Nichols College
Nichols College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Nichols College at a Glance
Nichols College is a private business college in Dudley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1931 as Nichols Junior College, Nichols College offers both bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs.
1931
95 years old
$32M
$32.1 million (2021)
1,526
1,223 undergrad · 303 grad
200 acres
Identity
Is Nichols College Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Nichols College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,063 — 8% above average — while paying $33,036/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Nichols College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Nichols College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #102 of 156 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #102 | Nichols College | 28 | $33,036 | $58,063 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Nichols College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in MA.
Best Programs at Nichols College
The highest-earning program at Nichols College is Accounting and Related Services at $47,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $31,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Nichols College earns $47,400, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $31,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $33,036/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,400 | $47,400 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $46,300 | $46,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,200 | $45,200 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $43,400 | $43,400 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $42,600 | $42,600 | $17,637 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,000 | $35,000 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,300 | $31,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dudley, MA
- Student Body
- 1,163 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $33,036
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,063
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000