Simpson College vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson College in Indianola, IA with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson College is located in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson College 12:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Simpson College vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson College or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University than Simpson College ($19,932 vs. $23,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 3.1% lower than at Simpson College ($10,176 vs. $10,500).
• Simpson College is 412.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $38,357 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 272.1% higher at Simpson College than at South Dakota State University (about $34,847 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 747% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($37,896 vs. $4,474).

Simpson College vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simpson College or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University and Simpson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 60 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Simpson College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 890/1280; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Simpson College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Simpson College vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson College and South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $300 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have a $1,884 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($25,116 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($259 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 77%)

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.