Nichols vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Westfield State University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (4,588 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

Nichols vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Westfield 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 Westfield State University than Nichols ($17,406 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 11.3% lower than at Nichols College ($14,018 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 250.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Westfield State University (about $30,526 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $12,179.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.9% higher at Nichols than at Westfield State University (about $24,446 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Westfield State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 185.1% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($25,809 vs. $9,054).

Nichols vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 40 points higher than at Westfield State University (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Westfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Westfield State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Westfield State University has a higher acceptance rate (81.4%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

Nichols vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Westfield 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Westfield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nichols students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.