Need-Based Financial Aid

A Nichols education should be within reach for families who see the value and potential it offers. Need-based financial aid helps bridge the difference between the cost of tuition and what a family can reasonably contribute.

We encourage families with financial considerations to apply. About 40% of Nichols students currently receive financial support.

How to Apply

Nichols uses Clarity to assess a family’s demonstrated financial need. The application is secure, mobile-friendly, and can be shared with other participating schools at no additional cost.

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Create Your Clarity Account

Begin the financial aid application through Nichols’ secure Clarity application platform.
Complete the Application

Provide the requested household and financial information. The application typically takes about 20–30 minutes.
Submit Your Application

The current application fee is $55. Your Clarity application can be shared with other participating schools at no additional charge.

Start Your Financial Aid Application

Important Deadlines

Financial aid awards cannot be issued until both the admissions application and financial aid application are complete.

Returning Families: Apply by December 1, 2026
Grade 9 Early Action: Apply by December 1, 2026
New Families for Regular Decision: Apply by December 15, 2026

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 Nichols’ secure financial aid application platform. The application is mobile-friendly, retains information to make annual reapplication easier, and can securely retrieve certain tax information directly from the IRS when applicable.

Clarity also provides in-app and email support in English and Spanish, and the application is available in Spanish.
Your data is protected with end-to-end encryption. Clarity is certified for GDPR and SOC2. Read their Privacy Policy to learn more.
What Families Should Know

Financial aid is intended to supplement a family’s contribution toward the cost of a Nichols education. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need, available resources, and the number of families seeking assistance.

Families receiving financial aid must reapply each year.
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.

Questions About Financial Aid?

Every family’s financial circumstances are different. If you have questions about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, or your family’s individual situation, our Admissions Team is available for a confidential conversation.