Nichols vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Nichols College in Dudley, MA with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Rivier University 14:1.

Nichols vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Rivier 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 Rivier University than Nichols ($28,584 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rivier University are 1% lower than at Nichols College ($15,636 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rivier University (about $3,217 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Nichols than at Rivier University (about $3,217 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Rivier University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($25,809 vs. $24,927).

Nichols vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 10 points higher than at Rivier University (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Nichols vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Rivier 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).

• Nichols College's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nichols students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.