Nichols vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Nichols vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Suffolk 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 Nichols College than Suffolk University ($32,337 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nichols College are 25.9% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,800 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nichols (about $4,845 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Suffolk University than at Nichols College (about $4,845 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Suffolk University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($31,558 vs. $25,809).

Nichols vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 70 points higher than at Nichols (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSuffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Nichols vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Suffolk 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).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Nichols graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Suffolk University and Nichols graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Suffolk University and Nichols graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk 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.