Scholarships & Grants

President’s Achievement Scholarship

• $21,000
• GPA 3.5 – 4.0+

Trustees’ Achievement Scholarship

• $18,500
• GPA 3.25 – 3.49

Dean’s Achievement Scholarship

• $16,500
• GPA 3.0 – 3.24

Faculty Achievement Scholarship

• $16,500
• GPA 2.5 – 2.99

Nichols Founders Grant

• $13,000
• GPA 2.0 – 2.49

International Scholar Award

• $9,000 – $17,000
• Criteria based on academic achievement while in secondary school and test scores.

International Travel Grant

• $1,000

Global Studies Grant

• $2,000 – $8,000

Restricted and endowed scholarships are subject to change and based on the availability of funds and interest earned on funds.

For a complete listing of financial aid and scholarship programs, including criteria governing the selection of recipients, please consult the Financial Aid section of the Nichols College Catalog.

Keith T. Anderson ’81 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a Nichols College student who is enrolled in the 3+1 Program and intends to obtain a Master’s of Science in Accounting degree.

Wayne Archambo ’81 Endowed Scholarship supports a returning student who demonstrates financial need, resides in Central Massachusetts, and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or greater.

Randy ’83 MBA ’96 and Donna ’83 Becker Scholarship is awarded to a first-year student who seeks a degree at Nichols College and demonstrates financial need; preference is given to students from Webster.

John F. Birch Jr. ’73 Memorial Scholarship, created by the parents and estate of John F. Birch, class of 1973, is awarded to a rising senior specializing in accounting with proven academic excellence and financial need.

Oliver W. Birckhead ’42 Endowed Scholarship, created in memory of Mr. Birckhead by his wife Jane, a Nichols trustee, is awarded to a student who maintains a 2.5 GPA, shows leadership qualities, and maintains an overall balance of academics, co-curricular activities and campus community involvement.

Don Chalmers ’59 Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need, academic achievement and community involvement.

Hal Chalmers/Elks Scholarship is awarded to a student from Dudley, Webster, or Oxford who demonstrates financial need.

Class of ’54 Scholarship is awarded to a student who resides on campus; selection is based on GPA, financial need, and commitment to Nichols College.

Class of 1954 Scholarship is awarded to a student who resides on campus; selection is based on GPA, financial need, and commitment to Nichols College.

Class of ’57 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a rising junior who has shown steady improvement in GPA and an increasing commitment to the Nichols College community through student and local activities.

Class of ’63 Endowed Scholarship is intended to reward and encourage the continued growth and potential of a rising sophomore or junior who demonstrates financial need and who maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better. Preference is given to students who are active in the Nichols College and local communities; special consideration is given to students who have been honorably discharged from any of the five United States Military Armed Services.

Class of ’64 Endowed Scholarship (in memory of Patrick E. Donnelly) is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who has demonstrated financial need and who maintains a GPA of 2.75 or better. Preference is given to students who are involved in co-curricular activities at Nichols or in the local community unless they are working full or part time to support their college education.

Class of ’65 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore or junior who demonstrates financial need; special consideration is given to students who have been honorably discharged from any of the five United States Military Armed Services.

Class of ’66 Endowed Scholarship is given to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who is majoring in accounting, finance, marketing or management; special preference is given to commuter students and special consideration is given to students who have been honorably discharged from any of the five U.S. Military Armed Services.

Class of ’67 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a returning sophomore who successfully completes the first year, demonstrates financial need, and plans to graduate from Nichols College.

Col. James L. Conrad Memorial Scholarship, named for the founder and first president of Nichols College, assists a resident of northern Worcester County (Leominster north to the New Hampshire line) based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and financial need.

Professor Keith Corkum Endowed Scholarship in Economics recognizes excellence in the study of economics at Nichols College, and is given to a junior or senior majoring or minoring in economics based on academic achievement and service to the Nichols community.

Stephen A. Davis ’80 Endowed Scholarship supports an incoming or returning student from Western Massachusetts (Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire counties.)

