ISU vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

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

Iowa State University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Simpson College 12:1.

ISU vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Iowa State University than Simpson College ($17,779 vs. $23,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 2.8% lower than at Iowa State University ($10,500 vs. $10,808).
• Simpson College is 341.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $36,869 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65% higher at Simpson College than at Iowa State University (about $18,775 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 251.2% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($37,896 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 150 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Simpson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Simpson College (3.62).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Simpson College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

ISU vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Simpson College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Iowa State University's (68%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $3,132 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($23,868 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 74%)

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.