Simpson University
Simpson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Simpson University Worth It?
At a value score of 22/100, Simpson University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,340 — 1% above average — while paying $27,817/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 45% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Simpson University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Simpson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #115 of 146 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #115 | Simpson University | 22 | $27,817 | $54,340 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Simpson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in CA.
Best Programs at Simpson University
The highest-earning program at Simpson University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $88,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Simpson University earns $88,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,000. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $16,666 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,817/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 | $88,000 | $88,000 | $27,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $33,600 | $33,600 | $16,666 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $28,200 | $28,200 | $18,750 |
| Psychology, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $16,666 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Redding, CA
- Student Body
- 809 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,817
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,340
- Median Student Debt
- $18,750