Simpson College, founded in 1860, is a private liberal arts institution located in Indianola, Iowa. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the college was named after Methodist bishop Matthew Simpson, a close advisor to President Abraham Lincoln. Over the years, Simpson College has grown to become a respected institution in the Midwest, offering a broad range of undergraduate programs while maintaining its commitment to a personalized educational experience rooted in its liberal arts tradition.
What sets Simpson College apart is its strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. The college fosters a close-knit community, where students are encouraged to participate in internships, service learning, and study abroad opportunities. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students benefit from personalized attention and mentorship from faculty members who are not only educators but also active professionals in their fields. The Simpson Promise, a financial aid initiative, ensures that qualified Iowa students from families with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less can attend tuition-free, making higher education accessible to a broader audience.
Academically, Simpson College is known for its strong programs in music, theatre, and the sciences. The college's esteemed music program offers students numerous performance opportunities, including participation in nationally recognized ensembles and choirs. Its theatre department, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is highly regarded for producing skilled graduates who have gone on to successful careers on and off the stage. The college also boasts robust programs in biology and environmental science, providing students with hands-on research opportunities in partnership with local organizations and through projects like the on-campus prairie restoration initiative.
Despite its many strengths, Simpson College has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in terms of fluctuating enrollment numbers and financial pressures that are common among small liberal arts colleges. These challenges have led to some program restructuring and cost-cutting measures to ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, while the college offers a vibrant campus life, it is located in a relatively small town, which might limit off-campus social and recreational opportunities for some students. Nonetheless, the proximity to Des Moines provides access to a wider range of cultural and professional experiences for those seeking them.
