Nichols College inspires students to capitalize on their ambitions and prepares them to become impactful, forward-thinking leaders. Specializing in business education, Nichols academics are broad-based and career-focused. Students develop in-demand skills and graduate ready for success on day one of their careers, and beyond.
To create a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates for lifelong success, Nichols provides its students with a curriculum that is enhanced with real-world learning and professional development. The College boasts a vibrant campus community with outstanding facilities and easy access to world-class arts, culture, business and recreation; an alumni network more than 15,000 strong; and competitive NCAA Division III athletics with 24 varsity teams. In addition, the College's business programs are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Data show that Nichols graduates are in high demand: 95% of recent Nichols graduates are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Paula Bernies
Admissions Assistant
Admissions Assistant
Address
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 5000
Dudley, MA 01571
P.O. Box 5000
Dudley, MA 01571
Phone
800-470-3379
Email
admissions@nichols.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Athletic and Recreation Complex
The Currier Center
Fels Student Center
Davis Cafe
WNRC Radio Station
The Currier Center
Fels Student Center
Davis Cafe
WNRC Radio Station
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Old Sturbridge Village
Blackstone Valley Mall
Fenway Park
Worcester Art Museum
DCU Center in Worcester (formerly The Centrum)
Blackstone Valley Mall
Fenway Park
Worcester Art Museum
DCU Center in Worcester (formerly The Centrum)
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
800-470-3379
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
800-470-3379
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Specific Saturdays and Holidays througought the year
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
paula.bernier@nichols.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Other
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Airports in Worcester,Boston, Hartford, and Providence.Amtrak station in Worcester
Local Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express, Sturbridge, MA
Publick House, Sturbridge, MA
Comfort Inn and Suites, Sturbridge, MA
Sturbridge Country Inn, Sturbridge, MA
Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA
Hampton Inn, Sturbridge, MA
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
We accept applications throughout the year through rolling admissions and there is no fee to apply. For students who qualify, financial aid is available. A full 98% of our students receive financial aid, and on average Nichols students receive over $28,000 in scholarships each year. Our admissions requirements vary by program.
First-Year Undergraduate Application Requirements:
-Application. Visit The Common Application to submit your application.
-Official high school transcripts. Transcripts should include grades through junior year.
-Test optional. Nichols is test optional. If you would like us to consider your scores, our SAT CEEB code is 3666 and our ACT code is 1878.
-One letter of recommendation. Preferably from a guidance counselor or teacher.
-Essay / personal statement.
-TOEFL/IELTS. Required for international students.
Transfer Undergraduate Application Requirements:
-Application. Visit The Transfer Common Application to submit your application.
-Official final high school transcript with the date of graduation on it.
-Official college transcript(s) from all institutions attended.
-Essay or personal statement regarding your desire to transfer (waived for students transferring from a partner institution).
-One letter of recommendation (waived for students transferring from a partner institution).
-SAT or ACT scores (waived if you have been out of high school for over two years).
Learn more about the application process for transfer students.
Overview
Applicants: 2,435
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Average HS GPA: 2.96
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
470 - 570
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
470 - 570
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
19 - 24
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Action — December 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Nichols College is the college of choice for business education as a result of our distinctive, career-focused approaches to learning, both in and out of the classroom, through impactful research and professional education.
Real-world learning is at the center of a Nichols education. Students ignite their curiosity and learning through our live learning labs, where student put their broad-based education into action. Just to name a few of such opportunities: The Nichols Consulting Group pairs students with regional businesses to solve problems; the Thunder Fund is a student-managed investment fund; the Nichols-owned and student-operated Dudley Hill Golf Club and Bison Den pub offer applied learning opportunities; and professional development programs help students build job-seeking and leadership skills. Beyond the classroom, the Emerging Leaders Program and the Institute for Women's Leadership provide opportunities for students to cultivate their leadership potential.
