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Mount Mercy University vs Simpson College

Mount Mercy University is a private university in Cedar Rapids, IA. Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA. Mount Mercy University admits about 83% of applicants and Simpson College about 86%, making Mount Mercy University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,168 a year at Mount Mercy University after aid, and about $21,936 at Simpson College. About 64% of students graduate at Simpson College, compared with 57% at Mount Mercy University. Ten years after enrolling, Mount Mercy University alumni earn a median of about $60,787, against $59,274 for Simpson College.

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Indianola, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,107
1,227
Acceptance rate
83%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1210
890–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,168
$21,936
Full cost / yr
$55,054
$61,227
In-state tuition
$40,878
$47,656
Out-of-state tuition
$40,878
$47,656
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,070
$17,941
$30k - $48k
$15,294
$15,764
$48k - $75k
$16,883
$19,176
$75k - $110k
$20,311
$22,468
Over $110k
$25,244
$26,586
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
64%
Freshman retention
73%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,871
$49,946
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,787
$59,274
Median debt at graduation
$23,699
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
35%
First-generation students
29%
23%
International students
12%
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 Mount Mercy University or Simpson College harder to get into?
Mount Mercy University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% 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, Mount Mercy University or Simpson College?
Mount Mercy University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,168 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 Mount Mercy University and Simpson College?
Before aid, Mount Mercy University costs about $55,054 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, Mount Mercy University or Simpson College?
Mount Mercy University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,070 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, Mount Mercy University or Simpson College?
Simpson College is the larger of the two, with about 1,227 undergraduates against 1,107 at Mount Mercy University.
Does Mount Mercy University or Simpson College have a better graduation rate?
Simpson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 57% at Mount Mercy University.
Do graduates of Mount Mercy University or Simpson College earn more?
Mount Mercy University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,787 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,274 for Simpson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mount Mercy University and Simpson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Mount Mercy 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 Mount Mercy University and Simpson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1210 at Mount Mercy University and 890–1280 at Simpson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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