University of Northern Iowa vs Simpson College: which has better ROI?
Simpson College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,744 in 8 years versus 9.3 years at University of Northern Iowa, on median earnings of $59,274 vs $55,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Northern Iowa | Simpson College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,901 | $21,936 |
| Total net cost | $63,604 | $87,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,177 | $59,274 |
| Median debt | $19,691 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 9.3 yrs | 8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,736 | $130,536 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Northern Iowa or Simpson College?
University of Northern Iowa, at $15,901 a year after aid versus $21,936 — a gap of $6,035 a year, or $24,140 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Northern Iowa or Simpson College graduates earn more?
Simpson College graduates report a median $59,274 ten years after entry, $4,097 more than the $55,177 at University of Northern Iowa. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Northern Iowa or Simpson College?
University of Northern Iowa: its completers carry a median $19,691 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Simpson College, a difference of $6,309. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Northern Iowa, against 63% at Simpson College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.