Nichols vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Nichols vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Salem 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 Salem State University than Nichols ($17,541 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nichols College are 6.2% lower than at Salem State University ($15,800 vs. $16,838).
• Nichols College is 246.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $30,367 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 118.7% higher at Nichols than at Salem State University (about $23,174 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 150.1% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($25,809 vs. $10,319).

Nichols vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 50 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Nichols vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Salem 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).

• Nichols College's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 63%)

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.