Peter B. Dixon Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need; preference is given to a student from Christian Brothers Academy of Lincroft, N.J.

James Dunbar Scholarship in Criminal Justice Management, named for former trustee and founder of Dunbar Armored, James L. Dunbar ’51, is awarded to a junior or senior specializing in criminal justice management based on academic achievement and service to the Nichols community.

Faucher Family Endowed Scholarship is given to a permanent resident of Thompson, Conn., and based on financial need.

Fels Commuter Scholarship for Webster and Dudley Residents is given by Gerald Fels ’66 and his wife, Marilyn, to Dudley and Webster residents who commute to Nichols College. An award of $5,000 a year for a maximum value of $20,000 is given to students who are accepted at Nichols and who file a FAFSA application.

Joan Fels Endowed Scholarships are donated by Marilyn and Gerald Fels in memory of his mother, Joan Fels, to support permanent residents of Webster and Dudley who are graduating high school seniors from Bartlett, Shepherd Hill, or other area high schools.

Fischer Scholarship is awarded to a junior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who is involved in the Washington Internship Program.

George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need.

Russell E. Fuller Endowed Scholarship is awarded to Hispanic/Latino students from Central Massachusetts.

James C. Gahan IV Endowed Scholarship, named in memory of Nichols student James C. Gahan ’04, is awarded to a junior or senior with at least 60 hours of coursework completed and specializing in general business or business communication.

The Gould Generational Scholarship, created to honor the three generations of the Gould family who attended Nichols College, is awarded to a qualified student or students with demonstrated financial need.

Thomas J. Hall ’69 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a returning student who resides in Connecticut. Preference is given to those who have experienced some form of personal or financial hardship. This scholarship is in memory of Fred Tobin and Earle Mullare, uncles of Mr. Hall, who made it possible for him to attend Nichols.

Jeffrey A. Halprin Liberal Arts Scholarship, named for English Professor Jeff Halprin, is given to a sophomore, junior, senior who excels in a liberal arts major, as measured by a 3.3 GPA or above.

John M. Harrison ’68 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to an incoming or returning student who enters Nichols with or maintains a GPA of 3.0 or greater.

The Hermann Foundation Scholarship, created by the trustees of the Hermann Foundation, Inc. assists students who have financial need but do not qualify for federal or state assistance programs.

Barry D. Hogan ’67 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who is in good standing, has clear plans and a strong desire to graduate from Nichols College, and demonstrates financial need; preference is given to those who have experienced some form of personal or financial hardship.

Pat and Al Houston Endowed Scholarship, created by Al Houston, former Nichols College trustee, and his wife, is awarded to an incoming student, one male and one female.

Edwin L. Hubbard Faculty Scholarship, created by and honoring the late Professor Emeritus Edwin Hubbard, is given to a deserving student who is an outstanding scholar in the sophomore class.

Jeff Johnson ’90 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore who has demonstrated a marked improvement from the first semester to the second semester based on GPA and college involvement; preference is given to students from Charlton, Sutton, Oxford, Webster, Dudley or Worcester. A statement citing a reason for the improvement is required.

Professor John Katori/Class of 1955 Scholarship is given to a rising junior; preference is given to students specializing in accounting.

Lafayette Keeney ’49 Endowed Scholarship, established in memory of Mr. Keeney by his friends and family, is given to a deserving Nichols student.

Robert B. Kuppenheimer Scholarship, named for trustee Robert B. Kuppenheimer ’69, supports up to eight worthy students who reside west of the Mississippi River who receive solid recommendations from their guidance counselors.

David F. Lombard ’65 Endowed Scholarship supports a rising sophomore who demonstrates financial need.

John H. McClutchy, Jr. ’72 Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Professor William Steglitz is given to a student who demonstrates financial need and an aptitude for quantitative analysis; preference is given to a graduate of one of these high schools: Thompson (public or parochial); parochial schools in Windham /Worcester counties; Shepherd Hill; Bartlett; Southbridge; Burrillville; and public schools in Windham/Worcester counties.