At Nichols, students are our focus. Our classes are small and our faculty of scholarly experts and industry practitioners serve as mentors, both while you are here as a student and after you've graduated.
Majors and Degrees Offered
With over 23 majors programs and numerous major/minor combinations available at Nichols, you'll be able to discover your passion and prepare for a successful career. Students will find the combination of business and liberal arts studies offered by our School of Business and School of Liberal Arts will provide them with increased marketability and versatility, which are important for success in the professional world.
In addition, students can also benefit from the Nichols Graduate School, which offers master's programs recognized nationally for value and quality, as well as graduate certificate programs. Undergraduate students can also enroll in "plus-one" programs, which offer additional value. Our plus-one programs, such as our plus-one MBA program, allow students to complete their bachelor's and MBA degree in five years, or even in just four years for our accelerated MSA (master of science in accounting) program.
Our Undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts.
Concentrations offered in our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program include:
Accounting
Accounting & Finance (Double Concentration)
Business Analytics
Corporate Finance & Investments
Digital & Social Media Marketing
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
General Business
Hospitality, Events and Tourism
Human Resource Management
International Business
Management
Marketing
Real Estate Management
Sport Management
Sport Marketing & Content Creation
Sport Sales & Strategy
Majors offered in our Bachelor of Arts program include:
Communication
Criminal Justice
Criminal Psychology
Economics
Psychology
Our Graduate degrees include: Master of Business Administration (MBA), with concentrations in Critical Thinking, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Project Management; Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL); Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), Master of Science in Counterterrorism (MSC); or dual degree options where you can combine any of the master's degree programs to create your own dual degree: MBA/MSOL, MBA/MSA, MSC/MSA, MSC/MSOL, etc.
Our Graduate certificates include: Advanced Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Cybersecurity for the Global Environment, Data Analytics, Leadership, Project Management and Innovative Leadership.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
17:1
Total Faculty
137
with Terminal Degree
34
78
Men
59
Women
10
Minority
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
2 - 9
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
55%
Graduate in 6 years
55%
Majors
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Business/Commerce, General.
Business/Managerial Economics.
Finance, General.
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Organizational Communication, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Students Say
Nichols College provides a businessand leadership-oriented education rooted in a liberal arts foundation. Here, whether students opt for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or a Bachelor of Arts, all 1,200 attendees are required to complete an internship or experiential learning opportunity before they graduate. This, combined with “the rigorous coursework Nichols develops” and plenty of “career help services and professional development seminars,” ensures that students have “the mindset of getting ready to work.” From TA positions for credit to internships, “Nichols College does everything in its power to assure [you] get the connections you need in order to succeed after graduation.”
Meanwhile, faculty at Nichols strive to help you succeed before graduation, offering “an open environment that encourages discussion and questions of material.” They are “well trained in what they teach and know how to help students succeed,” often incorporating speakers within various professions to supplement classroom learnings and “applications of concepts that facilitate learning and lead the way to intellectual discussions.” They are also “very good at breaking [out of] your comfort zone due to all the group projects and presentations.” Additionally, the classes themselves are small, which means “it is easier to ask questions and participate.” Overall, “learning is really valued at Nichols,” and if students are unable to make office hours, professors are “most likely to make time for you when your own schedule allows.”
Meanwhile, faculty at Nichols strive to help you succeed before graduation, offering “an open environment that encourages discussion and questions of material.” They are “well trained in what they teach and know how to help students succeed,” often incorporating speakers within various professions to supplement classroom learnings and “applications of concepts that facilitate learning and lead the way to intellectual discussions.” They are also “very good at breaking [out of] your comfort zone due to all the group projects and presentations.” Additionally, the classes themselves are small, which means “it is easier to ask questions and participate.” Overall, “learning is really valued at Nichols,” and if students are unable to make office hours, professors are “most likely to make time for you when your own schedule allows.”
