Nichols vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

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

DeSales University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Nichols vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or DeSales 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 DeSales University than Nichols ($31,732 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 12.7% lower than at Nichols College ($13,800 vs. $15,800).
• DeSales University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nichols (about $4,095 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at DeSales University than at Nichols College (about $4,095 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Nichols College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 19.8% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($30,909 vs. $25,809).

Nichols vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Nichols (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DeSales University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Nichols has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Nichols vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and DeSales 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).

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $700 more per year than DeSales University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DeSales University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DeSales University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nichols students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.