Simpson College vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson College in Indianola, IA with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rockhurst University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (3,577 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Simpson College vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson College or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst ($23,282 vs. $25,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 11.9% lower than at Rockhurst University ($10,500 vs. $11,920).
• Simpson College is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rockhurst (about $2,690 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $44,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at Simpson College than at Rockhurst University (about $2,690 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $44,966.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College as at Rockhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 9.6% larger than aid received by Rockhurst University students ($37,896 vs. $34,562).

Simpson College vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 90 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Rockhurst 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; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027; Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have the same average high school GPA (3.62) as students at Rockhurst (3.62).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

Simpson College vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson College and Rockhurst? 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).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Simpson College's (69%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst 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 Rockhurst 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.