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Robert Stansky
Magellan Fund
John M. Harrison
Lowell/Harrison/Leifer Advertising
Henry P. St. Cyr
S. VP Allmerica Financial Services
James L. Dunbar
Dunbar Companies
Gerald Fels
Exec. VP The Commerce Group, Inc.
Robert Kuppenheimer
VP and Director John Nuveenand Co., Inc.
Louise M. Redding
Partner Redding and Redding Accounting
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
55%
Graduate in 6 years
55%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
| Description | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Day Tuition | $41,115 | $41,115 |
| Comprehensive Fee | $1,590 | $1,590 |
| Health Services Fee | $160 | $160 |
| Housing (Standard Room) 2 | $9,000 | N/A |
| Meals (Standard Meal Plan) 2 | $6,800 | N/A |
| Books | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $1,000 | $1,600 |
| Total | $62,565 | $47,365 |
Financial Aid
Nichols College understands the complex decisions facing families like yours when choosing a college. We're committed to providing one of the best values in higher education, with nationally ranked return on investment (ROI) and mid-career salaries that rank ninth among all undergraduate business schools according to Payscale. Our scholarships and grants can reduce tuition costs, often to levels at or near those at public colleges and universities, and 99% of our students received grants directly from Nichols. Nichols requires only one financial aid form for applying for financial aid: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA information determines your eligibility for all federal, state and institutional need-based financial aid.
The priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA each year for fall admission is March 15. All requested documents must be received by June 1. Meeting these deadlines helps ensure consideration for limited sources of State, Federal and Institutional Aid programs. Be aware that most states, including Massachusetts, have a priority deadline of May 1 for state scholarship eligibility. Late applicants are usually ineligible for state funds. Those who fail to meet the priority deadline may still apply any time during the award year. For more information on FAFSA and other financial aid options, visit our Financial Aid Page.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Mar 1
Notification Date
Dec 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$23,082
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$19,407
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,346
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
84%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$34,873
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$20,966
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$33,800
Required Fees
$1,000
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,400
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$1,500
On-Campus Room and Board
$13,950
Comprehensive Fee
$13,950
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
State Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Nichols College has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,265 students. Nichols draws most of its students from the region, with 80% hailing from New England states, but the reach is also broad with 30 states and 10 countries represented in the student population. Seventy-three percent of Nichols undergraduate students identify as white, 11% as Hispanic, 10% as black or African American, and 3% as two or more races. Approximately 73% of Nichols full-time undergraduates live on campus, while 87% of new students, first-years and transfers typically choose to live on campus.
Student life beyond the classroom is a crucial portion of a student's education at Nichols. A large and diverse number of experiences coupled with a growing student body offer each student increased possibilities for student involvement in campus and community affairs.
Students can participate in honors societies, academic organizations, NCAA Division III athletics, intramurals and club sports, student government, general interest organizations, student publications and communications media, community service efforts and more.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,322
Foreign Countries Represented
12
Demographics
1.44%
Asian
6.96%
Black
8.33%
Hispanic
77.14%
Caucasian
2.42%
International
38% female
62% male
40% are out of state
93% are full time
7% are part time
Students Say
Everyone at Nichols “is very friendly and wants to expand their horizons,” which creates “a tight knit community that has each other’s backs.” While “they are an independent people who take every opportunity that they get,” students say that “peers at Nichols … are the epitome of a family.” Members of that family are quick to admit that the school could benefit from more diversity, though, mentioning that the biggest differences come in “between those that play sports and those that are involved with clubs and organizations on campus and those that are strictly academic.” But outside of that, they sing praises of their fellow Nichols Bison, calling them “patient,” “unique,” “intelligent,” “generous,” and “empowering.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Nichols College is a private college located in central Massachusetts, in the town of Dudley. The campus, which encompasses 220+ acres, sits on a hilltop ridge overlooking picturesque valleys and hills in all directions. Beautiful, preserved architecture reminding that Nichols has been educating leaders since 1815 melds perfectly with state-of-the-art new buildings, such as our academic building and renovated dining hall.
