Need-Based Financial Aid

A Nichols education should be within reach for families who see the value and potential it unlocks. That’s why we offer need-based financial aid to help bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and what a family can reasonably afford. Our goal is to make a Nichols education possible for talented students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

We encourage all families with financial considerations to apply. About 40% of Nichols students receive financial support, and over $2.2 million is awarded annually.

How to Apply

Nichols uses the Clarity Application to assess a family’s demonstrated financial need. The application is streamlined, secure, and mobile-friendly.

Steps to Apply:

Go to the Clarity Application and create an account
Complete the application (takes less than 30 minutes)
Submit the $55 application fee at the end. You can share your Clarity application with other schools at no additional cost

Important Deadlines

Returning Families: Apply by December 1, 2025
New Families: Apply by December 15, 2025

Please note: Nichols will not issue financial aid awards until a candidate has submitted both a completed admissions application and a completed financial aid application.

Learn More

Use the accordions below to explore details about our policies, the Clarity platform, and frequently asked questions.

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About Clarity

Clarity is our secure financial aid application system that simplifies the process for families. It auto-pulls your 2024 W2s and 1040s directly from the IRS (if submitted by the Automated Tax Pull Deadline), reducing manual uploads. Clarity is fully mobile-friendly and takes about 20–30 minutes to complete.

Your data is protected with end-to-end encryption. Clarity is certified for GDPR and SOC2. Read their Privacy Policy to learn more.

Clarity offers in-app support and email support in English and Spanish at support@claritytuition.com. The application is fully translated into Spanish.
Policies and Guidelines

Nichols believes paying for an independent education is primarily a family’s responsibility. Financial aid is intended to supplement that contribution. Awards vary and depend on available resources, number of applicants, and family need. Families must reapply annually.
Frequency Asked Questions
- Do I need to apply each year? Yes, but Clarity retains past info to make reapplying easier.
- Can I apply on my phone? Yes.
- What is the Automated Tax Pull Deadline? It ensures IRS data is transferred automatically if submitted on time.
- Will my award change? Not unless your financial circumstances change significantly.