Simmons University, is a private, predominantly women-centric undergraduate institute and co-ed graduate university. It houses 6364 students enrolled in 4 different schools with an international population of 2%. Programs at Simmons University include more than 60 majors and minors. With an acceptance rate of 73% the university is moderately selective in admissions.

An international student seeking admission at Simmons University has the option of providing SAT/ACT scores but ELP scores are required. Students applying should also display dominance in extracurricular activities, leadership qualities and character strength to strengthen their application. Simmons University accepts early applications and regular applications and follows deadlines from November 1 to February 1.

Applications for 2022 are currently open. An international student aiming to study at Simmons University should be prepared to spend around 40,850 USD on tuition fees annually. Merit-based scholarships are part of the US education system and help in easing the cost of tuition and living. International students however, do not qualify for need-based aid.

Simmons University Rankings

Simmons University holds several noticeable positions in university lists prepared by various ranking surveys. Simmons University for the academic year 2022-23 are as follows:

  • #136 in National Universities by US News and World Report.
  • #53 in Best Value Schools by US News and World Report.
  • #=128 US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education.

Highlights

Type of university Private
Faculty members 873
Number of undergraduate students 1,777
Number of graduate students 4,858
Percentage of international students 2%
Academic calendar Semester
Annual acceptance rate 73%
Basic tuition fee for international undergraduate students 40,850 USD
Basic tuition fee for international graduate students 21,698 USD
Test scores accepted TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT
Official website https://www.simmons.edu/
Graduation rate 79%
Retention rate 83%
Application fees Nil for undergraduate courses varies for graduate programs

Simmons University Campus and Accommodation

Simmons University Campus in Massachusetts has an urban setting. There are various academic and administrative buildings, libraries, park science center, main college building, Lefavour Hall, and 9 residential halls on campus. Some other campus facilities enjoyed by the students are as follows:

  • The Multicultural Centre designed to connect the aims and ambitions of students along with their personal development is located on the first floor of the Management and Academic Building.
  • The Student Activities Centre addresses the interests of the undergraduate students on campus and is situated on the core of the Management and Academic Building.
  • Located on the first floor of Palace Road, Makerspace provides a platform for the students to explore their entrepreneurial interests and features cutting-edge technology for convenience.
  • The Media Centre consists of a multifunctional studio and houses the Simmons Radio Station. Students can get involved by performing in the collaborative space offered in the center.
  • Fens Cafe, Meyers Cafe and Common Grounds Cafe located in various parts of the campus are suitable places for campus dining. Hygienic and delicious cuisine is offered at a reasonable price.
  • There are 70 different clubs and student-led organizations like Class Council, Model UN, Campus Activities Board, etc addressing the need and interests of every student on campus.

Housing facilities/Residence

The residential campus is situated a little further away from the main campus and consists of 9 residential halls, Bartol Dining Hall, Holmes Sports Centre, and campus health center to provide student accommodation in the USA. The floor planning of each of the residence halls and their accommodation can be summarized below:

  • Arnold hall houses juniors and seniors and contains single, double, and triple occupancy rooms.
  • Dix Hall is for sophomores and juniors and contains double and triple occupancy rooms.
  • Evans Hall is designed for upperclassmen with suite-style rooms and common rooms.
  • Messick Hall has singles and one quad room and houses first-year and sophomore students.
  • Morse Hall is dedicated solely to first-years and consists of doubles and expansive triple rooms.
  • North Hall’s floor 3,4,5 houses mixed community and class levels. It is meant exclusively for the arts and activity community on floors 1 and 2.
  • Simmons Hall has the largest community and houses first-year students.
  • Smith Hall has suite-style rooms for upper class residents.
  • South Hall houses the Wellness Community and has community bathrooms on each floor.

The undergraduate room/board cost for Spring 2021 is 7,790 USD.

Simmons University Programs

Simmons University delivers its programs through 4 academic colleges. The college offers more than 60 programs and the most popular and pursued course is Registered Nursing. Apart from majors and minors, UG at Simmons University includes honors programs, online majors, and undergraduate research and fellowships.

The university is also known for having the option of studying 3+1 combined degree programs which give the student an option of earning dual degrees. It is comparatively a tedious program but gives the graduates a better edge for future opportunities when they get their degree.

Simmons University International Admission Process

International students aiming to apply to Simmons University must submit their required academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, standardized test scores to study in the USA , financial documents, additional documents, medical records and health insurance for an entire academic year.

Application portal- Common Application and Simmons Application
Application fee- NIL for undergraduate courses, 35-65 USD on graduate programs depending on course.

Admission Requirements

  • The common application is properly filled out.
  • Academic transcripts from secondary school/Colleges with their relevant English translations.
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic teacher and one from a school counselor).
  • English proficiency test scores. TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo are accepted.
  • A self-written college essay.
  • GMAT/GRE scores for graduate students
  • Transfer students should submit their present college transcripts.
  • Medical records stating physical fitness and disabilities (if any).
  • Health insurance.
  • Financial documentation showing the availability of funds in the form of bank statements or sponsor’s affidavit.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Scholarship or sponsorship letter (if applicable).
  • Standardized test scores
  • Interview is recommended but not required.

