Admissions Requirements

We accept applications throughout the year and there is no fee to apply. For those students who qualify, financial aid is available. Our admissions requirements vary by program.

Choose Your Application Process

There are two application plans for students who want to apply to the traditional day program at Nichols College:

  1. Early Action. Early Action is a non-binding application plan for students who would be entering Nichols for their first year of college. The Early Action plan is more selective than our rolling admission pool. Students accepted under our Early Action plan receive a $1,500 Early Acceptance Grant in addition to any academic scholarships and receive an admission decision before the holidays. Applicants interested in Early Action must complete their application and submit all supporting documents by December 1.
  2. Regular Decision. This option is our most popular application plan.

To apply, visit the The Common Application.

First-Year Undergraduate Application Requirements:

  • 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.

If you’re a home-schooled applicant, follow these steps. Be sure your high school curriculum or certified program you followed satisfies the requirements of your home state.

  • A completed undergraduate online education online application (you can submit your application at any time; we accept applications throughout the year)
  • Official high school transcript or GED certificate
  • Official college transcripts from all accredited colleges, if applicable

Learn more about the application process for undergraduate online students.

  • A completed Nichols College undergraduate 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.

Application process for Degree-Seeking International Students. Submit the following by June 25th:

  • Application
  • Proof of English Proficiency (see English Language Proficiency Requirements)
  • If seeking a degree, official secondary and (if applicable) post-secondary school transcript(s), translated and evaluated
  • Declaration of Finances or Notarized Affidavit of Support
  • Personal statement or essay
  • One academic letter of recommendation

Application process for Inbound Study Abroad (semester-only) Students. Submit the following by June 15 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester:

  • Application
  • Proof of English proficiency (see English Language Proficiency Requirements)
  • Declaration of Finances or Notarized Affidavit of Support
  • Nomination letter from home university sent to the Office for International Engagement and Coordinator of International Admissions

Learn more about the application process for international students.

Learn more about programs offered through our division of Graduate & Professional Studies.

  • A completed Nichols College undergraduate application
  • Official final high school transcript or GED certificate
  • Official college transcript(s) from all institutions attended, if applicable
  • Essay or personal statement regarding your desire to attend college
  • One letter of recommendation (waived if you have been out of high school for over five years)
  • SAT or ACT scores (waived if you have been out of high school for over two years)

Learn more about the application process for military students.

Nichols College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, gender, age, marital status, parental status, physical disability, learning disability, political affiliation, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

As a proving ground for tomorrow’s leaders, Nichols College understands that participation in peaceful protest can be a powerful demonstration of leadership. Standing up for one’s values, while respecting human differences, and the rights of others, will not jeopardize a student’s admission to Nichols.

Send admission documents and correspondence to:

Office of Admissions
Nichols College
124 Center Road
Dudley, MA 01571

We want to talk to you!

We’re here to help—so if you have questions about Nichols, our application process, or scheduling a visit, contact our Admissions office anytime at admissions@nichols.edu or by phone at 508-213-2203 or 1-800-470-3379.