Simpson University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson University in Redding, CA with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Simpson University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (992 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson University is located in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson University 17:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Simpson University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson University or BLC? 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 Bethany Lutheran College than Simpson University ($21,127 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 27.6% lower than at Simpson University ($8,620 vs. $11,900).
• Simpson University is 26.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $8,348 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.6% higher at Simpson University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $8,348 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 30.6% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($25,937 vs. $19,865).

Simpson University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 40 points higher than at Simpson University (1070).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at BLC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 960/1185; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 21/28; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson University - Test-free; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson University Aug 1, 2027; BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Simpson University (3.4).
• Simpson University has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Simpson University vs. 34% at BLC.

Simpson University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson University and BLC? 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).

• Bethany Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from Simpson University earn a median of about $900 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,200 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $6,582 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($16,668 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($172 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 67%)

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.