Students at Simmons University achieve earnings that place the institution among the top 10% of colleges nationwide for long-term financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently earn more than expected compared with peers at similar institutions, reflecting the university's strength in career-focused education and professional preparation.
Simmons University delivers exceptional long-term earnings outcomes that place it among the top private institutions nationwide for return on investment. Located in Boston, this small private nonprofit university consistently produces graduates who earn significantly more than peers at similar institutions, with median 10-year earnings of $63,494 that rank in the 89th percentile nationally. What makes Simmons particularly compelling is its ability to combine personalized attention with professional preparation that translates directly into career success.
The university's strength lies in its focused approach to career-oriented education, especially in nursing and health sciences where graduates see some of the strongest financial outcomes in the field. With just under 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 20% being first-generation college students, Simmons maintains a selective but accessible profile that supports diverse learners in achieving upward mobility.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Simmons demonstrates how a small private university can deliver both academic rigor and practical career preparation. The combination of Boston's robust job market, strong alumni networks, and Simmons' reputation in professional fields creates an environment where graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations and build sustainable career trajectories.
Simmons University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation that leads directly to stable, well-compensated careers. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic outcomes, with 176 graduates earning a median of $67,789 ten years after graduation. This program alone demonstrates Simmons' strength in healthcare education, combining substantial enrollment with exceptional earning potential that reflects the high demand for skilled nurses in Boston's healthcare market.
The university's focused approach means that even smaller programs deliver solid outcomes. Psychology, with 21 graduates, produces early-career earnings around $41,007, while other programs maintain the institution's commitment to career preparation and professional development. This concentrated approach allows Simmons to build deep expertise and strong industry connections in its core areas.
As a small institution, Simmons graduates relatively focused cohorts each year, which creates concentrated network strength and allows for intensive career preparation and mentorship. The university's location in Boston provides exceptional access to internships, clinical placements, and job opportunities in healthcare, education, and professional services, helping explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations for similar institutions.
Graduates of Simmons University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on career-oriented education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $63,494, placing the university in the 89th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance represents meaningful earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning approximately $836 more annually than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's return on investment is driven primarily by its strength in nursing and health sciences programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by total impact and highest-earning field, with 176 graduates earning a median of $67,789 ten years out. This program alone generates nearly $12 million in aggregate economic return, demonstrating how Simmons' focused approach to professional preparation translates into substantial career outcomes. Psychology graduates, while fewer in number with 21 graduates, also see solid early-career earnings around $41,007.
Simmons' location in Boston enhances these outcomes significantly, as graduates enter one of the nation's strongest job markets for healthcare, education, and professional services. The university's small size allows for intensive career preparation and strong industry connections that help graduates secure positions with competitive starting salaries and clear advancement pathways in their chosen fields.
Affordability at Simmons University reflects the premium pricing typical of small private institutions, with net costs that require careful family financial planning. Low-income students pay approximately $19,518 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $22,473 per year. High-income families face substantially higher net prices of about $33,812, placing Simmons in the 24th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning most comparable institutions charge less.
Despite higher upfront costs, the university's financial aid approach helps make attendance feasible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating meaningful support for lower-income families, while the institution's strong earnings outcomes help justify the investment for families who can manage the costs. The university's focused approach to career preparation in high-demand fields like nursing helps ensure that graduates can handle their educational investment through strong post-graduation earning power.
Simmons University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
