Simpson University

A Christ-centered learning community

MySU

admissions

Simpson University Reaches Largest Undergraduate Enrollment in University History

by

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.

Simpson University Launches ASPIRE Scholarship for Degree Completion Students

by

New students can finish their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months for as little as $15,000 in tuition.

For many adults, the goal of finishing a bachelor’s degree remains important long after they first started college.

Work, family, finances, and other responsibilities can make returning to school feel difficult. Simpson University’s Degree Completion Program is designed to help adult learners complete their degree through a flexible and supportive path.

Through the ASPIRE Scholarship for Degree Completion students, new students in Simpson University’s Degree Completion Program can save 30% or more on tuition per year.

Qualifying students can finish their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months for as little as $15,000 in tuition.

The time students have already invested in their education and careers can also help them move closer to graduation. Students may apply transferable college credits toward their degree and receive credit for life and work experience through prior learning credits.

Eligible Cal Grant and Pell Grant recipients will receive additional financial support.

For adult learners who have started college but not yet completed their bachelor’s degree, Simpson University’s Degree Completion Program offers a more affordable path to finish what they started.

Request info here

New Student Orientation

by

New Student Orientation is a three-day experience to kickoff your life as a Red Hawk! This event is mandatory for incoming first-time freshman and transfer students. This is when new students will move into dorms, complete pre-semester tasks, and connect with other students, faculty, advisors, and university leaders before classes begin. Many first-time student forms can be completed before welcome weekend.

Weekend Highlights:

  • New Student Move In
  • Family Farewell & Dedication Service
  • Campus Life Events
  • Day of Service
  • Local Church & Simpson Worship

Full Schedule

Any further questions, about welcome weekend, registration, or the upcoming semester, can be directed to your Admissions Counselor – or call Admissions (530) 226-4600.

For more details, visit our NSO page here.

Simpson University Announces Largest Spring Incoming Class in Recent History 

by

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. 

Far NorCal Regional Science Bowl

by

The Far Northern California Regional Science Bowlmis a one-day academic competition for high school teams across the North State. Students put their knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, earth science, and energy to the test in a fast-paced, quiz-bowl format.

This event provides an opportunity for students to showcase their STEM skills, collaborate as a team, and experience the excitement of academic competition. The winning team will earn the honor of representing Far Northern California at the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl® in Washington, D.C.

Simpson University Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in More Than 20 Years

by

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.