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Simpson University Announces Largest Spring Incoming Class in Recent History 

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Redding, Calif. — Simpson University is projecting the largest incoming Spring class in recent school history, continuing a strong multi-year enrollment upswing across both traditional undergraduate, high school dual enrollees, and adult learner pathways. 

This Spring, the university is seeing a 40% year-over-year increase in new Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) students and a 30% year-over-year increase in its ASPIRE Degree Completion Program. The growth reflects sustained demand for Simpson’s academic programs, student experience, and faith-centered educational mission—further strengthened by the university’s distinctive location in Redding, offering students access to outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and a growing regional economy. 

This momentum follows Simpson University welcoming its largest incoming Fall class in over 10 years back in 2025, along with significant overall enrollment increases since 2018. The university has grown across traditional undergraduate, adult degree-completion, and graduate pathways—expanding both its reach and its impact on the North State and broader region. 

“We are thrilled to see such strong demand heading into the Spring semester,” said Jerry Grimshaw, Dean of Enrollment & Marketing at Simpson University. “Students and families are choosing Simpson because they want a university where academic excellence and authentic Christian community go hand in hand. Our growth reflects the momentum of students seeking purpose, calling, and formation—not just a degree.” 

Looking ahead to Fall 2026, Simpson University anticipates continued enrollment strength in traditional, transfer, adult, and graduate segments. 

Simpson University Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in More Than 20 Years

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Redding, Calif. – Simpson University is celebrating a historic enrollment milestone, welcoming 390 new traditional undergraduate students this fall — the largest incoming class since 2003. This growth brings the university’s total traditional undergraduate enrollment headcount to 766 students, continuing a strong upward trend in recent years.

The increase reflects a 73% rise in new students since 2018–19 and a 42% increase in overall traditional undergraduate enrollment during the same period, underscoring the momentum and renewed vitality of Simpson University.

The enrollment growth has brought the total university students, including Degree Completion, Graduate programs, and Tozer Seminary, to above 1,000 students for the first time in 10 years.

“This remarkable growth is truly a blessing and a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to Simpson University,” said Dr. Norm Hall, President of Simpson University. “We are excited to welcome this historic incoming class and to walk alongside these students as they pursue academic excellence, spiritual growth, and God’s calling on their lives.”

The record-setting class highlights the university’s continued success in enrollment, building on years of strategic efforts to strengthen academic offerings, enhance the student experience, and expand opportunities for students who want to integrate their education with their faith.

“Seeing such significant increases in new students is both humbling and inspiring,” said Dean of Enrollment and Marketing, Jerry Grimshaw, “It reflects the hard work of our  admissions staff and, more importantly, the growing desire of students to integrate their education with their faith.”

With the largest incoming class in over two decades and enrollment growth across the board, Simpson University continues to strengthen its role as a cornerstone of Christian higher education in the North State region.