Elmhurst University vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

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

Elmhurst University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Simpson College 12:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University ($23,282 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 27.7% lower than at Elmhurst University ($10,500 vs. $14,528).
• Simpson College is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $4,701 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at Simpson College than at Elmhurst University (about $4,701 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Simpson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 26% larger than aid received by Elmhurst University students ($37,896 vs. $30,079).

Elmhurst University vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Elmhurst University 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: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

Elmhurst University vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University 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).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Simpson College's (69%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 72%)

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.