Simpson University vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson University in Redding, CA with Wartburg College in Waverly, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wartburg College is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (1,483 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson University is located in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Wartburg College is in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson University 17:1; Wartburg College 13:1.

Simpson University vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson University or Wartburg College? 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 Wartburg College than Simpson University ($24,031 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 1.3% lower than at Simpson University ($11,750 vs. $11,900).
• Simpson University is 51.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $13,458 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.3% higher at Simpson University than at Wartburg College (about $13,458 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 55.5% larger than aid received by Simpson University students ($40,336 vs. $25,937).

Simpson University vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simpson University (1070) is the same as at Wartburg College (1070).
• Incoming Simpson University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Wartburg College (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 960/1185; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 21/28; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson University - Test-free; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wartburg College students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Simpson University (3.4).
• Simpson University has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Simpson University vs. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

Simpson University vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson University and Wartburg College? 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $10,332 lower median loan debt than Wartburg College graduates ($16,668 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $107 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($172 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.