Simpson College vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson College in Indianola, IA with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carroll University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (3,138 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Simpson College vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson College or Carroll 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 Carroll University ($23,282 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 26.5% lower than at Carroll University ($10,500 vs. $14,280).
• Simpson College is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carroll University (about $8,766 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at Simpson College than at Carroll University (about $8,766 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College as at Carroll University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 47.8% larger than aid received by Carroll University students ($37,896 vs. $25,634).

Simpson College vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carroll University (1160) is 70 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Carroll University 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: Simpson College 890/1280; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

Simpson College vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson College and Carroll 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 Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carroll University and Simpson College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Carroll 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 Carroll University 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.