Simmons University has developed an innovative new program to address two of the biggest concerns facing students and families today: the value and cost of a college degree. The Simmons Edge — an integrated academic pathway that includes individualized academic and career advising, experiential learning, and accelerated graduate education — is delivering greater ROI to students.
“Higher education is one of the most important investments students will make in their lifetime,” says Simmons Provost Dr. Stephanie Cosner. “The Simmons Edge prepares students to thrive in today’s competitive job market —more quickly and affordably — so that they can achieve the greatest return on that investment.”
With the launch of the Simmons Edge, all undergraduate students will have the opportunity to graduate with an advanced degree in a wide selection of fields in as few as four or five years.
Accelerated graduate education is a key feature that drew Kayla Pringle ’26 to Simmons. A transfer student from Northeastern University, Pringle is pursuing the combined 3+1 bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master of science degree in library and information science.
“I knew I wanted to go to Simmons, and it was the only [transfer] school I applied to,” Pringle says. “I went to an all-girls Catholic high school and I’m happy to be back in this environment. When I did my application interview everyone was so personable, and I felt as though people really cared. It’s great to be heard and be consistently uplifted by my professors.”
For Pringle, the most appealing aspects of the Simmons Edge are the cost savings, and the ability to take two graduate-level courses as an undergraduate student. Even with a heavy academic load, she still has space to explore courses in different disciplines. This semester, she’s enrolled in her first ethics class; she previously enjoyed an advanced writing course designed specifically for engineers and library and information science students.
“I feel like the Simmons Edge is made for me while giving me a bit more room to explore and learn different kinds of things,” Pringle says. “Being on the accelerated track, I’ve also had the chance to meet other students I might not normally be able to. It’s been nice to connect with new people.”
Real-world experience is another core part of the Simmons Edge. In addition to her studies, Pringle participates in a research project with the Office of Accessibility Services in which she gathers feedback from STEM-oriented students to learn more about their experiences, challenges, and the types of interventions that can be put in place to better support their academic success.
“This is the biggest research I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of so far,” Pringle says. “It’s been an amazing, wonderful experience.”
The Simmons Edge initiative continues to grow, and two new graduate programs are scheduled to launch within the next year in data science and management. For Pringle, the combination of computer and library science has brought together two of her passions. Her life has been shaped by the local librarians who encouraged her love of reading, learning, and exploring new books and ideas. After graduating, Pringle hopes to pursue a career at a public, community-oriented library.
“I love asking questions and librarians changed my life,” Pringle says. “I really want to do my best to use everything I have to give back. It’s thanks to people who did things like that for me that I’m able to be here now.”