Nichols vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Nichols College in Dudley, MA with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Nichols vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University than Nichols ($28,645 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alvernia University are 2.2% lower than at Nichols College ($15,460 vs. $15,800).
• Alvernia University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nichols (about $2,295 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Alvernia University than at Nichols College (about $2,295 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Nichols College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 12.5% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($29,034 vs. $25,809).

Nichols vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nichols or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University and Nichols.

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 60 points higher than at Nichols (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Nichols has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Nichols vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Alvernia University? 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).

• Alvernia University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alvernia University and Nichols graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Alvernia University and Nichols graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 61%)

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.