Principia College vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Simpson College in Indianola, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Simpson College is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (1,251 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Simpson College 12:1.

Principia College vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia 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 Principia College than Simpson College ($18,248 vs. $23,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 24.5% lower than at Principia College ($10,500 vs. $13,910).
• Simpson College is 37.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $12,976 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.4% higher at Simpson College than at Principia College (about $12,976 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 24.6% larger than aid received by Principia College students ($37,896 vs. $30,402).

Principia College vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 60 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Simpson College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia 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).

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.