Wesleyan University vs. Nichols

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Nichols College is in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Nichols College 15:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Nichols Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Nichols? 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 Wesleyan University than Nichols ($23,025 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nichols College are 20.5% lower than at Wesleyan University ($15,800 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 64.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nichols (about $27,637 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.7% higher at Wesleyan University than at Nichols College (about $27,637 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $42,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nichols College than at Wesleyan University (99% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 155.7% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($65,995 vs. $25,809).

Wesleyan University vs. Nichols Admissions comparison

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

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 350 points higher than at Nichols (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Nichols College 1028/1236.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Nichols - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027.
• Nichols has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 18.1% at Nichols.

Wesleyan University vs. Nichols Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Nichols? 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Nichols College's (43%).
• Graduates from Wesleyan University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Nichols graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($180 vs. $279).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nichols students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.