Simpson University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Simpson, the acceptance rate suggests admission is reachable for many prepared students, so your bigger strategy is choosing a place where you can thrive and stay on track. With a 60% freshman retention rate, look closely at support, fit, and cost. Since Simpson is test-optional, submit scores if they clearly strengthen your 3.4-ish GPA profile.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Simpson University facts and stats
Simpson University is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 822. Simpson has a 60% freshman retention rate and a 49% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
Redding, CA
How does your GPA compare at Simpson?

Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Simpson University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Simpson, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes to improve your score or take advantage of superscoring, with October as the safest final ACT retake and November as the last likely SAT date before the December 1 Early Action deadline.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Simpson University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Simpson is a private not-for-profit, so the same $38,522 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. 81% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $11,624. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline for full aid consideration.

Simpson University’s listed cost of attendance is about $50,022, including $38,522 in tuition and fees and $11,500 for room and board. About 81% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $22,370. Merit awards average $11,624 for recipients, which can meaningfully reduce the billed cost. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,938.
Student life at Simpson University
41% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
Ready to fit Simpson University's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.
