Historic Undergraduate enrollment and 15% year-over-year growth in Degree Completion highlight continued university momentum
REDDING, Calif. — Simpson University enrolled approximately 840 traditional undergraduate students for Fall 2026, the largest traditional undergraduate population in the university’s 106-year history.
Total university enrollment reached 1,185 students across traditional undergraduate, degree completion and graduate programs, continuing a multiyear period of significant growth.
Traditional undergraduate enrollment has increased more than 56% since the 2018-19 academic year, when approximately 540 students were enrolled. Growth is also continuing beyond the traditional undergraduate population, with enrollment in Simpson’s ASPIRE Degree Completion program increasing 15% over Fall 2025.
“This milestone reflects Simpson University’s continued innovation, the extraordinary dedication of our faculty and staff, and God’s faithfulness,” said Simpson University President Dr. Norman D. Hall. “More students and families continue to choose Simpson as we strengthen our academic programs, invest in outstanding faculty and new facilities, and prepare students for meaningful work, leadership and service. We remain distinctly Christian in our mission and committed to graduating students who demonstrate critical competence, courageous leadership and effusive faith.”
Simpson’s growth comes amid renewed excitement and momentum across the university. New academic programs, expanding professional pathways, significant growth within Simpson Athletics and continued investment in the student experience are creating new opportunities for students throughout Northern California and beyond.
“We are thrilled by the energy surrounding Simpson University and incredibly grateful to welcome more students into this community,” said Dean of Enrollment and Marketing Jerry Grimshaw. “Students are discovering a Christ-centered university with growing academic and athletic opportunities, a strong sense of community and a home in one of the most unique regions of California. There is a renewed excitement about Simpson, and we believe we are only beginning to see where that can take us.”
The university has launched new programs in engineering, social work, political science, communication and digital media, global studies, data science and artificial intelligence, while also expanding established programs in high-demand fields. Simpson’s nursing program, for example, has grown by approximately 40% as the university responds to a regional and statewide demand for nurses.
Simpson’s Betty M. Dean School of Nursing demonstrates the university’s growing academic strength. Nursing Explorer ranked Simpson’s RN program No. 3 in California for 2025, while NursingProcess.org named Simpson the top-ranked private university offering a BSN program in California.
“Our goal extends beyond adding programs,” Hall said. “We want to build programs of genuine quality and consequence, programs that challenge students academically, prepare them exceptionally well for their professions and address real needs in the communities we serve.”
That commitment also takes physical form this fall as Simpson completes the new Hugh and Hazel Darling Center for Business, Technology, and Engineering, representing an approximately $10 million investment in the university’s academic future.
The new facility will expand opportunities in engineering, business, technology and related disciplines through specialized classrooms, laboratories and collaborative learning spaces. Simpson will celebrate the building’s grand opening during Homecoming Weekend in October.
As Redding and the North State continue to grow as a destination, Simpson is also working to connect its growth with the needs and opportunities of the region. The university continues to develop internships, clinical experiences, professional partnerships and other connections between students and North State employers, aligning academic growth with areas where local communities need educated professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare providers and leaders.
Simpson has also continued to expand access and affordability for traditional undergraduate, degree completion and graduate students, creating additional pathways for students to earn a degree while maintaining the academic quality and personal experience of a Simpson education.
Athletics has also become an increasingly important part of Simpson’s growth and campus culture. The university has significantly expanded its athletic opportunities in recent years, including the addition of football, women’s flag football and esports. The growth of Simpson Athletics has created opportunities for more student athletes to compete, lead and become part of the university’s Christ-centered community.
Simpson’s location provides another distinctive part of the student experience. Redding places students in the heart of the North State’s adventure capital, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers and hundreds of miles of trails. As Northern California increasingly attracts people seeking outdoor recreation, natural beauty and a strong sense of place, Simpson is proud to be part of the momentum establishing the North State as a destination.
“Our academic growth comes first, but the complete Simpson experience matters,” Hall said. “Students find rigorous and increasingly diverse academic opportunities, competitive athletics, an authentic Christian community and an extraordinary place to live. Few universities can offer that particular combination.”
Growth also continues throughout Simpson’s degree completion, graduate and professional programs. Approximately 345 students enrolled in those programs for Fall 2026 as the university continues developing pathways responsive to the educational and workforce needs of Northern California.
“We thank God for every student who chooses Simpson,” Hall said. “Growth gives us the opportunity and the responsibility to educate more students well, prepare more graduates for professions our region needs, deepen their faith and send them into their communities ready to lead and serve.”
Enrollment figures reflect Simpson University’s preliminary Fall 2026 enrollment as of August 28, 2026.
