At $31,065/yr net price, Nichols College graduates earn $58,063/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,063/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,065 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,063/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,063/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,176/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,084/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,420/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,323/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,586/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,387 | $29,640 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,169 | $23,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,717 | $25,522 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $26,949 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $45,956 | $19,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
63.6% of students at Nichols College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Nichols College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Business Administration graduates earn $65,387 annually with $29,640 in debt, creating a solid payoff scenario. However, other business concentrations like Finance ($50,717) and Accounting ($51,169) produce weaker returns relative to the debt load.
The school's 63% graduation rate creates real financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium that justifies Nichols' $31,065 annual cost. The 72% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands.
Your financial aid prospects look limited. Only 30% of students receive aid, signaling that most families pay close to full price. This makes Nichols a poor choice if you need substantial financial support to make the numbers work.
Nichols works financially if you're targeting their strongest Business Administration track and can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. The regional business connections in Massachusetts provide job placement advantages that boost earnings potential. However, you should avoid this school if you're considering their weaker-paying programs, need significant aid, or have academic concerns that might prevent graduation. Less expensive state schools or community colleges offer better risk-adjusted returns for students outside the top business programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nichols College worth the cost compared to other business schools?
Nichols College graduates earn $58,063 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a $31,065 annual cost. The business programs perform better than the overall average, with management graduates earning around $65,387.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Nichols College?
Business administration and management graduates from Nichols see the strongest earning potential at $65,387 annually. Other business programs like accounting ($51,169) and finance ($50,717) show more modest returns given the school's cost.
How much student debt do Nichols College graduates typically have?
Nichols College graduates carry a median debt load of $27,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with only a 64% graduation rate, many students take on debt without completing their degree.
Should I choose Nichols College for a business degree?
Nichols College works best for students specifically targeting management roles, where graduates earn $65,387. For other business fields like accounting or finance, the ROI is weaker relative to the school's cost.