Simmons University logo

Simmons University

Boston, MA Private ยท Urban www.simmons.edu
Accept Rate
66%
Grad Rate
73%
Enrollment
1,750
Avg SAT
1332
Tuition
$45,538
Median Salary
$63,494
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Simmons University feels like a close-knit, empowering community where students, primarily women in undergraduate programs, are encouraged to lead and innovate. The campus buzzes with a collaborative spirit, blending historic charm with a modern focus on social justice and professional readiness. It's a place where you're not just a number, but a known individual on a path to make a tangible impact.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

66%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 133275th Pctl
12301390
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2975th Pctl
2631
1122436

Admissions Tips

1) Since Simmons is 'test-optional,' focus on crafting a compelling personal essay that highlights your leadership potential and alignment with the university's mission of empowering students, especially if your scores are near the 1332 average. 2) Clearly articulate your interest in one of their top programs like Health Professions or Social Sciences in your application, as this demonstrates a focused academic purpose. 3) Engage directly with the admissions office through a virtual or in-person meeting; as a smaller university, demonstrated interest can play a significant role.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1332
40080012001600
School range: 1230โ€“1390

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Simmons is nationally recognized for its strong programs in health professions, including its highly-regarded nursing school, and its unique combination of a liberal arts core with professional undergraduate degrees. Teaching is the top priority, with small class sizes ensuring direct access to dedicated faculty who are experts in their fields. Research and internships are deeply integrated, especially through partnerships with Boston's world-class hospitals and cultural institutions.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
37%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
10.7%
Social Sciences
8.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
6.1%
Psychology
5.9%
Communications
5%
Public Administration
5%
Biology & Biomedical
4.5%
Computer Science
3.4%
Business & Marketing
2.7%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.5%
English & Literature
2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

73%
Graduation Rate
81.8%
Retention Rate
1,750
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$45,538
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$27,313
After financial aid
Total Cost
$63,512
Cost of attendance/year
29.8%
Receive Pell Grants
63.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Boston

Living in Boston means you have endless options for fun, from catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park (just blocks away) to exploring the museums along the Emerald Necklace. Students take advantage of the city's vibrant food scene, historical sites like the Freedom Trail, and the energetic atmosphere of nearby college neighborhoods like Allston and Back Bay. With the T subway system, the entire city is your campus, offering concerts, festivals, and internships galore.

Local Rent Check

$2,377 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Boston
Explore Boston

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$182,152
$0Est. 4 Years: $182,152

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($63,494):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in the safe and beautiful Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood, with 24/7 campus security and a well-lit, compact layout. Boston is a very walkable city with reliable public transit, and students generally feel secure navigating the area around campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong focus on women's leadership and empowerment in undergraduate programs
  • โœ“ Prime location in Boston provides unmatched internship and career opportunities
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and a close-knit community ensure personalized attention from faculty
  • โœ“ Integrated undergraduate program combines liberal arts with professional studies for career readiness

Cons

  • โœ— The full undergraduate tuition price is high, requiring careful financial planning
  • โœ— The specialized, women-focused environment may not be the best fit for all students
  • โœ— The campus is relatively small and urban, which might feel confined to some

Notable Alumni

Martha Minow
Former Dean of Harvard Law School and a leading expert on law and social justice.
Gillian Anderson
Academy Award-winning and Emmy-winning actress known for 'The X-Files' and 'The Crown'.
Ellen Goodman
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Boston Globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simmons University is nationally known for its excellent programs in Health Professions (particularly nursing), its historic identity as a women's undergraduate college focused on leadership and empowerment, and its unique model of integrating a liberal arts education with direct-pathway professional studies in fields like social sciences and communications.

With an acceptance rate of 66%, Simmons is considered a moderately selective university. While not as competitive as some elite institutions, the admissions process is holistic. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1332, but the university is test-optional, placing significant weight on your essays, GPA, and alignment with the school's mission.

Campus life at Simmons is vibrant and supportive, with a strong sense of community in the heart of Boston. Students enjoy a close-knit environment with a high retention rate of 81.8%, active student organizations, and easy access to the cultural and social activities of the city. The campus is known for its collaborative and empowering atmosphere.

Simmons can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for students in high-demand fields. The average net price of $27,313 is significantly lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median graduate earnings of $63,494 are strong. The combination of a 73% graduation rate, a prime Boston location for internships, and a career-focused education contributes to a positive return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Massachusetts General Hospital Partners HealthCare Fidelity Investments Boston Children's Hospital Liberty Mutual
Smart Start Score
70

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,889
  • In-State Tuition $45,538
  • Zip Code 02115

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 0% โ™€ 100%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $27,313, Simmons is more affordable than the sticker price suggests, especially with nearly 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating robust financial aid for those with need. The 10-year median earnings of $63,494 for graduates, combined with a strong 73% graduation rate in a major metro area, suggests a solid return on investment, particularly for students entering high-demand fields like healthcare and communications.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $45,538
Housing (12 mo) $28,524
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $81,262
With avg financial aid:
$27,313/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.