Simmons University
Simmons University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Simmons University at a Glance
Simmons University is a private university in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1899 by clothing manufacturer John Simmons as Simmons College, in 2018 it reorganized its structure and adopted its current name. Its undergraduate program is women-focused while its graduate programs are co-educational.
1899
127 years old
$254M
$253.6 million (2025)
5,348
1,675 undergrad · 3,673 grad
186
12 acres
Identity
Is Simmons University Worth It?
Simmons University offers moderate value at $25,265/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $63,494, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Simmons University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #13 of 94 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #5 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #6 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #13 | Simmons University | 45 | $25,265 | $63,494 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Simmons University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in MA.
Best Programs at Simmons University
The highest-earning program at Simmons University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $66,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $33,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Simmons University earns $66,600, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $33,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,265/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,600 | $66,600 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,100 | $44,100 | $24,680 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,200 | $33,200 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Student Body
- 1,670 students
- Admission Rate
- 70%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,265
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,494
- Median Student Debt
- $24,840