About Nichols College
The financial picture tells a practical story about return on investment. Students pay an average net price of $31,065 after aid, which is less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $58,063 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $286 for those who borrow. The employment rate hits 98.1%, reflecting strong employer connections and job placement support.
Campus life revolves around building professional networks early. Men make up 66% of the student body, creating a business-focused atmosphere. The Bison compete in 23 NCAA Division III sports with 509 total athletes. Nearly three-quarters of students receive federal loans, but institutional grants averaging $26,515 help reduce costs. The 71.84% retention rate shows most students stick with their choice.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.6%
- Retention Rate
- 71.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,063
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,387 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,169 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,717 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $45,956 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
Campus Life
With nearly 66% male enrollment, the campus has a distinctly guy-heavy vibe that shows up in dorm life and social scenes. About 44% of all students compete in the college's 23 varsity sports programs, making athletics a major part of campus culture. The Bison teams compete in Division III, so game days draw solid crowds without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Students often head to nearby lakes for weekend activities or make the drive to Worcester for restaurants and entertainment. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals, creating a tight-knit community where business networking starts early. Campus traditions revolve around the strong alumni network that helps with internships and job placement.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 805 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1815
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 46.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 66.0%
- Women
- 34.0%
- White
- 72.1%
- Black
- 8.9%
- Hispanic
- 10.2%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 55.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.4%
Location
- Address
- Dudley, Massachusetts 01571-5000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,063
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,107
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Nichols College?
Nichols College accepts 84.86% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 945 and 1180 on the SAT. This business-focused college prioritizes fit and motivation over test scores alone.
How much does Nichols College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $31,065 after aid, compared to the full tuition of $40,375. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $26,515 to qualifying students. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt, which is manageable given the school's career focus.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Nichols College?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, allowing for personalized attention in business courses. With only 1,152 students total, professors know students by name and can provide hands-on mentoring. This close-knit environment helps explain the school's emphasis on practical career preparation.
What are the job prospects for Nichols College graduates?
Graduates have a 98.1% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong business connections and career-focused curriculum. The median earnings reach $58,063 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically finding work in business management and related fields. The practical approach to business education helps students transition smoothly into professional roles.
Where is Nichols College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Dudley, Massachusetts, a large suburban setting that provides a quiet environment for studying. Housing capacity serves 805 students out of the 1,152 total enrollment, creating a residential college experience. The Bison compete in 23 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, with 509 student-athletes participating.
Does Nichols College have more male or female students?
Men make up 65.97% of the student body while women comprise 34.03%, reflecting the college's business focus which historically attracts more male students. The student population is 72.14% white with growing diversity including 8.94% Black and 10.24% Hispanic students. About 55% of students come from Massachusetts, giving the college a strong regional presence.
