Central College vs Simpson College
Central College is a private college in Pella, IA, and Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA. Both admit about 86% of applicants. Simpson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,936 a year against $23,377 at Central College. About 68% of students graduate at Central College, compared with 64% at Simpson College. Ten years after enrolling, Simpson College alumni earn a median of about $59,274, against $54,317 for Central College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pella, IA
Indianola, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,070
1,227
Acceptance rate
86%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1056–1120
890–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
31–33
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,377
$21,936
Full cost / yr
$37,773
$61,227
In-state tuition
$20,988
$47,656
Out-of-state tuition
$20,988
$47,656
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,231
$17,941
$30k - $48k
$16,237
$15,764
$48k - $75k
$19,532
$19,176
$75k - $110k
$21,936
$22,468
Over $110k
$27,165
$26,586
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
64%
Freshman retention
80%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,115
$49,946
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,317
$59,274
Median debt at graduation
$26,984
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
35%
First-generation students
21%
23%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Central College or Simpson College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 86% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Central College or Simpson College?
- Simpson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,936 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,377 at Central College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Central College and Simpson College?
- Before aid, Central College costs about $37,773 a year and Simpson College about $61,227. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central College or Simpson College?
- Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,231 there, against about $17,941 at Simpson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Central College or Simpson College?
- Simpson College is the larger of the two, with about 1,227 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
- Does Central College or Simpson College have a better graduation rate?
- Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 64% at Simpson College.
- Do graduates of Central College or Simpson College earn more?
- Simpson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,274 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,317 for Central College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central College and Simpson College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Simpson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central College and Simpson College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 890–1280 at Simpson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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