Why Simmons
Space to grow. Opportunity to thrive.
Simmons University is a community of higher learning that unites passion with purpose. Our highly-respected women-centered undergraduate and co-ed graduate programs across six schools prepare students for thriving careers in high-impact fields.
Our curriculum is made to challenge and inspire. In small classes, you’ll have space for real conversations with peers and faculty mentors. You'll have plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning, helping you build confidence to succeed as a leader in your chosen field.
Simmons consistently ranks among the nation’s top schools in its category in U.S.News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Forbes. Our graduates are well-regarded not only for the breadth and depth of their experiences, but as living proof of the power of service-oriented leadership to build better and stronger communities.
Connections to Boston and Around the Globe
We provide the best of many worlds: the intimacy of a close-knit college, the energy and professional opportunities of a world-class city, and transformative online programs for the modern learner.
If you join us on our Boston campus, the city is yours for exploration and discovery. You’ll get real-world experience beyond the classroom through internships, clinical and research placements, and service-learning and community engagement.
If you choose to study online, your opportunities reach around the world. We will help you feel connected through interactive classes with peers from across the United States and beyond.
Join our community of trailblazers and claim your space to build what comes next!
Discover Simmons
Learning at Simmons
Simmons is a place to explore what you love through small, challenging classes, honest conversations, and real-life experiences — all alongside people who will truly change your life.
Our Campus
Simmons University’s campus, set in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, is both your home base and your retreat. Venture beyond campus to explore museums, parks, restaurants, and nightlife — many within walking distance.
Experience Boston
Simmons draws on Boston's cultural, historical, economic, scientific, and educational resources to offer an unparalleled student experience.
Why a Women’s Undergraduate Experience?
Choosing a women’s undergraduate program can open doors that might not seem obvious at first, but will definitely pay off! Learn more about the benefits of a women’s undergraduate program.
Simmons at a Glance
193
Full-Time Faculty
Our 193 full-time faculty are dynamic leaders and award winners, researchers, and professionals in their field. 75% of them are women.
* as of November 1, 2025.
8:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Our small class sizes will help you thrive and set you up for success.
16
Countries and 48 States and US Territories
Our student body is comprised of students from 16 countries and 48 states and US territories. This diversity provides possibilities for global learning in the residence halls, classes, and campus life.
* for the 2025–26 academic year
100%
Complete Internships, Clinical Placements, Independent Research, or Field Work
With Boston as our backyard, our on-campus students have easy access to learning opportunities in the city (and beyond!)
100%
First-Year Students Receive Financial Assistance
Our Student Financial Service Counselors are assigned to students and families from day one. They are devoted to helping you navigate the financial aid process throughout your education at Simmons.
95%
Simmons Graduates Employed or in Grad School within Six Months of Graduation
Our focus on leadership development ensures that you build the skills and confidence you need to pursue higher positions, negotiate your salary, and leverage your career potential.
* First Destination Survey for 2023-2024, 227 respondents out of 371
Our Alumnae/i
Simmons alumnae/i consistently make their mark on the world by challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers, and helping to create a more just world.
What Will Your Simmons Story Be?
Congratulations to the 2026 SURPASs Scholars
Nine undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). From May to June, students will receive funding and mentorship to support their independent research. The six-week program includes workshops and research presentations, culminating in a student showcase in June.
Simmons Student Researches AI at MIT and OpenAI
Nailya Alimova ’26 shares her experience as an international student in the STEM field, and how Simmons supported her AI research.
Finding Her ‘Why’: One Simmons Student’s Path to Advocacy
Kayla Baillargeon ’25 ’28MSW used her personal experiences and passion for helping others to advance a career in parent advocacy. Now, by earning her online bachelor's degree and pursuing a master's at Simmons, she is gaining the skills and credentials needed to shape the growing field.
Metafiction as a Willingness to Play
Rosie Lopolito ’29MA/MS shares how a diverse array of experiences led her to the Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS) dual degree program at Simmons University.
Direct Entry Nursing Student on Impacting Patient Lives
Direct entry nursing student Hunter Lynch ’26FNP works in primary care and aspires to one day become a nursing educator. We spoke with him about hands-on learning at Simmons and the rewards of the nursing profession.
From Med School to Nursing
Jenni Costa ’27MSN is a student in the direct entry Master of Science in nursing and post-graduate Certificate family nurse practitioner (MSN/PGC FNP), an accelerated program for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing.
Forging a Path in Community Health
Joan Vera ’27MSN shares her experience in the direct entry Master of Science in nursing and post-graduate certificate family nurse practitioner (MSN/PGC FNP), an accelerated program for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing.
Discovering a Social Work Calling at Simmons
Brinika Hargrove ’27 found renewed hope and support through Simmons’ online degree completion program, balancing motherhood, work, and school with determination. Now pursuing social work, she’s channeling her experiences into a passion for advocacy, using her education to uplift families and communities in need.
Simmons Alums in the News
Sharing the Untold Stories at Queer History Boston
Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA is the archivist at Queer History Boston, a community archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England. Hamilton shares how the dual degree in LIS: archives management and history at Simmons prepared them for a dream job just before graduation.
Behavior Analysis Student Helps Children Reach Milestones
Josie Re ’26MS, a student in the Online Master of Behavior Analysis, shares what led her to the field, and her experience in an online classroom.
Alumna Finds Meaning in Intensive Care Nursing
Olivia Panagiotou ’23 shares how her siblings inspired her to study nursing at Simmons, and to explore career opportunities in intensive care nursing.
Building Confidence to Lead in Online Degree Program
Simmons’ online degree completion program gave Rashida Alisha Hagakore ‘24 more than a degree in business — it transformed her career trajectory. Gaining confidence, leadership skills, and a new professional identity, she advanced into a supervisory role and now approaches her work with clarity, strategy, and purpose.
Social Work Alum Advances Community Mental Health
Jordyn Hagar '23PhD reflects on how the Social Work PhD helped her successfully develop and disseminate her mental health awareness training program, Stronger Together, which is now accessible online.
A Global Perspective on Nutrition
Recent graduate Mishal Ali '26 reflects on how learning home-cooked Pakistani cuisine informed her studies in nutrition and dietetics at Simmons.
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
SLIS Alumnae/i Named Movers & Shakers
Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.
Our Mission and History
For over 120 years, Simmons has put the needs of our students first. Through an education that combines intellectual leadership with professional preparation, we help students lead meaningful lives and build successful careers for the 21st century.
Our Leadership Team
Accessible and accountable, our administration leads by example. And we hold firm to one purpose: to work for you.