Nichols vs. Montclair State University

Comparable Facts

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

Montclair State University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Montclair State University is in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Montclair State University 18:1.

Nichols vs. Montclair State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Montclair State 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 Montclair State University than Nichols ($17,669 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nichols College are 5.6% lower than at Montclair State University ($15,800 vs. $16,730).
• Nichols College is 168.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $26,793 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.1% higher at Nichols than at Montclair State University (about $16,683 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $26,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Montclair State University (99% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 109.1% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($25,809 vs. $12,341).

Nichols vs. Montclair State University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 70 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Montclair State University 910/1210.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Montclair State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Montclair State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Montclair State University has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 18.2% at Montclair State University.

Nichols vs. Montclair State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Montclair State 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).

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $700 more per year than Montclair State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $4,001 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($22,999 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montclair State University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 67%)

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.