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Nichols College vs Western New England University

Nichols College is a private college in Dudley, MA, and Western New England University is a private university in Springfield, MA. Nichols College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 81% of applicants against 83% at Western New England University. Western New England University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,290 a year against $33,036 at Nichols College. About 64% of students graduate at Western New England University, compared with 63% at Nichols College. Ten years after enrolling, Western New England University alumni earn a median of about $73,157, against $58,063 for Nichols College.

Nichols College

Dudley, MA · Private

Western New England University

Springfield, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dudley, MA
Springfield, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,163
2,603
Acceptance rate
81%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1028–1236
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,036
$27,290
Full cost / yr
$58,310
$60,262
In-state tuition
$42,705
$47,820
Out-of-state tuition
$42,705
$47,820
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,054
$20,726
$30k - $48k
$24,749
$22,471
$48k - $75k
$31,978
$25,205
$75k - $110k
$33,851
$28,660
Over $110k
$35,731
$29,794
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
64%
Freshman retention
72%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,830
$51,771
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,063
$73,157
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
24%
First-generation students
32%
25%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Nichols College or Western New England University harder to get into?
Nichols College is harder to get into. It admits about 81% of applicants, compared with 83% at Western New England 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, Nichols College or Western New England University?
Western New England University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,290 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 Nichols College and Western New England University?
Before aid, Nichols College costs about $58,310 a year and Western New England University about $60,262. 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, Nichols College or Western New England University?
Western New England University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,726 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, Nichols College or Western New England University?
Western New England University is the larger of the two, with about 2,603 undergraduates against 1,163 at Nichols College.
Does Nichols College or Western New England University have a better graduation rate?
Western New England University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 63% at Nichols College.
Do graduates of Nichols College or Western New England University earn more?
Western New England University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,157 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,063 for Nichols College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Nichols College and Western New England University require SAT or ACT scores?
Nichols College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western New England University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Nichols College and Western New England University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1028–1236 at Nichols College and 1090–1300 at Western New England University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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