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.
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![]() Naropa University |
![]() Simpson University |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Evangelical | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 100.0% | 66.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$60
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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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
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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Moderate
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 9:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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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)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees)
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
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