MHC vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA with Simmons University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Simmons University is larger than MHC based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 2,275 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mount Holyoke College is located in South Hadley, MA (Large Suburban setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Mount Holyoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mount Holyoke College 9:1; Simmons University 9:1.

MHC vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MHC or Simmons 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 Simmons University than MHC ($28,691 vs. $32,526).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 10.5% lower than at Mount Holyoke College ($17,618 vs. $19,684).
• Mount Holyoke College is 43% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $20,144 more per year; $67,018.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43% higher at MHC than at Simmons University (about $20,144 more per year; $67,018.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Mount Holyoke College (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Holyoke College students is 49.2% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($52,418 vs. $35,123).

MHC vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MHC or Simmons 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 Simmons University and MHC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mount Holyoke College (1460) is 150 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming MHC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mount Holyoke College 1380/1530; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mount Holyoke College 32/35; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MHC - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MHC Jan 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MHC students have the same average high school GPA (3.87) as students at Simmons University (3.87).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than MHC (36%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at MHC vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

MHC vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MHC and Simmons 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).

• Mount Holyoke College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than MHC graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mount Holyoke College graduates have a $4,794 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($21,206 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, MHC graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($219 vs. $268).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MHC students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.