Simpson College vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson College in Indianola, IA with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson College is located in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson College 12:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Simpson College vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson College or St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University than Simpson College ($14,735 vs. $23,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 0.9% lower than at Saint Cloud State University ($10,500 vs. $10,596).
• Simpson College is 365.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $37,411 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 365.2% higher at Simpson College than at Saint Cloud State University (about $37,411 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 438.6% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($37,896 vs. $7,036).

Simpson College vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simpson College or St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University and Simpson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 50 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 St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 890/1280; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Simpson College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Simpson College vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson College and St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 67%)

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.