• How can my student apply to Simpson College?
• What needs to be included with the application?
• When are applications due?
• What classes should my student take in high school to prepare for Simpson?
• What test scores and GPA are needed to be accepted?
• How much does Simpson cost?
• How does my student apply for Financial Aid?
• When will we receive an official Financial Award that shows total costs for my student?
• When is tuition due?
• What is the school code for the FAFSA?
• How can we sign up for a visit to campus?
• Where can we stay when we come to visit Simpson?
• What sports are offered at Simpson?
• Are freshmen required to live on campus?
• What type of computer should my student bring to Simpson?
• Are there jobs available on campus?

How can my student apply to Simpson College?

Your student has three ways they can apply to Simpson.  They can apply using our online application.  If they are applying to other colleges using the Common Application they can simply add Simpson College to schools they want their application sent to.  Students also have the option of printing out a pdf of the application and mailing it to the Office of Admissions.

What needs to be included with the application?

• Completed application for admission (no application fee required)
• High school transcripts reflecting academic work completed through your student’s junior year to be sent to the Simpson College Office of Admissions.
• When your student requests the transcript, please also have them have their counselor complete the counselor recommendation/high school report form.
• Official results of the ACT and/or SAT I should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.  Simpson ACT code is 1354; SAT-I code is 6650. SAT Subject tests are not required.

*Please click the link below for transfer and international student checklists

Transfer Admissions

International Admissions

When are applications due?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning the early fall and continuing on a space available basis. Admission to Simpson College is based on your student’s academic record, extracurricular activities, and potential for success in a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. 

What classes should my student take in high school to prepare for Simpson?

We recommend students take a challenging curriculum in high school that prepares them for the rigors of college, but one in which they can be successful.  Simpson does not have requirements for a certain number of years in each subject, however we strongly recommend they continue to pursue core academic courses in high school such as math, science, English, social science, etc.  One of the admissions criteria that the Simpson Admissions committee will look at will be the student’s course selection in high school.  Students that have exceeded the level of courses offered at their high school are encouraged to enroll in community college courses or college-prep courses from an accredited institution.

What test scores and GPA are needed to be accepted?

Simpson College does not have a minimum GPA or test score requirement to apply. The Simpson admission committee takes a very holistic approach to admissions.  Members of the committee consider each application individually. They consider various academic factors and secondary factors as indicators of a student’s potential to succeed in Simpson’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum.   Primary factors include, but are not limited to, high school GPA, course selection, ACT or SAT scores, and academic achievement.  Secondary factors include, but are not limited to, extracurricular activities, awards, service, community involvement, work experience and the required essay.

How much does Simpson cost?

Costs for the 2012-2013 academic year are:

Tuition and fees: $29,529

Basic Residence Hall Costs: $3,860

Standard Board Charge: $4,103

Total Comprehensive Fee: $37,492

99% of Students at Simpson receive some form of Financial Aid.  Simpson offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships. Financial assistance also comes in the form of grants, loans and work programs. Learn more about Financial Assistance at Simpson on our Web site.

How does my student apply for Financial Aid?

Simpson offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships.  Your students will automatically be considered for merit based scholarships with their application for admission. Some additional scholarship opportunities require a separate application. Click here for a complete list of Simpson Scholarships.

Financial assistance also comes in the form of grants, loans and work programs using information collected from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  As a parent, you will want to fill out the FAFSA in January of your student’s senior year.  The FAFSA can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and will be something filled out each year.  To list Simpson as a school you want the information sent to, please use the Simpson FAFSA code 001887.  The information collected on the FAFSA will determine what Federal Aid you and your family qualify for.

Learn more about Financial Assistance at Simpson on our Web site.

When will we receive an official Financial Award that shows total costs for my student?

Official Financial Assistance Awards will be mailed to all accepted students in early March.  This award will include merit and need based aid and your family’s estimated billable for the upcoming school year.  Preliminary awards with merit based scholarships are mailed in November to give students a general idea of the aid they will receive without information collected from the FAFSA.

When is tuition due?

Tuition is typically due a few weeks before the start of the academic semester. The exact date will be communicated to you by the Office of Financial Assistance, including a personalized bill reflecting all Financial Aid and Scholarships awarded.

What is the school code for the FAFSA?

Simpson College school code (to list Simpson on the FAFSA form)
001887

Where should we mail official transcripts?

Office of Admissions
701 North C Street
Indianola, IA 50125

What is the school code for the ACT or SAT?

Simpson College ACT code (list Simpson to receive your ACT scores)
1354

Simpson College SAT-I code (list Simpson to receive your SAT scores)
6650

How can we sign up for a visit to campus?

There are numerous ways to visit Simpson College.  Whether your student is looking for a personalized visit, overnight stay, or a full day visit experience there is no better way to experience Simpson than by coming to campus.  Learn more on our visit page.

Where can we stay when we come to visit Simpson?

Apple Tree Inn

Super 8 Indianola

Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport Conference Center

Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown

Marriott Downtown Des Moines

What sports are offered at Simpson?

Simpson athletes compete at the NCAA Division III level in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.  Simpson offers 19 competitive sports including Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Wrestling, Softball, and Women’s Volleyball.  For the less competitive athlete, Simpson also offers various intramurals each semester.  Learn more about Simpson Storm!

Are freshmen required to live on campus?

Living on campus is an integral part of the Simpson Experience.  We require freshman to live on campus for their first year, however a request can be made to be a commuter if family lives near campus.  The majority of Simpson Students choose to live on campus all four years.  To learn more about housing options visit the Residence Life section.

What type of computer should my student bring to Simpson?

•Current Intel processor

•4 GB memory or greater

•250 GB hard drive or greater

 •10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet

•17-inch display (desktop only)

•802.11 a/b/g wireless networking (notebook only)

•Mac OS 10.6 operating system

•Office 2011 for Mac – Home and Student Edition

•Current Intel/compatible processor

•4 GB memory or greater

•250 GB hard drive or greater

•10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet

•17-inch display (desktop only)

•802.11 a/b/g wireless networking  (notebook only)

•Microsoft Windows 7 operating system

•Office Home and Student 2010

Are there jobs available on campus?

There are numerous opportunities to work on campus.  Students awarded work study have a variety of options including positions in residence life, admissions, registrar, athletics, and many more.