Babson College vs Nichols College

Babson College and Nichols College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Babson, renowned for its entrepreneurial focus, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a higher average SAT score, reflecting its selectivity. Nichols, on the other hand, prides itself on its personalized attention, smaller class sizes, and diverse student body. While Babson's popular majors lean towards business and management, Nichols offers a wider range of programs, including hospitality, criminal justice, and engineering. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, such as graduation rates, cost of attendance, and location, to determine which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Babson College logo

Babson College

Nichols College logo

Nichols College

Overview

Location Wellesley, Massachusetts Dudley, Massachusetts
Campus setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 94.0% 74.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 25.4% 84.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $100
SAT range 1330 - 1480 970 - 1160
ACT range 30 - 33 20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score 34.0% 13.0%
Students submitting ACT score 14.0% 2.0%
Total number of applicants 7,104 2,193
Total number of admissions given out 1,801 1,859
Admitted students who chose to enroll 650 316
Yield rate 36.1% 17.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $76,360 $48,400
Average net price $29,105 $28,184
Tuition $54,944 $36,050
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,910

Meal plan: $6,324
$13,950
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

50.0%
Average amount $42,890
100.0%
Average amount $24,624
Students receiving federal student loan 30.0%
Average amount $3,892
93.0%
Average amount $6,086
Students taking out private loans 8.0%
Average amount $24,863
17.0%
Average amount $19,280

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,576
Men 56.9% Women 43.1%
1,207
Men 66.4% Women 33.6%
Graduate students 1,108
Men 58.1% Women 41.9%
227
Men 65.6% Women 34.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 30.8% 3.0%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,988 890
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Communication and Journalism
  • History
  • English Language and Literature
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 93.7% 57.6%
Dropout rate 6.1% 40.2%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $114,003
  • Year 2: $103,078
  • Year 3: $118,620
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,039
  • Year 2: $61,600
  • Year 3: $76,406
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,923
  • Year 2: $67,101
  • Year 3: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,056
  • Year 2: $65,387
  • Year 3: $77,370
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,536
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: $56,807
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,425
  • Year 2: $50,717
  • Year 3: $55,404
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,838
  • Year 2: $45,956
  • Year 3: $54,161
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,403
  • Year 2: $51,169
  • Year 3: $53,268
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,212
  • Year 2: $46,478
  • Year 3: $52,702
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,724
  • Year 2: $39,729
  • Year 3: $45,965
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,742
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: $40,471
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: N/A
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,128
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic focuses of Babson College and Nichols College?

    Babson College is renowned for its exclusive focus on entrepreneurship. Its curriculum is deeply rooted in business and innovation, offering a wide range of programs centered around these areas. Nichols College, while also business-oriented, provides a broader range of programs, including business, but also offers programs in areas like criminal justice, communications, and sport management, providing a more diverse academic experience.

  • How do the campus environments of Babson and Nichols compare?

    Babson College boasts a vibrant and entrepreneurial campus culture, reflecting its specialized focus. The campus is designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Nichols College offers a more traditional college experience with a focus on community and a wider range of student activities. The campus environment is generally considered more relaxed and less intensely focused on business compared to Babson.

  • What is the size and student body composition of each college?

    Babson College has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. The student body is highly focused on business and entrepreneurship. Nichols College has a larger student body, offering a more diverse student population with a broader range of interests and academic pursuits. This larger size allows for a wider variety of clubs, organizations, and social activities.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of Babson and Nichols?

    Babson College graduates are highly sought after in the entrepreneurial and business worlds. They often launch their own ventures or secure positions in top companies. Nichols College graduates also find success in business and related fields, with a strong emphasis on career preparation and internships. While Babson graduates may have a slight edge in entrepreneurship, Nichols graduates are well-prepared for a variety of business roles.

  • How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare?

    Tuition costs at both Babson and Nichols are substantial. Financial aid is available at both institutions, but the specific amounts and types of aid offered can vary. It's recommended to check the individual college websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants.

  • What are the key differences in the admissions processes?

    Both colleges require standard application materials, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Babson College often places a strong emphasis on demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. Nichols College may consider a broader range of factors, including extracurricular activities and leadership experience. Both colleges are test-optional, but it's always a good idea to check the most recent admissions requirements.

  • How do the extracurricular activities and campus life differ?

    Babson College's extracurricular activities are heavily geared towards entrepreneurship, with numerous clubs, competitions, and events focused on business ventures. Nichols College offers a more diverse range of activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations catering to a wider variety of interests. The social scene at Nichols is generally considered more traditional, with a greater emphasis on Greek life and campus-wide events.

  • Which college is better for someone interested in starting their own business?

    Babson College is generally considered the premier choice for aspiring entrepreneurs due to its specialized curriculum, extensive network, and focus on innovation. However, Nichols College also provides a solid foundation in business and offers resources for students interested in starting their own ventures. The best choice depends on the individual's specific goals and preferences.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Babson and Nichols?

    Both colleges offer competitive athletic programs. Babson College competes in NCAA Division III, with a strong focus on academics and athletics. Nichols College also competes in NCAA Division III, with a wide range of sports and a dedicated athletic department. The level of competition is similar at both institutions.

  • How does the location of each college impact the student experience?

    Babson College is located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, providing access to a major city and its resources. Nichols College is located in Dudley, Massachusetts, a more rural setting, offering a quieter campus environment. The location impacts the availability of internships, social opportunities, and overall lifestyle.

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