majors making $44,971. These salaries barely justify the investment at Simpson's price point.
The school's location in Redding limits job opportunities compared to major California metros. You'll likely need to relocate for better-paying positions, adding moving costs to your financial calculation. The low retention rate of 62.4% suggests academic or financial struggles that increase your risk of leaving without a degree.
Simpson works financially if you're committed to nursing and can handle the program's demands. The relatively low median debt of $18,750 helps, but this figure likely reflects the high number of students who leave early. If you're not pursuing nursing, cheaper state schools or community college transfers offer better value for most career paths. The 42% of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simpson University worth the cost?
Simpson University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $84,161 annually, making the $27,923 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like education and psychology lead to much lower salaries that may not justify the expense.
What is Simpson University's graduation rate and job prospects?
Simpson University has a concerning 41.7% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their degree. Graduates who do complete programs earn an average of $54,340 after 10 years, which is modest for the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Simpson University students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Simpson University is $18,750, which is relatively manageable compared to many private schools. However, with lower earning potential in many programs, even this amount could be challenging to repay.
Which programs at Simpson University have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Simpson University offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning over $84,000 annually. Accounting graduates earn $56,415, while education and psychology majors face significantly lower earning potential that may not cover the cost of attendance.