Nichols College vs Westfield State University
Nichols College is a private college in Dudley, MA. Westfield State University is a public university in Westfield, MA. Both admit about 81% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $16,721 a year at Westfield State University after aid, and about $33,036 at Nichols College. About 63% of students graduate at Nichols College, compared with 55% at Westfield State University. Ten years after enrolling, Nichols College alumni earn a median of about $58,063, against $57,346 for Westfield State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dudley, MA
Westfield, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,163
3,615
Acceptance rate
81%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
1028–1236
980–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,036
$16,721
Full cost / yr
$58,310
$27,649
In-state tuition
$42,705
$12,179
Out-of-state tuition
$42,705
$18,259
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,054
$10,751
$30k - $48k
$24,749
$11,517
$48k - $75k
$31,978
$14,199
$75k - $110k
$33,851
$18,201
Over $110k
$35,731
$23,286
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
55%
Freshman retention
72%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,830
$46,861
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,063
$57,346
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,457
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
33%
First-generation students
32%
31%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Mar 1
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.
- Is Nichols College or Westfield State University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 81% of applicants. 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 Westfield State University?
- Westfield State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,721 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 Westfield State University?
- Before aid, Westfield State University costs about $27,649 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, Nichols College or Westfield State University?
- Westfield State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,751 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 Westfield State University?
- Westfield State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,615 undergraduates against 1,163 at Nichols College.
- Does Nichols College or Westfield State University have a better graduation rate?
- Nichols College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 55% at Westfield State University.
- Do graduates of Nichols College or Westfield State University earn more?
- Nichols College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,063 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,346 for Westfield State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Nichols College and Westfield State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Nichols College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Westfield State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Nichols College and Westfield State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1028–1236 at Nichols College and 980–1190 at Westfield State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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