Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Redding, California
99% Acceptance Rate
Simpson University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
99%Acceptance Rate
3.4Avg GPA
1073Avg SAT
$52,366Annual Cost
$54,340Grad Salary
42.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
99%
Avg GPA
3.4
Avg SAT
1073
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1033–1103
Need-Based Aid
42.2% receive Pell
Simpson University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution in California that emphasizes the integration of faith, scholarship, and professional preparation. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, potential for campus contribution, and alignment with the university's mission. The university seeks well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in a small, supportive learning environment where mentorship is prioritized.
Successful applicants should emphasize their participation in community service, athletics, or student leadership roles, as these reflect the university's mission of preparing students for service and leadership. A strong personal statement should discuss how the student's personal and professional goals align with the university's commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. The admissions committee values applicants who show maturity and a clear, thoughtful approach to their future career and academic development within a community-centered environment.
Simpson University Acceptance Rate
Simpson University (Simpson College) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 99% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 99% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.95
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Simpson University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Simpson University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of December 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 117 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Simpson College reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Simpson College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Simpson College is 3.4. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.10–3.4 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.60–3.80.Simpson College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.00 – 3.19
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.99
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Admission uses a genuine tiered GPA system: 3.2+ (with B+ in Algebra 2) for full qualification in pre-nursing/math/biology; 2.1?2.69 GPA means provisional acceptance capped at 13 units plus mandatory tutoring; below 2.1 requires a submitted academic essay.
- Pre-nursing, math, and biology majors face an Algebra 2 grade requirement evaluated separately from overall GPA.
- Students must live on campus for their first two years.
- Chapel attendance is mandatory twice weekly for all students, tied to the school's Christian and Missionary Alliance affiliation.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Simpson College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Simpson University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Simpson University (Simpson College) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Simpson College is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Simpson College Without SAT or ACT?
Simpson College neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
Simpson University Average SAT Score: 1073
The average SAT score of admitted students at Simpson University is 1073 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1073 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1103 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Simpson University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1033, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Simpson College. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1073 | 1033 | 1103 |
Below 1033, you're behind most admitted students; at 1103 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Simpson University (Simpson College) with a 1100 SAT?
A 1100 SAT puts you ahead of most of Simpson College's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Simpson College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Getting into Simpson College is the easy part. What matters next is using placement testing, advising, and available resources to set up a strong first year.
Know Exactly Which Admission Tier You Fall Into
Simpson uses a genuine tiered GPA admission system, not a single cutoff: a 3.2+ unweighted GPA with a B or better in Algebra 2 or higher earns full qualification for pre-nursing, math, and biology; a 2.1?2.69 GPA results in provisional acceptance capped at 13 units in the first semester plus mandatory Academic Success Center meetings; below 2.1 requires submitting an academic essay for Admissions Committee review. Calculate your exact unweighted GPA before applying so you know which set of requirements - and obligations - actually applies to you.
Prioritize Your Algebra 2 Grade Specifically for Pre-Nursing/Math/Biology
Pre-nursing, math, and biology applicants face a stricter, named threshold beyond general GPA: a B or better in Algebra 2 or higher. This is evaluated separately from overall GPA, so a strong overall transcript with a weak Algebra 2 grade can still fall short for these specific majors - retake or strengthen that specific course if it's borderline.
Budget and Plan for Two Years of Mandatory On-Campus Housing
Simpson requires students to live on campus for their first two years, regardless of local ties or commuting distance. Factor this into your financial planning from the start rather than assuming a commuter option will be available even for local Redding-area students.
Show Genuine Comfort with Twice-Weekly Mandatory Chapel
Chapel attendance is required twice a week for all students, reflecting Simpson's Christian and Missionary Alliance affiliation - though the student body includes members of 30+ denominations beyond the Alliance itself. Applicants of any denominational background should demonstrate genuine openness to this structural requirement in their application rather than treating it as incidental campus culture.
Expert Insight:
Simpson University shares a near-identical name with the unrelated, secular Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa (Methodist-affiliated, entirely different admissions profile and campus culture). Generic searches for "Simpson College admissions" or even "Simpson University admissions" can easily surface the wrong school's information - always confirm any source specifically references Redding, CA or simpsonu.edu.
Simpson College Profile
Full Name
Simpson University (Simpson College)
City
Redding
State
California
ZIP Code
96003-8606
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a Simpson College Degree Worth It?
Simpson College offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $55,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.63%.
How much does a degree from Simpson College Cost?
The sticker price is $52,366/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
42.2% of students receive a Pell Grant and 58.1% take federal loans at Simpson College. File your FAFSA early and list Simpson College as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Simpson College Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $54,340. That's about 34% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Simpson University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | 1057 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Simpson University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Piedmont University | Demorest, GA | 1074 | 21 |
| Shorter University | Rome, GA | 1075 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Simpson University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Simpson College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Simpson College Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Simpson University run about $54,340 a year.
At about $52,366 a year, Simpson University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
About 42.2% receive a Pell Grant at Simpson University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 99%, Simpson University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Simpson University average a 3.4 GPA.
Simpson University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.1 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3, Simpson University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Simpson University — aim above 1073, ideally within the 1033–1103 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Simpson University is December 1. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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