Simpson Welcomes Largest First-Year Class in More than a Decade

Simpson College welcomed 423 new students for Fall 2024 — including 381 first-year students, which is the largest incoming class since 2012. First-year student enrollment is up 27 percent over the last two years. The Fall 2024 incoming class also includes 42 transfer students.

“There is tremendous excitement about what is happening at Simpson College,” said Simpson President Jay Byers. “Our investments in facilities and programs to enhance the student experience, along with our ever-increasing commitment to maximizing access and affordability is making all the difference. We are proud to lead the way in making a great education affordable for all qualified students, regardless of economic circumstances.”

Much of this year’s recruitment success is attributed to Simpson’s All-In for Iowa programs featuring full-tuition scholarships for first-time Iowa students. The first program —Simpson’s $100K Promise — provides full-tuition for all students with an adjusted gross family income of $100,000 or less. Additionally, Simpson’s 99 County Full Tuition program is designed to ensure that at least one student from every Iowa county can attend Simpson tuition free.

“Simpson’s All-In for Iowa full-tuition scholarships are incredibly attractive and reassuring to families,” said Leigh Mlodzik, vice president for Enrollment Management. “Rather than having to worry about FAFSA delays this past year, families could enjoy peace of mind about affordability and focus instead on the distinctive advantages and value Simpson provides.”

Simpson’s Fall 2024 first-year class features 75 percent of students from Iowa — up from 71 percent last year and 68 percent two years ago. The Iowa total includes 39 more students this year and 82 more than two years ago — a 40 percent increase. Fall 2024 first-year enrollment from Iowa includes representation from 74 state counties — compared to 58 counties last year.

In all, 31 states are represented in Simpson’s new incoming class. The total includes 28 percent who identify as students of color — a four-percentage point increase over last year.

Total full-time undergraduate enrollment increased to 1,201— a 10 percent gain over 2023-24. First-year to second-year retention is up five percentage points to 81.3 percent, which is also the strongest showing in more than a decade.