INDIANOLA, Iowa — Simpson College, a private liberal arts school in Indianola, announced Thursday that it would be partnering with Des Moines Public Schools and Indianola Community School District (ICSD) to provide full-tuition scholarships for academic high-achievers.
The school defined high-achieving as having a high school or college GPA of 3.5 or higher, which would allow the student to to be eligible for the scholarship as a first-time Simpson student.
How is a student eligible for the full-tuition scholarship?
- Must meet FAFSA eligibility
- Meet 3.5 GPA requirement
- Attended DMPS or Indianola at least their senior year
- Students must live on Simpson's campus and participate in the campus food plan
- Offer is open only to those enrolling for the first time at Simpson as first-year or transfer students in Fall 2025
Another key factor to acknowledge is that even if a student receives the full-tuition scholarship, only tuition will be covered while room and board will not be.
The partnership with DMPS and ICSD is just the latest addition to Simpson's All-In For Iowa campaign which debuted last fall with the $100k Simpson Promise and 99 County Full-Tuition programs. The first of the two provided full-tuition scholarships to first-time students with adjusted family gross incomes at or below $100,000, while the second looks to have at least one student from every Iowa county receive a full-tuition scholarship based on merit and need.
“We are thrilled to offer full-tuition scholarships for outstanding students in Indianola and Des Moines,” said Jay Byers, president of Simpson College. “Our community is blessed to have such strong public schools, and we are proud to partner with them in providing exceptional educational opportunities. Simpson’s full-tuition offer is an attractive enticement for ensuring that more students stay close to home for their education and careers. That’s great news for Indianola and Des Moines — and the entire state of Iowa.”
Leaders at both DMPS and ICSD recognized the potential of the partnership.
“Indianola Community School District (ICSD) is excited to be part of this new initiative with Simpson College,” said Tara Paul, superintendent of ICSD. “This invaluable opportunity recognizes and rewards academic excellence while removing financial barriers that often hinder students from pursuing higher education. It also allows our students to continue their education in Indianola, taking advantage of opportunities to invest back in the community.”
Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools Dr. Ian Roberts also commented on the growing partnership with Simpson.
"At Des Moines Public Schools, we are fortunate to have many wonderful partners in higher education supporting our teachers and students, and Simpson College has long been on that list," said Dr. Roberts. "Our relationship continues to grow stronger as a result of the leadership of President Byers and his team at Simpson in creating this new full-tuition scholarship for our students who have demonstrated their academic potential and promise. At DMPS, many of our graduates who go on to college are the first in their family to do so. Thanks to Simpson College, the door to higher education has been opened wider for more of our students."