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Simpson College vs William Penn University

Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA, and William Penn University is a private university in Oskaloosa, IA. William Penn University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% of applicants against 86% at Simpson College. Simpson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,936 a year against $22,601 at William Penn University. About 64% of students graduate at Simpson College, compared with 31% at William Penn University. Ten years after enrolling, Simpson College alumni earn a median of about $59,274, against $48,936 for William Penn University.

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Indianola, IA
Oskaloosa, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,227
1,301
Acceptance rate
86%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1280
880–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
31–33
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,936
$22,601
Full cost / yr
$61,227
$42,874
In-state tuition
$47,656
$29,750
Out-of-state tuition
$47,656
$29,750
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,941
$20,608
$30k - $48k
$15,764
$19,378
$48k - $75k
$19,176
$20,560
$75k - $110k
$22,468
$24,245
Over $110k
$26,586
$25,916
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
31%
Freshman retention
81%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,946
$40,189
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,274
$48,936
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$22,415
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
47%
First-generation students
23%
38%
International students
3%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Apr 15

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 Simpson College or William Penn University harder to get into?
William Penn University is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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, Simpson College or William Penn University?
Simpson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,936 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,601 at William Penn 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 Simpson College and William Penn University?
Before aid, William Penn University costs about $42,874 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, Simpson College or William Penn University?
Simpson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,941 there, against about $20,608 at William Penn University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Simpson College or William Penn University?
William Penn University is the larger of the two, with about 1,301 undergraduates against 1,227 at Simpson College.
Does Simpson College or William Penn University have a better graduation rate?
Simpson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 31% at William Penn University.
Do graduates of Simpson College or William Penn University earn more?
Simpson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,274 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,936 for William Penn University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Simpson College and William Penn University require SAT or ACT scores?
Simpson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. William Penn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Simpson College and William Penn University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1280 at Simpson College and 880–1110 at William Penn University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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