North Central College vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

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

North Central College is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (3,003 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Simpson College 12:1.

North Central College vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College 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 North Central College than Simpson College ($23,276 vs. $23,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 28.5% lower than at North Central College ($10,500 vs. $14,688).
• Simpson College is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $1,930 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Simpson College than at North Central College (about $1,930 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Simpson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 11.3% larger than aid received by North Central College students ($37,896 vs. $34,056).

North Central College vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College 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 North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 90 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming North Central College 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: North Central College 1055/1310; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

North Central College vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College 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 North Central College's (64%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $900 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Central College 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.