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


Simpson College has a diverse athletics program that competes primarily in the American Rivers Conference at the NCAA Division III level. Students can participate in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, baseball, softball, volleyball, and golf. The college emphasizes both men's and women's athletics, providing numerous opportunities for student-athletes to compete and develop their skills.
The athletic facilities at Simpson include a gymnasium, athletic fields, and training centers that support both team practices and individual conditioning. These resources aim to foster a competitive and inclusive environment, encouraging students to balance athletics with academic responsibilities.
The college also promotes student involvement in intramural sports and recreational activities, contributing to a well-rounded campus experience. Coaches focus on personal development and teamwork, preparing athletes for both competition and life beyond college sports.
Simpson College offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests on campus. These include the Religious Life Community, which provides opportunities for spiritual engagement, and the Campus Activities Board, responsible for organizing events and social activities throughout the academic year. Students also have the option to join the Student Government Association, which represents the student body and participates in campus decision-making processes.
For those interested in sports and recreation, intramural leagues are available, promoting friendly competition and fitness among students. The Multicultural Student Association serves as a platform for fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity across the college community.
Approximately 21% of male students and 16% of female students at Simpson College are active members of social organizations, reflecting a significant level of student involvement in extracurricular activities.
Simpson College hosts a student body that reflects a moderate diversity in several respects, with many characteristics falling within average ranges compared to other institutions. The college enrolls about 390 new students annually, including 342 freshmen and 48 transfer students, placing it in the lower third nationally for incoming class size. This indicates a somewhat intimate campus environment typical of a smaller liberal arts college.
The majority of students are traditional college-age undergraduates, predominantly between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 433 students are aged 18 to 19 and 452 are aged 20 to 21. The population gradually decreases in older age groups, with comparatively few students over 25, though graduate students add some diversity to the age range up to the early 60s. This distribution suggests Simpson primarily serves recent high school graduates but maintains some presence of nontraditional and graduate students.
When considering residency, domestic students make up the vast majority, with 99% classified as U. S. citizens, a figure placing Simpson in the higher percentile nationally for American student enrollment. Conversely, out-of-state students account for 27%, which is relatively average, and international student representation is minimal, with only 1% coming from foreign countries.
Racial and ethnic diversity at Simpson College is moderate but leans toward limited representation. White students represent the largest demographic with 856 enrolled, while Hispanic, African American, and Asian students number 126, 40, and 22 respectively. Other groups, including Native American, Pacific Islander, those identifying with two or more races, and unknown categories, account for smaller segments of the student population. Most of these groups are at or below average representation compared to similar institutions.
Student life at Simpson College offers a variety of cultural and media activities that cater to diverse interests. Students can participate in campus drama productions, contribute to the campus newspaper, or get involved with campus radio and television outlets. Additionally, there is an active campus chorus for those interested in vocal music, though a campus band is not present.
Support services on campus include a health clinic, psychological counseling, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center, ensuring resources are available for different student needs. While legal services are not provided on campus, the presence of these other support facilities reflects an institutional commitment to student well-being.
With a total enrollment of about 1,163 students and a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, students at Simpson College may benefit from a more personal and engaging educational environment. The relatively small number of international students, representing just two countries, suggests a predominantly domestic student body.
Simpson College provides access to a single main library, the Dunn Library, which hosts all of the institution's physical and digital collections. The college does not have any additional libraries, placing it in the lower range compared to other institutions in terms of library facility quantity. Dunn Library offers a total of approximately 95,414 physical books, which is modest when measured against peer institutions.
In terms of subscriptions, Simpson College maintains around 11 physical periodical subscriptions along with about 125,044 digital subscriptions and a digital database count of 31, indicating an average level of access to academic journals and resources. The number of electronic books offered is lower, with about 218,926 titles available, falling into the bottom third among comparable colleges.
The library operates 85 hours per week with established opening hours and provides physical facilities and digital access. Library staff are trained to assist students effectively. However, there are no study rooms or all-day access options available. Students do benefit from access to shared collections, which can expand the range of available materials beyond the immediate holdings of Dunn Library.
Total enrollment
1163Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
342Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
242 full time, 139 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Dunn LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes