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Harvey Mudd College vs Simpson University

Harvey Mudd College is a private college in Claremont, CA, and Simpson University is a private university in Redding, CA. Harvey Mudd College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 86% at Simpson University. Simpson University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,817 a year against $35,924 at Harvey Mudd College. About 93% of students graduate at Harvey Mudd College, compared with 45% at Simpson University. Ten years after enrolling, Harvey Mudd College alumni earn a median of about $138,687, against $54,340 for Simpson University.

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA · Private

Simpson University

Redding, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Claremont, CA
Redding, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
921
809
Acceptance rate
13%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
960–1185
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,924
$27,817
Full cost / yr
$90,165
$54,688
In-state tuition
$68,613
$39,708
Out-of-state tuition
$68,613
$39,708
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,979
$25,511
$30k - $48k
$23,883
$22,738
$48k - $75k
$17,968
$28,479
$75k - $110k
$25,468
$29,656
Over $110k
$50,665
$30,163
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
45%
Freshman retention
96%
60%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$115,107
$51,256
Median earnings (10 yr)
$138,687
$54,340
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
44%
First-generation students
Not reported
38%
International students
11%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jul 29

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 Harvey Mudd College or Simpson University harder to get into?
Harvey Mudd College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 86% at Simpson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Harvey Mudd College or Simpson University?
Simpson University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,817 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,924 at Harvey Mudd 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 Harvey Mudd College and Simpson University?
Before aid, Simpson University costs about $54,688 a year and Harvey Mudd College about $90,165. 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, Harvey Mudd College or Simpson University?
Simpson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $25,511 there, against about $27,979 at Harvey Mudd College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Harvey Mudd College or Simpson University?
Harvey Mudd College is the larger of the two, with about 921 undergraduates against 809 at Simpson University.
Does Harvey Mudd College or Simpson University have a better graduation rate?
Harvey Mudd College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 45% at Simpson University.
Do graduates of Harvey Mudd College or Simpson University earn more?
Harvey Mudd College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $138,687 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,340 for Simpson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvey Mudd College and Simpson University require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvey Mudd College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Simpson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harvey Mudd College and Simpson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Harvey Mudd College and 960–1185 at Simpson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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