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Simpson College

Indianola, IA·Private nonprofit·1,130 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

89%
Accept
1,130
Students
$22,231
Net Price
66%
Grad Rate
$51,200
Earnings
10 yr
$20,262
Debt

About This School

Simpson College is a private nonprofit institution located in Indianola, Iowa with approximately 1,130 undergraduate students enrolled. Simpson College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 89%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,231 per year. The graduation rate is 66%, and the typical graduate earns $51,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Simpson College is a private Methodist college in Indianola, Iowa. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and enrolled 1,151 students in fall 2022.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 66% graduation rate means about 1 in 3 students who start don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before committing. On the upside, the median debt at graduation is a manageable $20,262, and with a $22,231 average net price, this small Iowa school can be genuinely affordable for the right student. Worth considering if you thrive in tight-knit, small communities (just 1,130 undergrads) and have a clear plan to stay on track to graduation, since the 76% freshman retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit here.

Founded
1860
Setting
Fringe town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Health Professions13%
Education9%
Social Sciences7%
Biological Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Computer Science5%
Communications5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Kiersten WarrenEvan Tanner

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1410

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$46,212
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,212
Avg Net Price
$22,231
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$20,262

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
66%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
76%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,262
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,262
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,130 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Simpson College

701 North C St

Indianola, IA 50125

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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