About
Simmons University encompasses the many benefits of a small university in the nation's best "college town."
Learn why students love it here
Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons University is a private university, home to a respected women’s undergraduate program, as well as coeducational graduate programs in nursing and health sciences, liberal arts, business, communications, social work, public health, and library and information science.
Simmons has established a model of higher education that only today other colleges and universities are beginning to adapt: the combination of education for leadership in high-demand professional fields with the intellectual foundation of the liberal arts. The result is a Simmons graduate prepared not only to work, but to lead in professional, civic, and personal life — a vision of empowerment that Simmons calls preparation for life’s work.
The Simmons story is one of growth, innovation, and a solid foundation — fueled by on-the-ground and online enrollment, and investments in its campus and technology.
Simmons at a glance
- Simmons is a four-year, private, non-profit, non-sectarian university
- Simmons is home to 1,777 undergraduate students and 4,858 graduate students
- 8:1 student to faculty ratio
- Simmons offers over 60 majors and programs
- Our students can participate in over 80 clubs and organizations
- We have 231 full-time faculty, 72% are women
- Our average undergraduate class size is 15
- 91% of Simmons undergraduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation (numbers as of 2018)
- 30% of undergraduate students self-identify as ALANA
- 11 countries and 47 states are represented in our undergraduate class
*Numbers as of fall 2019 unless otherwise noted
See our Common Data Set for more information about Simmons University.
Learn more
Since its founding in 1899, Simmons’ raison d’etre has been to expand opportunities for women, forging fields that advance equity and justice locally and globally.
Our Mission & History
For more than 100 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 Future
At Simmons, innovating and adapting to the needs of the modern world is key to our history, and our future. Simmons is a small university and a diverse urban university at a time when the landscape of higher education is constantly evolving. We're committed to enhancing Simmons by building on our strengths, preserving our Mission, and creating a sustainable structure for the future.
University Leadership
Accessible and accountable, our administration leads by example. And we hold firm to one purpose: to work for you.
Awards and Accolades
Simmons continues to be named among the best colleges and universities in the nation.
Awards and accolades
Work at Simmons
You’ll find that people who work here are truly committed to our mission of preparing students to become champions of social justice and leaders in their professions and their communities.
Work at SimmonsCampus & Community
Associate Professor Traci Griffith moderated a discussion between Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America, Kevin Merida, editor of the Los Angeles Times, and student panelists, Kate Farrell ‘23 and Kylie Collins ‘23.
Get to know Assistant Director of Military and Veteran Services Stephen Pusateri. We caught up with Stephen about advocating for our veterans at Simmons, why he loves working with this community, and completing his MFA in Writing for Children.
In honor of Kurmakov, the Riverside Boat Club named a September race the "Head of the Kurmakov," and the winner of the Women's Club Eight trophy at the Head of the Charles will receive the inaugural “Nikolay Kurmakov Trophy.”
While most colleges have a general education program, Simmons University's PLAN goes above and beyond. Interim Dean Kelly Hager illustrates the valuable experiences PLAN offers students and the professional skills graduates will take away.
Former Ambassador Tom Dougherty presented, “9/11 + 20: Afghanistan After the ‘Forever War.’” During the conversation, Dougherty outlined a list of key lessons from the war that need to be considered going forward.
Described as a “festival of national thinkers, speakers, and local leaders in business, health, and technology,” the three-day virtual gathering featured the nation’s top minds including Dr. Anthony Fauci, former senator John Kerry, and Ibram X. Kendi.
Gyasi's sophomore novel, "Transcendent Kingdom," was selected as the fall 2021 Community Read and the event’s central topic. Assistant Dean Gary Bailey and Gyasi discussed several themes from her novel, including the complex idea of identity.
President Wooten shares her takeaways from this fall’s Community Read, "Transcendent Kingdom." Yaa Gyasi's powerful novel serves as a moving portrait of a Ghanaian immigrant family as they grapple with faith, science, religion, and love.
Resources
Experience Boston
Simmons draws on many of the city’s cultural, historical, economic, scientific, and educational resources to offer an unparalleled student experience.
Community engagement
For more than 100 years, Simmons University has inspired its students to combine learning with action for a more just and equitable world.
Your Simmons
Our commitment to the success of our students guides our vision and is clear in our values.
Commitment to inclusivity
Simmons is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience.