Simpson College vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

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

Alvernia University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson College is located in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson College 12:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Simpson College vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson College or Alvernia 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 Simpson College than Alvernia University ($23,282 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 32.1% lower than at Alvernia University ($10,500 vs. $15,460).
• Simpson College is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $2,656 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Simpson College than at Alvernia University (about $2,656 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College as at Alvernia University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 30.5% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($37,896 vs. $29,034).

Simpson College vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simpson College or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University and Simpson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 100 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 890/1280; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Simpson College vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson College and Alvernia 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).

• Simpson College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alvernia University and Simpson College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Alvernia University and Simpson College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 61%)

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.