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Drake University vs Simpson College

Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA. Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants and Simpson College about 86%, making Drake University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,936 a year at Simpson College after aid, and about $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 64% at Simpson College. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $59,274 for Simpson College.

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Des Moines, IA
Indianola, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,543
1,227
Acceptance rate
64%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1350
890–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,127
$21,936
Full cost / yr
$64,835
$61,227
In-state tuition
$52,130
$47,656
Out-of-state tuition
$52,130
$47,656
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,824
$17,941
$30k - $48k
$23,275
$15,764
$48k - $75k
$25,171
$19,176
$75k - $110k
$27,408
$22,468
Over $110k
$33,126
$26,586
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
64%
Freshman retention
84%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,233
$49,946
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,901
$59,274
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
35%
First-generation students
15%
23%
International students
4%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Drake University or Simpson College harder to get into?
Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 86% at Simpson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Drake University or Simpson College?
Simpson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,936 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,127 at Drake University. 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 Drake University and Simpson College?
Before aid, Simpson College costs about $61,227 a year and Drake University about $64,835. 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, Drake University or Simpson College?
Simpson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,941 there, against about $25,824 at Drake University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Drake University or Simpson College?
Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,227 at Simpson College.
Does Drake University or Simpson College have a better graduation rate?
Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 64% at Simpson College.
Do graduates of Drake University or Simpson College earn more?
Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,274 for Simpson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Drake University and Simpson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Simpson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Drake University and Simpson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1350 at Drake University and 890–1280 at Simpson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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