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Framingham State University vs Nichols College

Framingham State University is a public university in Framingham, MA, and Nichols College is a private college in Dudley, MA. Nichols College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 81% of applicants against 84% at Framingham State University. Framingham State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,114 a year against $33,036 at Nichols College. About 63% of students graduate at Nichols College, compared with 49% at Framingham State University. Ten years after enrolling, Nichols College alumni earn a median of about $58,063, against $52,349 for Framingham State University.

Framingham State University

Framingham, MA · Public

Nichols College

Dudley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Framingham, MA
Dudley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,566
1,163
Acceptance rate
84%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
1028–1236
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,114
$33,036
Full cost / yr
$27,413
$58,310
In-state tuition
$11,920
$42,705
Out-of-state tuition
$18,000
$42,705
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,934
$22,054
$30k - $48k
$12,233
$24,749
$48k - $75k
$13,879
$31,978
$75k - $110k
$18,551
$33,851
Over $110k
$21,962
$35,731
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
63%
Freshman retention
71%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,611
$47,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,349
$58,063
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
26%
First-generation students
32%
32%
International students
2%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jun 30
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Framingham State University or Nichols College harder to get into?
Nichols College is harder to get into. It admits about 81% of applicants, compared with 84% at Framingham State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Framingham State University or Nichols College?
Framingham State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,114 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,036 at Nichols College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Framingham State University and Nichols College?
Before aid, Framingham State University costs about $27,413 a year and Nichols College about $58,310. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Framingham State University or Nichols College?
Framingham State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,934 there, against about $22,054 at Nichols College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Framingham State University or Nichols College?
Framingham State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,566 undergraduates against 1,163 at Nichols College.
Does Framingham State University or Nichols College have a better graduation rate?
Nichols College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 49% at Framingham State University.
Do graduates of Framingham State University or Nichols College earn more?
Nichols College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,063 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,349 for Framingham State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Framingham State University and Nichols College require SAT or ACT scores?
Framingham State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Nichols College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Framingham State University and Nichols College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Framingham State University and 1028–1236 at Nichols College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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