Our quintessential New England campus offers an engaging community and an ideal environment for learning while being only an hour away from world-class businesses and recreation. Nichols is within an hour of three capital cities—Boston, Hartford and Providence—and proximate to the college town of Worcester. With 40+ student-led organizations, competitive NCAA Division III athletics and over 250 annual campus events, there are plenty of ways to stay busy, discover passions and grow new skills. More than 80 percent of Nichols students live on campus to enjoy our vibrant campus community.
Staff in offices offering student services are always eager to help, which include Academic Center for Excellence and Support (ACES), Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC), Conant Library services and more.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
The Nichols campus is built to help our students succeed, with top-quality facilities and classrooms replete with innovative technology used in the professional world.
The Nichols Academic Building, an environmentally conscious facility with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification that was built in 2015, features classrooms designed for interactive group learning that also have video and teleconferencing capabilities. The NAB houses several campus offices, including the Institute for Women's Leadership and a video editing suite with sound stage.
The modern Fels Student Center hosts various to-go dining options, student life offices, classrooms, and our Bloomberg Finance Lab. The Finance Lab is outfitted with 12 Bloomberg terminals, providing Nichols students access to the same technology used by thousands of finance professionals on Wall Street and beyond.
Lombard Dining Hall was completely renovated in 2022 and features a wall of windows, a soaring ceiling and booth and table seating. There are multiple food stations to satisfy the palates of a wide range of students and professional chefs who can accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Nichols boasts many fine outdoor and indoor sports facilities that serve our varsity sports teams and club and intramural sports. These facilities include an outdoor multi-purpose synthetic turf field installed in 2017; tennis courts; emerald green fields for outdoor field sports; a multipurpose field house remodeled in 2015 and one of the busiest places on campus, complete with basketball court, fitness center, dance/yoga studio, training rooms and more; an athletic center renovated in 2000 with a performance gym, varsity basketball and volleyball courts and more.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Nichols College is just twenty minutes south of Worcester, New England's second largest city, and is within an hour's drive of Boston, Hartford or Providence, offering the college community easy access to business, professional sports and historic and cultural sites. Stunning beaches and mountain ranges, to hike, ski or snowboard, are within a short drive.
The Greater Worcester area, home to eleven colleges and universities, is a vibrant and creative region amid an exciting revitalization, and the country is taking notice. Worcester has been named one of the Best Places for Business and Careers and one of the top 25 U.S. cities with the best quality of life by Forbes magazine. Worcester has also been ranked in the top 20% of the best 1,000 cities in the world by Oxford Economics in its Global Cities Index.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
76%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
First-Year Students living on campus
87%
Campus Environment
Village
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Wellness Housing
Dorms Male
Wellness Housing
Students Say
Nichols is located in a town so small that some say “you will need a car to get anywhere interesting.” This isn’t a bad thing for students, however, as they say it leads to a culture that’s “like a huge family” because “everyone knows everyone.” It “doesn’t matter who you are … we are always hanging out or doing homework.” In fact, “when the weather is nice, everyone is on the quad.” Those looking for physical activity can rest easy, as Nichols “offers intramural and club sports that are competitive,” but there are also “a variety of clubs for almost every major.” So, while most students “have classes the majority of the morning and afterwards … do homework or study,” they do use their downtime to “go to a lot of athletic events or club sponsored events.” Additionally, there are “video game tournaments in the dorms at all times,” and students often just “hang out with friends, watch TV, cook, or drive off campus to get food” to pass the time.
Special Needs Admissions
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Dr. Edward Kolek
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
No
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
34
Number of Honor Societies
6
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
2
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
Men's Sports (Bison)
10 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Bison)
9 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Ice Hockey
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Ice Hockey
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups: SAFEZONE is an organization of faculty and staff offering support for the GLBT community on campus -
PRIDE is a student run organization for the GLBT and Ally student communities.
Minority Support Groups: Several student organizations each year. No formal office however.
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
No
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
