Drake vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Simpson College in Indianola, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Simpson College 12:1.

Drake vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Simpson College? 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 Simpson College than Drake ($23,282 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 15.7% lower than at Drake University ($10,500 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 9.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simpson College (about $4,474 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $47,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at Drake than at Simpson College (about $4,474 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $47,656.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Simpson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 6.8% larger than aid received by Drake University students ($37,896 vs. $35,498).

Drake vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or Simpson College? 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 College and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 140 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Drake students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Simpson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Simpson College (3.62).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

Drake vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Simpson College? 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Simpson College's (69%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 77%)

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.