Simpson University vs. Central College

Simpson University and Central College side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Simpson University
Central College

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Simpson University (86% admitted vs 86.2%). Typical SAT 1070 vs 1090.
  • Cheaper after aid: Central College. Average net price is $23,848 vs $28,653 at Simpson University.
  • Graduation: Simpson University 43% vs Central College 63%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Simpson University $38,200 vs Central College $48,000 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Simpson University Central College
Acceptance rate
Simpson University more selective
Simpson University86%
Central College86.2%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Simpson University higher
Simpson University960-1185
Central College1056-1120
Average net price
Central College $4,805 less
Simpson University$28,653
Central College$23,848
In-state tuition
Central College $18,720 less
Simpson University$39,708
Central College$20,988
Out-of-state tuition
Central College $18,720 less
Simpson University$39,708
Central College$20,988
Graduation rate
Central College +20 pts
Simpson University43%
Central College63%
Median earnings (10 years)
Central College +$9,800
Simpson University$38,200
Central College$48,000

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at Simpson University and Central College with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at Simpson University Check my chances at Central College
  • Applied
  • Simpson University 823
  • Central College 1,706
  • Admitted
  • Simpson University 708
  • Central College 1,470
  • Acceptance rate
  • Simpson University 86%
  • Central College 86.2%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Simpson University 24.2%
  • Central College 21%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Simpson University 1070
  • Central College 1090
  • Typical ACT score
  • Simpson University 24
  • Central College 23
  • Average high school GPA
  • Simpson University 3.4
  • Central College 3.52
  • Typical high school grades
  • Simpson University B+
  • Central College A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Simpson University Moderate
  • Central College Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Simpson University
  • Central College
  • SAT range
  • Simpson University 960-1185
  • Central College 1056-1120
  • ACT range
  • Simpson University 21-28
  • Central College 20-26
  • Submit test scores
  • Simpson University Test-free
  • Central College Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Simpson University Aug 1, 2027
  • Central College
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Simpson University $39,708
  • Central College $20,988
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Simpson University $39,708
  • Central College $20,988
  • Room & board
  • Simpson University $11,900
  • Central College $12,060
  • Average net price
  • Simpson University $28,653
  • Central College $23,848
  • Average grant aid
  • Simpson University $25,937
  • Central College $13,925
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Simpson University 100%
  • Central College 100%
  • Graduation rate
  • Simpson University 43%
  • Central College 63%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Simpson University $38,200
  • Central College $48,000
  • Making student loan payments
  • Simpson University 67%
  • Central College 78%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Simpson University $16,668
  • Central College $27,000
  • Median loan payment
  • Simpson University $172
  • Central College $279
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Simpson University 17:1
  • Central College 11:1
  • Popular majors
  • Simpson University
    • Business (24%)
    • Psychology (20%)
    • Theology and Religious Vvocations (12%)
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities (11%)
    • Health Professions (11%)
  • Central College
    • Business (17%)
    • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (13%)
    • Social Sciences (12%)
    • Biology (8%)
    • Foreign Languages (7%)
  • Location
  • Simpson University Redding, CA
  • Central College Pella, IA
  • Setting
  • Simpson University Rural Fringe
  • Central College Distant Town
  • Total enrollment
  • Simpson University 992
  • Central College 1,084
  • Type
  • Simpson University Private 4 Year
  • Central College Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Simpson University
  • Central College #506

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson University in Redding, CA with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Central College is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 992 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Simpson University is located in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
  • Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson University 17:1; Central College 11:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 1.3% lower than at Central College ($11,900 vs. $12,060).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 89.2% higher at Simpson University than at Central College (about $18,720 more per year; $39,708 vs. $20,988).
  • The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 86.3% larger than aid received by Central College students ($25,937 vs. $13,925).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Simpson University than at Central College (24 vs. 23, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Simpson University, test optional at Central College.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Central College average a 3.52 high school GPA, 0.12 higher than at Simpson University (3.4).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Simpson University vs. 21% at Central College.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $10,332 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($16,668 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $107 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($172 vs. $279).
  • More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation (78% vs. 67%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Simpson University
Central College
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges