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Iowa State University vs Simpson College

Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA. Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants and Iowa State University about 89%, making Simpson College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,589 a year at Iowa State University after aid, and about $21,936 at Simpson College. About 75% of students graduate at Iowa State University, compared with 64% at Simpson College. Ten years after enrolling, Iowa State University alumni earn a median of about $63,386, against $59,274 for Simpson College.

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Ames, IA
Indianola, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
25,367
1,227
Acceptance rate
89%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.76 avg
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1360
890–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,589
$21,936
Full cost / yr
$24,018
$61,227
In-state tuition
$10,787
$47,656
Out-of-state tuition
$28,881
$47,656
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,582
$17,941
$30k - $48k
$11,506
$15,764
$48k - $75k
$15,463
$19,176
$75k - $110k
$19,605
$22,468
Over $110k
$22,496
$26,586
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
64%
Freshman retention
88%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,873
$49,946
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,386
$59,274
Median debt at graduation
$22,869
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
35%
First-generation students
20%
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 Iowa State University or Simpson College harder to get into?
Simpson College is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 89% at Iowa State 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, Iowa State University or Simpson College?
Iowa State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,936 at Simpson 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 Iowa State University and Simpson College?
Before aid, Iowa State University costs about $24,018 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, Iowa State University or Simpson College?
Iowa State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,582 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, Iowa State University or Simpson College?
Iowa State University is the larger of the two, with about 25,367 undergraduates against 1,227 at Simpson College.
Does Iowa State University or Simpson College have a better graduation rate?
Iowa State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 64% at Simpson College.
Do graduates of Iowa State University or Simpson College earn more?
Iowa State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,386 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,274 for Simpson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Iowa State University and Simpson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Iowa State 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 Iowa State University and Simpson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1360 at Iowa State 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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