Simpson College

About Simpson

Founded in 1860, Simpson has prepared generations of students for successful careers, graduate schools or service work. Our beautiful campus sits on 75 acres in Indianola, Iowa and offers the best of both worlds: a nurturing academic environment that’s close to the career, internship and entertainment options available in Iowa’s capital city. Most of our professors hold the highest degrees in their field, and they are committed to helping the more than 1,400 students achieve their dreams. Student life is exciting and fulfilling, with dozens of opportunities for students to participate, in everything from Greek life to intercollegiate and intramural sports. Simpson’s success in promoting quality programs and providing exceptional value has been recognized nationally by Peterson’s Competitive Colleges and U.S. News. This is a great college, and the more that people learn about Simpson, the more impressed they become. We invite you to visit and take a closer look.

Quick Facts

Founded

In 1860, Simpson College was founded by members of the Iowa United Methodist Church.

Accreditation

Simpson College has been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association since 1913.

Locations

Indianola, Iowa, a community of 13,000 people located 12 miles south of Des Moines, which is Iowa’s thriving capital city. Simpson also has campuses in West Des Moines and Ankeny.

Main Campus

Eighty-five acres comprise Simpson’s main campus in Indianola with 34 major buildings, including: College Hall, Wallace Hall, Mary Berry Hall, George Washington Carver Science Center, Dunn Library, Kent Campus Center, Smith Memorial Chapel, Blank Performing Arts Center, Athletic Complex, Amy Robertson Music Center and Henry H. and Thomas H. McNeill Hall.

Character

Simpson College is a United Methodist-related, independent, undergraduate, coeducational, liberal-arts college.

Academic Year

Two four-month semesters and one three-week term in May, which allows for specialized study on or off campus, make up the academic year.

Number of Faculties

The faculty to student ratio is one professor for every 13 students with 86 percent of the 95-member, full-time faculty have earned the highest degree in their fields.

Number of Students

The student body is made up of 1,400 full-time students and 300 part-time students.

Admission

Application form, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores and recommendation from principal or guidance counselor are considered in the acceptance process.

Costs

Costs for the 2016-17 academic year are as follows: tuition and fees $35,876; standard room costs $3,860; standard board charges $4,103.

Majors, Minors & Programs

Simpson offers 80 majors, minors and programs.

Extracurricular Organizations

Eighty-four percent of students are involved in student government, newspaper, radio, intercollegiate and intramural sports, Greek life, departmental activities, honor and professional groups, music, drama, religion and other interest groups.

Intercollegiate Sports

Men: baseball,* basketball,* cross country, football,* golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, wrestling;* Women: basketball*, cross country,* golf,* softball,* soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field,* volleyball* *Recent Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champion (since 1987).

Honors and Professional Societies

Alpha Lambda Delta; Alpha Sigma Lambda; Beta Beta Beta; Epsilon Sigma; Mu Phi Epsilon; Omicron Delta Kappa; Phi Alpha Theta; Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia; Student Education Association.

Greek Organizations

Fraternities: Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Theta Psi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sororities: Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Lambda Gamma

Distinctive Facts

Simpson is recognized for its quality programs and value by Peterson’s Competitive Colleges and by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, Simpson ranks among the nation’s top 100 colleges in the percentage of students who study abroad, according to U.S. News and World Report. Simpson is also the summer home of internationally recognized Des Moines Metro Opera. Noted scientist George Washington Carver began his college career at Simpson in 1890.

Head Administrators

Chair, Board of Trustees: Sunnie Richer President: Jay Simmons President’s Cabinet