Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Northwestern College vs Simpson College

Orange City, IA · Indianola, IA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Northwestern CollegeSimpson College
Acceptance Rate87.0%88.9%
In-State Tuition$35,300$46,212
Out-of-State Tuition$35,300$46,212
Average Net Price$12,791$12,196
Graduation Rate64.0%66.0%

GradFax Analysis

Northwestern College accepts 87.0% of applicants. Simpson College accepts 88.9%. Northwestern College's tuition is $35,300. Simpson College's is $46,212. Northwestern College is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 64% at Northwestern College, 66% at Simpson College.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Northwestern College profileSimpson College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Northwestern College or Simpson College?

Northwestern College. It accepts 87.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Northwestern College or Simpson College more affordable?

Northwestern College has lower published tuition: $35,300 versus $46,212. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Simpson College: 66% of students finish in 6 years. Northwestern College is at 64%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Northwestern College vs Simpson College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax