Simpson University vs Naropa University

Simpson University and Naropa University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Simpson University, located in Redding, California, is a private Christian university with a strong focus on liberal arts and sciences. Naropa University, on the other hand, is a private Buddhist-inspired university in Boulder, Colorado, known for its emphasis on contemplative education and mindfulness practices. While both universities share a commitment to providing a transformative educational experience, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover the nuances that set these two universities apart and make an informed decision about which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal values.
Naropa University logo

Naropa University

Simpson University logo

Simpson University

Overview

Location Boulder, Colorado Redding, California
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 54.0% 57.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Evangelical

Admission

Acceptance rate 100.0% 66.9%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $60
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 148 953
Total number of admissions given out 148 638
Admitted students who chose to enroll 29 134
Yield rate 19.6% 21.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $53,858 $58,121
Average net price $29,924 $25,311
Tuition $34,600 $34,400
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,300

Meal plan: $5,600
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

92.0%
Average amount $22,372
99.0%
Average amount $23,390
Students receiving federal student loan 50.0%
Average amount $11,330
41.0%
Average amount $5,439
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
8.0%
Average amount $17,383

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 325
Men 26.5% Women 73.5%
806
Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
Graduate students 639
Men 25.2% Women 74.8%
187
Men 37.4% Women 62.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 40.7% N/A
International students 2.4% 1.6%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 104 544
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Colorado California New York Arizona Georgia N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Psychology
  • English Language and Literature
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Health Professions
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 9:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 34.2% 44.8%
Dropout rate 23.7% 19.4%
Transferred out 42.1% 35.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,475
  • Year 2: $31,133
  • Year 3: $31,734
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $19,802
  • Year 2: $21,052
  • Year 3: $20,185
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $23,019
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: N/A
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $18,154
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,112
  • Year 2: $84,161
  • Year 3: $87,775
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,227
  • Year 2: $50,270
  • Year 3: $48,770
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,108
  • Year 2: $36,042
  • Year 3: $38,386
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,289
  • Year 2: $40,281
  • Year 3: $38,233
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $17,753
  • Year 2: $24,421
  • Year 3: $31,400
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,149
  • Year 2: $31,765
  • Year 3: $31,011
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $19,227
  • Year 3: $19,275
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: N/A
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: N/A
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $44,971
  • Year 3: N/A