California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State Polytechnic University Pomona in Pomona, CA with Simpson University in Redding, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State Polytechnic University Pomona is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (27,636 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State Polytechnic University Pomona is located in Pomona, CA (Midsize City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State Polytechnic University Pomona 25:1; Simpson University 17:1.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona or Simpson University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State Polytechnic University Pomona than Simpson University ($11,940 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 28.7% lower than at California State Polytechnic University Pomona ($11,900 vs. $16,682).
• Simpson University is 410.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (about $31,928 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $7,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.8% higher at Simpson University than at California State Polytechnic University Pomona (about $19,328 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $20,380.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at California State Polytechnic University Pomona (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 119.2% larger than aid received by California State Polytechnic University Pomona students ($25,937 vs. $11,833).

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona or Simpson University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Simpson University and California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State Polytechnic University Pomona (1130) is 60 points higher than at Simpson University (1070).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State Polytechnic University Pomona 1010/1250; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State Polytechnic University Pomona 19/27; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Nov 30, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California State Polytechnic University-Pomona students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Simpson University (3.4).
• Simpson University has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and Simpson University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State Polytechnic University Pomona's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,400 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $2,332 lower median loan debt than California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates ($16,668 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates ($172 vs. $196).
• More California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 67%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.