Students at Nichols College achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution well above average nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The college particularly excels at supporting low-income students toward solid career earnings in business and professional fields.
Nichols College is a small private nonprofit institution in Massachusetts that delivers above-average earnings outcomes for its graduates. With a median 10-year earnings of $58,063, graduates perform well in the job market, placing the college in the 73rd percentile nationally for return on investment. The institution serves a moderate mix of students, with about 30% receiving Pell Grants and 32% being first-generation college students.
As a business-focused college, Nichols concentrates heavily on practical, career-oriented programs that connect directly to employer needs. The college's small size allows for personalized attention and strong industry connections, particularly in business and accounting fields where graduates often exceed $50,000 in early-career earnings.
While affordability presents challenges typical of private institutions, with net prices ranging from $27,176 for low-income students to $34,586 for higher-income families, the college's focus on career preparation and strong alumni networks in business sectors helps graduates achieve financial outcomes that support loan repayment and long-term career growth.
Nichols College's program portfolio centers on business education and career-focused fields that connect directly to employer needs. Business/Commerce, the college's flagship program with 66 graduates, combines broad business training with practical application, leading to median earnings of $45,956 ten years after graduation. This program serves as the college's economic engine, providing both scale and solid financial outcomes for the largest number of students.
Accounting Technology stands out for its strong earning potential, with 30 graduates earning a median of $51,169 ten years out. This specialized program prepares students for in-demand accounting and bookkeeping roles where technical skills command premium salaries. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 48 graduates, serves students entering fitness, wellness, and sports management careers, with earnings of $35,060 reflecting the service-oriented nature of these fields.
As a focused institution, Nichols graduates a concentrated cohort each year in business-related fields, creating strong alumni networks and employer relationships that benefit job placement and career advancement. The college's emphasis on practical skills and professional development helps students transition smoothly from classroom to career in fields where Nichols has established credibility and recruiting relationships.
Nichols College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with a median 10-year earnings of $58,063 that places the institution well above average nationally. While the college doesn't show significant earnings beyond expectations compared with similar institutions, graduates consistently find stable, well-paying positions that support career advancement and financial security over time.
The college's strength lies in its business-focused program portfolio, where practical training translates directly into employer value. Business/Commerce graduates, representing the largest program with 66 students, earn around $45,956 ten years out, while Accounting Technology graduates command higher salaries at $51,169. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, the second-largest program with 48 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $35,060 but serves students entering fields like fitness, wellness, and sports management.
Nichols' concentrated focus on business education, combined with its small size and industry connections, helps graduates enter stable career paths with clear advancement opportunities. The college's emphasis on practical skills and professional development supports steady earnings growth that continues well beyond the early career years.
Affordability at Nichols College reflects the typical cost structure of a small private institution, with net prices that require careful family planning. Low-income students pay about $27,176 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $28,420, and higher-income families pay approximately $34,586. These prices place Nichols in the lower tier nationally for affordability, requiring most families to make significant financial commitments.
Despite higher upfront costs, the college's debt levels remain manageable relative to graduate earnings. Typical federal student loan debt is $27,000, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $30,000 for families who choose this option. With graduates earning a median of $58,063 ten years after enrollment, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms, and the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
The college's loan repayment patterns show healthy financial outcomes, with borrowers paying down balances faster than national averages in the early years after graduation. This performance reflects both the career-focused education that leads to steady employment and the financial literacy that comes with business-oriented training.
Nichols College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
