Simpson University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson University in Redding, CA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Merced is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson University is located in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson University 17:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Simpson University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson University or UC Merced? 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 University of California Merced than Simpson University ($13,690 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 44.5% lower than at University of California Merced ($11,900 vs. $21,445).
• Simpson University is 154.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Merced (about $24,085 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $15,623.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.5% higher at UC Merced than at Simpson University (about $10,115 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $39,708.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at University of California Merced (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 5.2% larger than aid received by Simpson University students ($27,292 vs. $25,937).

Simpson University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simpson University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced and Simpson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simpson University (1070) is 20 points higher than at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at UC Merced).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 960/1185; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 21/28; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson University - Test-free; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson University Aug 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Simpson University (3.4).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Simpson University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Simpson University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson University and UC Merced? 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).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $3,231 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($16,668 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($172 vs. $205).
• More Simpson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 64%)

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.