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Nichols College

Dudley, MA·Private nonprofit·1,152 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,152 students.

88%
Accept
1,152
Students
$31,065
Net Price
64%
Grad Rate
$53,500
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Nichols College is a private nonprofit institution located in Dudley, Massachusetts with approximately 1,152 undergraduate students enrolled. Nichols College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. The average net price after financial aid is $31,065 per year. The graduation rate is 64%, and the typical graduate earns $53,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Nichols College is a private business college in Dudley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1931 as Nichols Junior College, Nichols College offers both bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 64% graduation rate and 72% freshman retention suggest that a meaningful share of students who start don't finish, which is worth asking about before enrolling. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $19,500, and the business-focused curriculum gives graduates a clear vocational direction that shows up in median earnings of $53,500 at the 10-year mark. Worth considering if you want a small, career-oriented business school and have a plan to stay engaged — but do your homework on why so many students leave before finishing.

Founded
1815
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing60%
Psychology9%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Charles Drake

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1110
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile580

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$40,375
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,375
Avg Net Price
$31,065
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
64%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
72%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White72%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,152 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Nichols College

Center Rd

Dudley, MA 01571-5000

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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