Simpson College vs. Chatham

Comparable Facts

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

Chatham University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (2,309 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson College is located in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting); Chatham University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson College 12:1; Chatham University 10:1.

Simpson College vs. Chatham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson College or Chatham? 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 Chatham ($23,282 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 22.8% lower than at Chatham University ($10,500 vs. $13,600).
• Simpson College is 6.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chatham (about $3,030 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at Simpson College than at Chatham University (about $3,030 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College as at Chatham University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 25.9% larger than aid received by Chatham University students ($37,896 vs. $30,095).

Simpson College vs. Chatham Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simpson College or Chatham? 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 Chatham and Simpson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chatham University (1180) is 90 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Chatham students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Simpson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 890/1280; Chatham University 1070/1295.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27; Chatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; Chatham - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Simpson College (3.62).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 12.7% at Chatham.

Simpson College vs. Chatham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson College and Chatham? 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 Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 62%)

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.