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's financial picture is mixed, and which side you land on depends almost entirely on your major. The median graduate earns $54,340 ten years out against a net price near $28,000 a year, so you're paying private-college prices for a return that only works if you pick the right program. Median debt of $18,750 is manageable, but that number hides wide swings between majors.
Nursing is the clear win here. It pays roughly $84,000, more than any other program on this list, and it's the one degree where the return justifies the cost even with its higher debt load near $28,000. Accounting also holds up at around $56,000. After that, the numbers drop hard. Human resources, business administration, and psychology all land below $41,000, and psychology sits near $32,000. If you borrow the full price for a psychology or business degree, your earnings may not support the debt for years.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Only 62% of students return after their first year, and the graduation rate is 41.7%. If you leave with debt and no degree, none of these earnings figures apply to you, and that's the outcome for a large share of students here.
The net price tiers are unusual. Families earning under $30,000 pay about $22,880, less than every higher bracket, and even families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay less than middle-income families just below them. If your family earns $30,000-$48,000 or over $110,000, you pay close to the full $30,000 with little relief.
Simpson is a good financial fit if you're committed to nursing or accounting and likely to graduate. If you're drawn to psychology or general business, cheaper options will get you the same earnings with less risk.
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.