Simmons University Cost of Attendance

International students planning to apply to Simmons University should look up an estimated budget to study in the US. Costs of attendance depending on the session, additional costs, and personal costs associated with the degree. The average cost of attendance of pursuing a regular undergraduate degree for a year at Simmons University is as follows:

Type of expense Annual Cost in USD
Tuition 40,850
Room/Board 14,022
Activity fee 230
Health Centre fee 744
Health insurance 4,241
Total 60,087

Simmons University Scholarships

Simmons University sets the benchmark every year by providing almost all of its students financial aid or scholarships to study in the USA. The total cost of attendance per year for an international student is 60,087 USD. The average amount of need-based scholarship offered is 31,992 USD. The institute is also known for providing merit-based scholarships and the average amount is 5,167 USD. Some of the most popular scholarships offered to international students are as follows:

  • First-year scholarships (Trustee, Presidential, Provost, Dean’s, Director’s, and Achievement Scholarship) are valued at up to 27,000 USD per year and are renewable for 4 years. No separate application is required for these awards as they are based on admission application.
  • Transfer Scholarships for meritorious students are valued at 2,000 USD per year and are also renewable for the 4 year study period and admission application is considered for giving the awards.
  • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are for transfer students and Dix scholars who must be members of the Phi Theta Kappa Society. These awards are also valued at 2,000 USD per year and are renewable.
  • Kotzen scholarships valued at Full tuition, room, and board + additional 3,000 USD is meant for full time undergraduate students. Applicants have to submit an essay explaining why they need the scholarship within 500 words by December 1.

Work while study- Students are eligible for a federal work study program as a part of the financial aid package. Students are permitted to work on campus and will receive a payment check bi-weekly provided they work for no more than a strict number of hours per week.

Simmons University Alumni

Simmons University currently has a total of 50,000 alumni all over the world. The alumni can share a number of benefits and they include:

  • Successful alumni can get featured on the Simmons Magazine for their achievements.
  • An annual reunion is held every year which is attended by a huge number of ex-students.
  • Alumni can get into donating and fundraising to assist the current students in paying off their college fees.
  • Through a number of social media handles, the alumni can stay connected with each other and rekindle old friendships.
  • The library and alumni directory provide information about all the past students who studied at Simoons University.
  • The Career Education Centre is helpful for alumni looking for employment opportunities.

Simmons University has produced a number of hugely successful alumni. Some of them are noted below.

  • Gwen Ifill- Famous American journalist
  • Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee- Obstetrician and civil rights activist
  • David Ferriero- 10th Archivist of the United States
  • Nnenna Freelon- Popular singer
  • Kristin Cashore- Famous American writer

Simmons University Placements

According to 2020 placement data, 89% of the students were employed within six months of their graduation. 83% of graduates were employed in a field related to their major and the average salary was around 48,000 USD. The top fields of employment were Healthcare, Higher Education, Government-local state and federal, Advertising, PR and Marketing and Non-profit others.

The top employers for the university were medical centers since nursing is a very sought out-degree at Simmons University. 18% resumed their education and went on to pursue courses at Cornell, Harvard, Northeaster, Tufts University, etc. The top employment fields and their average salaries after getting a degree from Simmons University are as follows:

Job Average annual salary in USD
Family nurse practitioner 93,000
Physical therapist 76,000
Social worker 51,730
Licensed clinical social worker 50,030
Archivist 45,850

Simmons University not only fosters a brilliant academic atmosphere with a plethora of courses to pursue, but it also has a vibrant campus with buzzing student life. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, the institute promises to deliver world class education for all its students with maximum concentration. Regarded as one of the best women centric institutes in the country, Simmons University attracts a large number of international applicants every year.

FAQs

Ques. Can I submit my online application to Simmons University before all my required materials are received?

A student will be able to and is usually encouraged to submit all the required documents after submitting the online application since it is less complicated that way. Gaining the additional documents takes a lot of time and students are given the privilege of submitting the online application before the necessary documents. A student cannot check the status of the application before submitting it.

Ques. How quickly are application materials processed at Simmons University?

Usually, the selection committee checks for any additional attached material with the submitted application of the candidate. It takes approximately 1-5 business days for the administration to attach the relevant documents to the application.

Ques. How long will it take to reach a decision after my graduate application is complete at Simmons University?

Applications for graduate admission require a thorough review and checking to make sure no material is missing and appropriate materials are received. Admission decisions for graduate programs are usually available within 2-3 weeks of application completion and submission.

Ques. Where do first year students and transfer students at Simmons University usually live?

Most first year students prefer taking up residential housing while studying at Simmons University. Freshmen usually take rooms in Simmons, Morse, South or Messick Halls. First year students who get accommodation at South or Messick Hall are usually housed together on first-year floors to get them accustomed and live a proper community life.

Ques. What will an international student do after getting an i-20 form from Simmons University?

Simmons University takes a few weeks to reach an admission decision and the student gets a confirmation mail if they are accepted along with an i-20 form. I 20 is required to get a student visa. The student is required to fill in the International Student Supplement form with all the required documents and payment of the SEVIS fee.