All-in for Iowa

Simpson College introduced two new full-tuition scholarship programs today that are expected to substantially increase the number of new Iowa students qualifying for free tuition. As part of Simpson’s “All-in for Iowa” campaign, at least one first-time enrolling student from all 99 counties will be eligible to receive a full-tuition scholarship for Fall 2024.

“Our enduring commitment to ensuring affordable access to Simpson excellence continues to grow,” said President Jay Byers at today’s news conference. “And today that commitment is reaching historic heights. These full-scholarship initiatives are going to open more doors to educational dreams than ever before — they’re game-changers.”

The first initiative, Simpson’s $100K Promise, pledges full-tuition support for admitted students whose family’s adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less. The $100,000 income threshold represents a 67 percent increase over Simpson’s previous Promise program of the past six years, which capped free-tuition eligible family adjusted gross income at $60,000. This fall, 81 new students enrolled under the existing Simpson Promise.

The second initiative, 99 County Full-Tuition, ensures that at least one admitted student from each of Iowa’s 99 counties will be eligible to receive a full-tuition scholarship. Those scholarships will be awarded via a committee selection process, which includes consideration of both financial need and academic merit.

The Simpson $100K Promise and 99 County Full-Tuition programs incorporate federal and state aid awards with Simpson scholarship funds to cover full tuition for the student’s first year.

“I’ve been in higher ed a long time and haven’t seen a combination of scholarship programs as bold and comprehensive as what we’re offering at Simpson,” said Leigh Mlodzik, vice president of Enrollment. “This is a market-setting package of full-tuition programs that go well beyond the extra mile in ensuring that many more Iowa students benefit from an exceptional Simpson education. We fully anticipate a tremendous response from students all across the state.”

Both first-year students and transfers will be eligible for the programs in Fall 2024. Students must submit a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) and be deemed eligible for federal aid. In addition to being full-time, first-time enrollees at Simpson, students must live on campus and participate in one of the College’s meal plans at their expense. Students will be eligible for the $100K Promise on a rolling admission basis while the 99 County Full-Tuition program will have a priority deadline.

Last week, Simpson announced new student enrollment is up 11 percent with a total of 382 first year and transfer students beginning classes for the 2023-24 academic year. It marks the largest incoming class at Simpson in five years.