Simpson Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in More than 10 Years

Enrollment for Fall 2026 at Simpson College features 431 new students, including 392 first-year students and 39 transfers. The total represents Simpson’s largest incoming class in more than a decade.

“We are thrilled by this tremendous response to the exceptional educational experience we offer at Simpson College,” said President Sue Stuebner. “The vibrancy of Welcome Week, including a packed house for Opening Convocation, is an exciting indication of the energy and talent our new incoming class brings to campus.”

More than 70 percent of new students are from Iowa, which includes those from 67 of the state’s 99 counties. In all, 23 states are represented among incoming students. The academic profile of the incoming class is again strong, with an average GPA of 3.69. Simpson’s reputation for stellar faculty-student engagement, distinctive strengths in providing research and internship experiences, as well as high impact opportunities in athletics and the performing arts continue to be an enticing recruitment draw. Additionally, the College continues to expand its popular “All-In for Iowa” full-tuition scholarship programs — making excellence affordable for more students each year.

“Our full-tuition scholarship programs have grown quickly to reach students from virtually every county in the state,” said Leigh Mlodzik, Simpson’s vice president for Enrollment Management. “We are dedicated to making sure that every student who will thrive at Simpson has the financial support to do so. And this strong incoming Class is another powerful illustration that our commitment is paying big dividends.”

The total fall enrollment at Simpson stands at 1,265.