Simpson College

Simpson College

Plains Region
Small Town Campus Setting
Small Size
1,140 Undergrad Enrollment
11:1 Student:Faculty
Master's degree Highest Degree
Accepts Tuition Rewards

From Simpson College

Simpson College offers a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant campus community. Simpson’s beautiful campus is just minutes from Iowa’s thriving capital city, Des Moines.

Simpson’s small class sizes create a dynamic learning environment distinguished by highly accomplished faculty, who are personally invested in ensuring student success. Whether conducting side-by-side research with Simpson faculty, participating in internships or studying around the world, students gain incredible — and highly marketable — experience throughout all four years here.

With 21 academic departments offering 75 majors, minors and pre-professional programs, there’s something for everyone at Simpson. Many students (40%) choose to double down on their professional possibilities by pursuing two majors. All disciplines focus on developing the soft skills that employers covet — leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and flexibility/adaptability.

More than 50% of students compete in the College’s 23 varsity athletics programs. Esports is also attracting great student interest. Meanwhile, nearly 100 students participate in Simpson’s highly acclaimed Speech and Debate Team, which has captured four national championships in the last five years. And many students shine in Simpson’s highly-regarded music and theatre programs.

Additionally, the Culver Public Policy Center fosters civic engagement. Simpson posted a voter rate of 75.3% in the 2020 election, earning recognition as a Gold Campus by ALL-IN Campus Democracy Challenge for excellence in student voter engagement.

A Simpson educational experience produces outstanding outcomes. Over a five-year average, 95% of Simpson graduates were employed, in grad school, volunteering or in military service within 6 months of graduation.

Neighborhood

Simpson College's Indianola campus sits in a charming small town setting where students enjoy easy walkability to downtown shops, restaurants, and local businesses along the tree-lined streets. The area offers a close-knit community atmosphere with access to coffee shops, casual dining, and entertainment venues within a short walk or bike ride from campus. The peaceful residential neighborhood provides a focused academic environment while still connecting students to the amenities and social opportunities of a welcoming Iowa town.
5
Car-Dependent
Walk Score
0
Minimal Transit
Transit Score
20
Minimal Biking
Bike Score
½ mile
1 mile
2 miles
Food & Drink
Restaurants & Bars
Daily Needs
Grocery & Services
Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping & Entertainment
Health & Wellness
Gyms, Parks & Hospitals
Transit Access
Rail (subway, train, light rail)
Bus stops & stations

Admissions & Enrollment

2026-27 Application Deadlines Deadline  
Rolling Admission Open Applications are reviewed as they arrive
Application deadlines are based on information from the college website or publicly available sources. Deadlines can change, so be sure to verify all deadlines with the college before applying.
  REQ Required REC Recommended CON Considered NR Not Required
Highschool GPA
Highschool Rank
Highschool Record
College Preparatory Program
Recommendations
Admission test scores
Personal essay
· REQ = Required
· REC = Recommended
· CON = Considered
· NR = Not Required
Standardized Tests % Submitted Score Range  
ACT 2 31 - 33  
Freshmen Class Total Men Women Another
Number of applicants 1,646 42 % 56 % 99 %
Number admitted 1,463 41 % 57 % 2 %
Number enrolled 342 43 % 54 % 98 %
Does not fall into either of the mutually exclusive binary categories provided

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Majors & Degrees

Degree is in the top 10 based on undergradate enrollment.
Degree is in the top 5 based on enrollment at the postgraduate level.
Area of Study Major Bachelor Master Cert.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry
Biology/Biological Sciences
Neuroscience
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Accounting
Business Administration and Management
International Business/Trade/Commerce
Management Information Systems
Actuarial Science
Marketing/Marketing Management
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Sports Communication
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences
Information Technology
Computer Science
Education
Elementary Education and Teaching
Secondary Education and Teaching
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Music Teacher Education
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
Engineering
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
French Language and Literature
Spanish Language and Literature
Health Professions and Related Programs
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
Health and Wellness
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
History
History
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Corrections and Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
Forensic Science and Technology
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies
Natural Resources and Conservation
Environmental Science
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Philosophy
Religion/Religious Studies
Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Psychology
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Human Services
Social Sciences
Economics
International Relations and Affairs
Political Science and Government
Sociology
Visual and Performing Arts
Graphic Design
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
Fine/Studio Arts
Conducting
Music Performance
Music

Athletics

NCAA Division III with football
Sport Men Women
All Track Combined
Baseball
Basketball
Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Other Sports
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field, Indoor
Track and Field, Outdoor
Track and Field, X-Country
Volleyball
Wrestling

Campus Images

Mission Statement

Through innovative learning opportunities, individual student attention, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive educational access, Simpson College cultivates a diverse community of learners to lead lives of meaning and purpose.