Bay Path University vs. Nichols

Comparable Facts

Compare Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA with Nichols College in Dudley, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bay Path University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (2,605 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bay Path University is located in Longmeadow, MA (Large Suburban setting); Nichols College is in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bay Path University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bay Path University 8:1; Nichols College 15:1.

Bay Path University vs. Nichols Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bay Path University or Nichols? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bay Path University than Nichols ($15,463 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bay Path University are 14% lower than at Nichols College ($13,582 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bay Path University (about $4,403 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $38,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.5% higher at Nichols than at Bay Path University (about $4,403 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $38,302.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Bay Path University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bay Path University students is 23.3% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($31,821 vs. $25,809).

Bay Path University vs. Nichols Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bay Path University or Nichols? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nichols and Bay Path University.

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 20 points higher than at Bay Path University (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bay Path University 1010/1210; Nichols College 1028/1236.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bay Path University - Test optional; Nichols - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bay Path University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bay Path University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Bay Path University has a higher acceptance rate (85.2%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Bay Path University vs. 18.1% at Nichols.

Bay Path University vs. Nichols Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bay Path University and Nichols? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bay Path University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Bay Path University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bay Path University graduates have a $2,989 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($24,011 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bay Path University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bay Path University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.