Merrimack College vs Simmons University
Merrimack College is a private college in North Andover, MA. Simmons University is a private university in Boston, MA. Both admit about 70% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $25,265 a year at Simmons University after aid, and about $37,927 at Merrimack College. About 72% of students graduate at Simmons University, compared with 71% at Merrimack College. Ten years after enrolling, Merrimack College alumni earn a median of about $75,584, against $63,494 for Simmons University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
North Andover, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,916
1,670
Acceptance rate
70%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1240
1220–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
26–34
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,927
$25,265
Full cost / yr
$70,038
$63,460
In-state tuition
$53,962
$46,874
Out-of-state tuition
$53,962
$46,874
Application fee
$0
$61
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,710
$18,027
$30k - $48k
$29,417
$15,810
$48k - $75k
$31,962
$22,139
$75k - $110k
$36,045
$24,714
Over $110k
$41,050
$32,777
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
72%
Freshman retention
79%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,316
$61,420
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,584
$63,494
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,840
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
33%
First-generation students
21%
20%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 1
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 Merrimack College or Simmons University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 70% 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, Merrimack College or Simmons University?
- Simmons University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,265 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,927 at Merrimack 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 Merrimack College and Simmons University?
- Before aid, Simmons University costs about $63,460 a year and Merrimack College about $70,038. 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, Merrimack College or Simmons University?
- Simmons University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,027 there, against about $31,710 at Merrimack College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Merrimack College or Simmons University?
- Merrimack College is the larger of the two, with about 3,916 undergraduates against 1,670 at Simmons University.
- Does Merrimack College or Simmons University have a better graduation rate?
- Simmons University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 71% at Merrimack College.
- Do graduates of Merrimack College or Simmons University earn more?
- Merrimack College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,494 for Simmons University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Merrimack College and Simmons University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Merrimack College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Simmons University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Merrimack College and Simmons University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1240 at Merrimack College and 1220–1390 at Simmons University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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