Simmons University (Boston) via Kaplan: Admissions, Costs & Scholarships Guide for International Students

Simmons University is a private university in the Fenway area of central Boston, near the Charles River, and part of the Colleges of the Fenway consortium with four other mixed-gender colleges and a network of more than 20,000 students. At the undergraduate level it is women-centred, meaning its undergraduate programs are for women, while graduate programs are open to all genders. It is known for nursing and health sciences, social work, library and information science, education, business, and communications. International students can apply through Kaplan International Pathways, which offers direct degree admission for students who already meet entry requirements and transfer into the second or third year of a bachelor's degree. This guide covers exactly what Simmons University and Kaplan international students need to know: who Simmons is for, the published costs and scholarships, admissions and English requirements, life in Boston, and US Optional Practical Training.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Simmons University, a private university in the Fenway area of Boston, Massachusetts
• Undergraduate model: women-centred at the undergraduate level, with graduate programs open to all
• Consortium: part of the Colleges of the Fenway, with more than 20,000 students across member colleges
• 2025-26 undergraduate tuition: $46,900 a year for most programs and $51,388 for nursing
• 2025-26 graduate tuition: from $35,400 for a one-year Public Policy program to $77,025 for the two-year Social Work program, as total program costs
• Estimated annual cost: about $77,017 for a non-nursing undergraduate before scholarships and $45,017 to $55,017 with merit aid, and $81,505 for nursing before scholarships
• Scholarships: automatic merit awards of up to $128,000 in total over four undergraduate years and up to $20,000 for master's students
• Fall 2026 application deadline: 3 July 2026, as listed

Rankings and reputation

Simmons is a mid-sized private university with a reputation for professional programs in nursing and health, social work, and library and information science, and it appears in national rankings of regional universities. I did not find a QS world ranking for it, so applicants should judge it on programme strength, accreditation, and outcomes. Its Colleges of the Fenway partnership lets students cross-register at neighbouring colleges, which widens course choice.

Academics and how the pathways work

Kaplan supports international students who apply to Simmons through direct degree admission if they already meet the entry requirements, or through transfer admission into the second or third year of a bachelor's degree. Kaplan's pathway programs develop academic skills, subject knowledge, and English to degree-entry level. Because pathway availability differs between universities, ask Kaplan whether a full pathway is offered for your intended program at Simmons, or whether Simmons is a direct and transfer-entry partner only.

Admissions and international eligibility

Simmons does not publish a single acceptance rate for international applicants. Undergraduate applicants must be women, and applicants submit transcripts, English evidence, and other materials. Graduate applicants of any gender submit university transcripts, references, and statements. After admission, students receive an I-20 for an F-1 visa.

English language requirements

• English requirements were not stated on the pages I could read
• Direct entry to a US degree typically expects a TOEFL iBT of about 80 or an IELTS of about 6.5, but confirm Simmons's own figure
• Applicants below the standard may need English preparation
• Ask Kaplan which tests it accepts and whether a pathway route is available

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English evidence, essays, references, and proof of funds for the I-20. Kaplan says it supports applications at no extra cost. The fall 2026 application deadline was 3 July 2026, so check deadlines for spring and later intakes.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

For 2025-26, Simmons lists undergraduate tuition of $46,900 a year for standard programs and $51,388 for nursing, and graduate program totals from $35,400 for Public Policy over one year to $77,025 for Social Work over two years. Annual extras include housing and meals of $18,146, health insurance of $4,951, college fees of $1,340 for undergraduates, books of $1,280, personal expenses of $1,700, and transportation of $2,700. That brings the estimated total for a non-nursing undergraduate to about $77,017 before scholarships and to $45,017 to $55,017 with merit aid, and for a nursing undergraduate to about $81,505 before scholarships. Graduate students face estimated annual totals of $39,030 to $76,832 depending on the program.

Estimated living costs in Boston

• Boston is one of the most expensive US cities for housing
• Simmons estimates housing and meals at $18,146 a year
• F-1 applicants must show proof of funds covering at least a year of costs
• The campus is close to public transport, so many students do not need a car
• F-1 rules restrict off-campus work, so plan for little income while studying

Scholarships

International applicants to Simmons are automatically considered for renewable merit scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, community service, and other talents, with no separate application. Undergraduate awards can total up to $128,000 over four years, and master's awards can reach $20,000. Awards are maximums and depend on your profile, so ask for a written estimate that shows the net cost after your award and what grades keep it.

Campus life and student support

Simmons's campus is compact and set among the Fenway's museums, hospitals, and colleges, close to the Longwood Medical Area. Undergraduate life is shaped by its women-centred community, and the Colleges of the Fenway offer a wider social and academic circle. Kaplan provides international student services, including pre-arrival help, visa advice, and orientation.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Boston is a major centre for health care, education, biotechnology, and finance, and Simmons's health, social work, and library and information programs link to those sectors. Ask how the career center supports international students and how many find internships or jobs after graduation.

US Optional Practical Training

After completing a US degree, F-1 graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training, which allows up to 12 months of work related to their field, extendable by 24 months for STEM-designated programs. OPT is tied to the degree, so confirm your program's STEM status with the international office. Some health, nursing, and social work fields have licensing requirements that limit what international graduates can do, so check the rules for your profession.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students on F-1 visas are generally required to carry health insurance meeting the university's standards, listed at $4,951 a year. Budget for the SEVIS I-901 fee, the visa fee, and flights, and prepare for a visa interview, whose waiting times vary by country.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and learning how US classes work, with regular assignments and participation. Nursing and health programs include clinical requirements, so early advising is valuable.

A realistic four-year budget

At a cost of attendance of about $77,017 a year before aid, four years would exceed $300,000, and a full merit award of $32,000 a year would reduce it to about $45,000 a year. Because awards vary, use the net cost in your offer letter for planning.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is my net cost after the merit scholarship, and what keeps it?
• Is there a pathway route for my program, or only direct and transfer entry?
• What English score do I need for direct entry?
• For nursing, are there licensing or clinical placement rules for international students?
• Is my intended program STEM-designated for OPT?
• What housing is available, and what does it cost?

Who Simmons suits best

Simmons suits women who want a professional undergraduate degree in nursing, health, social work, or business in Boston with a supportive community, and graduate students of any gender interested in library and information science, social work, education, or public policy. It may suit less well students who want a mixed-gender undergraduate campus, a very large university, or the lowest cost.

A women-centred college or a mixed-gender university?

A women-centred undergraduate college offers a focused community and leadership emphasis, while a mixed-gender university offers a broader social environment. Compare the program, the cost after aid, the location, and how each environment suits you.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and check whether it fits Simmons's undergraduate or graduate model.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply through Kaplan with transcripts, essays, and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay any deposit, and receive your I-20.
5. Apply for your F-1 visa and prepare for the interview.
6. Arrange travel, housing, and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Order certified transcripts and translations, arrange financial documents, and check that your passport is valid for the whole study period. Keep written confirmation of costs, scholarships, and deadlines.

Applying through Kaplan

Kaplan works as an authorised representative for Simmons, so the application, the offer, and the visa documents come from the university, while Kaplan helps you prepare. Ask Kaplan what services it provides before you arrive and whether any are chargeable.

Frequently asked questions