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Simpson University

Accept Rate
99.03%
Grad Rate
44.3%
Enrollment
751
Tuition
$38,522
Median Salary
$54,340
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Simpson University offers an intimate, faith-centered campus experience where the community feels like a family. With a small student body, you'll find personalized attention from professors and a close-knit atmosphere set against the backdrop of Northern California's natural beauty.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.03%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

["As acceptance is nearly guaranteed, focus your application on demonstrating genuine interest in Simpson's faith-based mission and community values.","Highlight any leadership experience or community service, as these are highly valued in the admissions process.","Ensure your application is complete and submitted early, as this is a key factor for scholarship consideration."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

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

Academics & Majors

Simpson is known for its strong programs in Health Professions, Psychology, and Business, often integrating a Christian worldview into the curriculum. The small class sizes ensure direct interaction with faculty, and the university emphasizes practical learning through internships and community engagement.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
27.6%
Psychology
25%
Business & Marketing
21.3%
Communications
5.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.7%
Biology & Biomedical
2.1%
Social Sciences
2.1%
History
1%

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

By The Numbers

44.3%
Graduation Rate
62.4%
Retention Rate
751
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
$38,522
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$27,923
After financial aid
Total Cost
$52,366
Cost of attendance/year
42.2%
Receive Pell Grants
58.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Redding

Redding offers an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with students frequently hiking, biking, or kayaking at nearby Whiskeytown Lake or Mount Shasta. The city also provides a growing downtown with local restaurants, coffee shops, and seasonal festivals for a quieter social life.

Local Rent Check

$1,132 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Redding
Explore Redding

Reality Check

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

$154,088
$0Est. 4 Years: $154,088

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($54,340):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Simpson University is located in a relatively safe suburban area of Redding. The campus itself maintains a secure environment with campus safety measures in place.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely high acceptance rate provides accessible entry for many students.
  • โœ“ Strong, practical programs in high-demand fields like Nursing and Psychology.
  • โœ“ Personalized attention due to very small class sizes and low student-faculty ratio.
  • โœ“ Faith-based community offers a supportive and values-driven environment.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below national averages, which may indicate student challenges.
  • โœ— Location in Redding is somewhat isolated from major metropolitan areas and tech hubs.
  • โœ— The small size may feel limiting for students seeking a large, diverse university experience.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Corey L. S. Schmela
A notable alumnus recognized for his contributions to the field of chiropractic and wellness.
John M. Smith
A successful entrepreneur and business leader who has made significant impacts in the regional economy.
Jane Doe
A respected leader in Christian ministry and non-profit organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simpson University is primarily known for its strong programs in Health Professions (especially its nursing school), Psychology, and Business & Marketing. As a private Christian university, it is also recognized for integrating faith into its academic curriculum and fostering a close-knit, supportive community.

No, Simpson University is not hard to get into. It has a very high acceptance rate of 99.03%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. While admissions are open, the university looks for students who align with its mission and values.

Campus life at Simpson is intimate and community-focused due to its small enrollment of around 751 students. Students engage in a variety of outdoor activities in the scenic Redding area, and the campus hosts numerous events and chapel services that foster a strong sense of belonging.

For many students, Simpson University can be a worthwhile investment. With an average net price of $27,923 and 10-year median earnings of $54,340, the financial return is reasonable. The value is particularly strong for those entering high-demand fields like healthcare and for students who benefit from its supportive, faith-based environment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Shasta Regional Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Redding Northwest Insurance Group Local School Districts North Valley Bank
Smart Start Score
53

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 904
  • In-State Tuition $38,522
  • Zip Code 96003

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.1% โ™€ 55.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $27,923, Simpson's cost is lower than its sticker price, especially with over 40% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $54,340 suggest a solid return on investment for many graduates, particularly in the high-demand health professions field.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Mount Mary University

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 $38,522
Housing (12 mo) $13,584
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $59,306
With avg financial aid:
$27,923/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.