CCSU vs. Nichols

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with Nichols College in Dudley, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Connecticut State University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (9,997 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); Nichols College is in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; Nichols College 15:1.

CCSU vs. Nichols Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CCSU 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 Central Connecticut State University than Nichols ($17,528 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Connecticut State University are 17.2% lower than at Nichols College ($13,086 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 227.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CCSU (about $29,655 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $13,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 158% higher at Nichols than at Central Connecticut State University (about $26,155 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $16,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Central Connecticut State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 191.9% larger than aid received by Central Connecticut State University students ($25,809 vs. $8,842).

CCSU vs. Nichols Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CCSU 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 CCSU.

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 50 points higher than at CCSU (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Connecticut State University 960/1190; Nichols College 1028/1236.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CCSU - Test optional; Nichols - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CCSU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Nichols has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than CCSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 18.1% at Nichols.

CCSU vs. Nichols Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CCSU 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).

• Central Connecticut State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than CCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CCSU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CCSU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 63%)

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.