Nichols vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nichols College 15:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Nichols vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than Nichols ($12,778 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 9.4% lower than at Nichols College ($14,307 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 262.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $30,919 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 139% higher at Nichols than at Worcester State University (about $24,839 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Worcester State University (99% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 172.7% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($25,809 vs. $9,464).

Nichols vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Worcester State University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Nichols (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Worcester State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Nichols vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols and Worcester 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).

• Worcester State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 66%)

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.