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 is a business school first, and its financial return is mixed. You'll pay over $31,000 a year net, borrow around $27,000 by graduation, and land at median earnings that clear that debt but don't leave much room. The math works if you pick the right major and finish, but neither is guaranteed at a 63.6% graduation rate and a 71.84% retention rate that means roughly one in four freshmen doesn't come back.
The payoff here concentrates in a narrow band of business degrees. Business/managerial economics tops out just under $56,000, with accounting close behind, and accounting graduates carry the lightest debt load of the group. Finance and general business administration cluster in the high $40,000s. Marketing sits at the bottom near $46,000 while still carrying debt near $27,000, so it gives you the weakest return of the tracked programs. Every strong outcome here is a bachelor's-level business credential, which tells you what this school is for.
The specific risk is that Nichols is a single-lane school. If you enroll and don't want a business career, the earnings data supporting this price tag doesn't apply to you. Southern New England has a real market for accountants and financial analysts, and that regional demand is what makes these salaries hold up.
The net price barely moves by income. A family under $30,000 pays about $27,000, only $7,000 less than a family over $110,000. That flat structure means low-income families shoulder a heavy share of their income here, and the aid does little to close the gap.
Enroll if you're committed to accounting or finance and will finish. If you're undecided or drawn to fields outside business, a cheaper or broader school serves your wallet better.
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.