
Simpson College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation evaluates the college as a whole; it is distinct from any specialized approval or accreditation that may apply to an individual program.
Accreditation is important for federal student-aid eligibility and provides a recognized framework for reviewing institutional quality. It does not guarantee that another college will accept a particular transfer course, or that a degree alone will satisfy a state licensing board. Applicants entering fields such as teaching should check the current program's approval status and the licensing rules in the state where they intend to work.
First-year applicants to Simpson College generally apply with a completed application and a secondary-school transcript showing their coursework and academic performance. Applicants need a high school diploma or an accepted equivalent, such as a GED, before entering a degree program. Simpson is not an open-admission institution.
The college considers the high school record and GPA. Class rank and recommendations may be considered but are not generally required. SAT and ACT scores are considered when submitted rather than required for every applicant. Students applying from a school system where English is not the primary language should review the college's current English-proficiency requirements and accepted tests.
In the reported admissions cycle, Simpson admitted 86% of first-year applicants. That describes an earlier applicant pool, not an individual applicant's likelihood of admission. Applicants interested in a particular academic program, scholarship, or audition-based activity should check whether it has requirements beyond general admission and note any separate scholarship or enrollment deadlines.
Applicants should check Simpson College's current application instructions for the fee attached to the application route they choose. An application charge, if applicable, is separate from an enrollment deposit or later tuition bill.
Because application methods and applicant categories can have different terms, students seeking a fee waiver should ask the admissions office whether they qualify and how to obtain approval before submitting a payment. Transfer and graduate applicants should check the instructions for their own application rather than assume the first-year process applies to them.
Prospective Simpson College students interested in ROTC should confirm a current cross-enrollment arrangement with the relevant ROTC program before making an enrollment decision. An ROTC option hosted by another institution would not be the same as a unit operated on Simpson's campus.
Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC have different host institutions, course schedules, eligibility rules, scholarship processes, and potential service commitments. A student considering participation should ask the host program whether Simpson students may enroll, how transportation and credits work, and when a scholarship or commissioning application must be completed. ROTC participation and a scholarship are separate decisions; neither should be assumed from college admission.
Simpson College accepts transfer applications and generally considers college credit from accredited institutions. Transfer students may enter in the fall or spring. Admission to Simpson and acceptance of individual courses toward a particular degree are separate determinations.
Applicants should be prepared to submit official transcripts from every college attended and to identify their intended major. Previous coursework may transfer as elective credit without meeting a major requirement, so a course-by-course evaluation matters more than a total-credit estimate. Simpson also recognizes certain examination-based and recommended credit pathways, including CLEP and American Council on Education recommendations, subject to its credit policies.
A prospective transfer student can request an official evaluation showing which courses meet general education, major, and elective requirements. Before enrolling, compare that evaluation with the current catalog's minimum Simpson-residency and graduation requirements, particularly if you hope to finish in a short time or are transferring into a sequenced program such as education.
Simpson College offers opportunities for students to study internationally, including options that can differ in length and academic format. Students considering a semester, shorter program, or externally operated option should establish how it fits their degree plan before applying.
The key questions are whether the program is approved for Simpson credit, which courses will count toward a major, and how grants and scholarships apply to its costs. A short-term, faculty-led experience and a semester with a partner or third-party provider may have different fees, calendars, and financial-aid treatment. Students in tightly sequenced majors should begin planning early enough to avoid delaying required courses at home.
22% of admitted students enrolled (381 of 1,764)
Regular application deadline
August 15Early Decision
NoEarly Action
NoMedian 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
Considered but not requiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Considered but not requiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Neither required nor recommendedAdmission test scores
Considered but not requiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Neither required nor 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
YesGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, SpringData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.