Nichols vs. Norwich University

Comparable Facts

Compare Nichols College in Dudley, MA with Norwich University in Northfield, VT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norwich University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (3,149 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Norwich University is in Northfield, VT (Distant Town setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norwich University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Norwich University 13:1.

Nichols vs. Norwich University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Norwich 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 Norwich University than Nichols ($24,496 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norwich University are 7.1% lower than at Nichols College ($14,680 vs. $15,800).
• Norwich University is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nichols (about $7,035 more per year; $49,740.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Norwich University than at Nichols College (about $7,035 more per year; $49,740.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norwich University than at Nichols College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norwich University students is 66% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($42,855 vs. $25,809).

Nichols vs. Norwich University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norwich 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; Norwich University 1060/1320.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Norwich University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Norwich 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 Norwich University (74.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 13.8% at Norwich University.

Nichols vs. Norwich University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Norwich 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).

• Norwich University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Norwich University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Nichols graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norwich University and Nichols graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Norwich University and Nichols graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Norwich University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nichols students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.