Nichols vs. Eastern University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (8,727 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Eastern University is in Saint Davids, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Eastern University 21:1.

Nichols vs. Eastern University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Eastern 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 Eastern University than Nichols ($27,422 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern University are 14.6% lower than at Nichols College ($13,498 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern University (about $4,305 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $38,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Nichols than at Eastern University (about $4,305 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $38,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern University than at Nichols College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern University students is 4% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($26,838 vs. $25,809).

Nichols vs. Eastern University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 30 points higher than at Eastern University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Eastern University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsEastern University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Eastern University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern University students have a 0.68 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Eastern University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 21% at Eastern University.

Nichols vs. Eastern University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Eastern 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).

• Eastern University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Eastern University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Eastern University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 58%)

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.