Nichols vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Nichols College in Dudley, MA with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Centenary University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (1,398 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Centenary University 12:1.

Nichols vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Centenary 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 Centenary University than Nichols ($22,640 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 20.6% lower than at Nichols College ($12,552 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centenary University (about $4,973 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $37,732.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Nichols than at Centenary University (about $4,973 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $37,732.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College as at Centenary University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 14.8% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($29,617 vs. $25,809).

Nichols vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 50 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Centenary University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

Nichols vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Centenary 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).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Centenary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centenary University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Centenary University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nichols students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 68%)

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.