
701 North C Street, Indianola, IA 50125-1297, USA


Simpson College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the college meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in its educational programs, faculty qualifications, and student services. For prospective students, this means that the degrees offered by Simpson College are formally recognized and that the institution undergoes continuous evaluation to maintain academic standards.
In addition, several programs within Simpson College may hold specialized accreditations pertinent to their fields, further validating the quality of education in those specific areas. These accreditations typically indicate that curriculum, faculty, and resources in those programs meet professional standards expected by employers and graduate schools.
Simpson College requires applicants to have completed a secondary education, with the General Educational Development (GED) being accepted as equivalent. A secondary school grade point average is mandatory, and applicants must provide a complete secondary school record. Admission to a college program is also required for enrollment. While recommendations and certain admission test scores are not specified as mandatory, submission of TOEFL scores is required for non-native English speakers. Other standardized tests are recommended but not obligatory. The institution does not operate with an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit opportunities. However, the college does accept credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
The college's acceptance rate is relatively high at 89%, placing it in the top 25% for selectivity. Accepted students typically present an average ACT score of 24, which corresponds to the 45.65th percentile. About 2% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores, with the majority scoring below 36 and a significant portion below 29. Data regarding SAT scores distribution among enrolled students is not available, although the mean SAT score for applicants is approximately 1085, which ranks around the 30th percentile nationally.
Simpson College requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of their admission process. This fee contributes to the administrative costs associated with processing each application. However, the college provides opportunities for applicants to have this fee waived under certain circumstances.
Fee waivers at Simpson College are typically granted to students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria set by the institution. These waivers aim to reduce barriers for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Applicants interested in a fee waiver are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly, where they can inquire about the necessary documentation or qualification requirements.
By offering fee waivers, Simpson College seeks to make the application process more accessible while maintaining its commitment to an equitable admissions procedure. Prospective students should take advantage of these options if the application fee presents an obstacle to applying.
Simpson College does not offer its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. Prospective students interested in pursuing ROTC commissions typically participate through cross-enrollment arrangements with nearby universities that host Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC units. This allows students to complete ROTC coursework and training while taking their academic classes at Simpson College.
Simpson College welcomes transfer applicants for the fall and spring terms, allowing prospective students to continue their education without waiting an entire year. The institution evaluates transfer candidates with a moderate level of selectivity, indicating that admission is accessible but not guaranteed.
The college accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP exams in both subject-specific and general categories, facilitating the recognition of prior academic achievements. Additionally, Simpson College considers recommendation letters as part of its transfer admission process, offering a more comprehensive assessment of applicants.
Simpson College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' educational experiences and global awareness. These programs are structured to provide immersive cultural and academic experiences that align with students' fields of study and personal interests.
Students can participate in faculty-led short-term programs during academic breaks, which combine classroom learning with on-site experiences in different countries, ensuring a concentrated yet impactful exploration of global issues and cultures.
Additionally, Simpson College supports semester- or year-long study abroad programs through partnerships with international institutions, allowing students to fully integrate into another academic environment while earning credits toward their degrees.
The college also provides support and resources to help students navigate the application process, financial planning, and academic advising related to study abroad, facilitating a smoother transition and encouraging participation.
These diverse options enable students to tailor their study abroad experiences to meet both academic requirements and personal growth goals, reflecting Simpson College's commitment to fostering global citizenship and intercultural competence.
Median composite SAT score
1085Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring