Created by W.W. Newberry with the intent of promoting spiritual growth and Christian service in its students, the school initially only offered two-year programs.

By 1971 the college was large enough to offer in-depth liberal arts programs, professional degrees, and biblical courses.

Another historic milestone was reached in 1989 when Simpson relocated to its current location in Redding and began building a new campus.

[3] The institution was granted an exception to Title IX in 2014, allowing Simpson to legally maintain constitutionally protected and biblically-based views and practices regarding marriage and sexuality.

Between 1999 and 2017, Simpson has won the Cal Pac Sportsmanship award, which is chosen by the conference's coaches and administrators, seven times.