Massachusetts Association of Public Accountants Scholarship is given to a student of high academic achievement who specializes in accounting.

Philip Pettinelli ’71 Endowed Scholarship is given to a new or returning student who is a resident of Southbridge, Massachusetts, and/or a graduate of Southbridge High School.

Claire and Shelly Power Endowed Scholarship, created by Trustee Marty Power ’78 in honor of his mother and wife, is given to a female student who has graduated from Southbridge High School; preference is based on financial need and academic performance.

Marilyn and Earl Prolman Endowed Scholarship is given to a rising junior who has solid plans to graduate from Nichols and pursue a career in business; preference is given to a student enrolled in the Entrepreneurial Certificate Program.

President’s Scholarship is awarded to a female returning student (sophomore, junior or senior) who maintains a GPA of 3.0 or greater and who demonstrates leadership engagement in the Nichols community.

The Rock Family Scholarship, created by Al Rock ’63, is given to a returning student who demonstrates financial need, majors in management, and actively gives back to the Nichols and broader communities.

R. Joseph Salois ’98 Endowed Scholarship supports an adult or non-traditional student who is seeking an undergraduate degree and demonstrates financial need.

John R. Suleski Jr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior from either Tourtellotte High School or Woodstock Academy.

President Debra Townsley Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a returning female sophomore with financial need, academic promise, leadership potential, commitment to the College and the desire to complete a bachelor’s degree at Nichols College.

Daniel Van Leuvan Memorial Scholarship for Education supports a second-semester junior enrolled in the Educator Preparation Program and is based on financial need, academic achievement, and overall contribution to the Nichols community.

Robert J. Vaudreuil ’77 Endowed Scholarship is given to a new or returning student who demonstrates financial need; preference is given to first generation college students.

James D. Wagner ’59 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a male student who has been professionally diagnosed and documented with dyslexia, demonstrates financial need, and has intention to complete a bachelor’s degree from Nichols College.

Wenk Scholarship, established by Norman Wenk ’42, is given to a resident of Mattituck, N.Y., who attends Nichols College.

Tammy Cardillo Wolf ’94 Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a female student, rising sophomore, junior or senior, who has a GPA of 2.5 or above, demonstrates financial need, is committed to earning a bachelor’s degree from Nichols, and is actively involved with the Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Deb and Paul Zimmerman Endowed Scholarship is given to a U.S. citizen who demonstrates financial need, is enrolled full time at Nichols, is involved in community activities, and maintains at least a 2.5 GPA; preference is given to students who express a willingness to contribute to a scholarship fund as a graduate. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or other professional is required.

Nichols Early Acceptance Grant

• $2,500 for LEAP students
• $2,000 if you apply by 12/1
• $1,500 if you apply by 12/31

Applications must be completed by the deadline for consideration. All Early Acceptance Grant recipients are renewable at a rate of $1,500 per year. 

Family Tuition Scholarship

• $1,000

The Family Tuition Scholarship is awarded when two siblings simultaneously attend Nichols College full-time in the day program. The award amount is $1,000 per year for each student. This scholarship is renewable as long as both students remain enrolled full time in the day program and remain in good academic standing. When one student graduates, the remaining student may qualify for the Nichols Legacy Scholarship.

Legacy Scholarship

• $1,000

The Legacy Scholarship is awarded to full-time day students whose parent, sibling or grandparent received his or her undergraduate or graduate degree from Nichols College. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to students who meet eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress. This scholarship is self-reported by the student or family. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office that they have met the scholarship criteria prior to the start of classes.

Nichols Honors Scholar Grant

• $1,000

A limited number of highly qualified students newly admitted will be invited by Admissions to participate in the Nichols College Honors Scholar Program. Current students may be invited to join and become eligible for the scholarship after completing one academic year at Nichols with a Cumulative GPA of 3.6 or above. Effective Fall 2016, all students must maintain a 3.4 Cumulative GPA (grandfathered students must maintain a 3.2 Cumulative GPA) and stay enrolled in the program for renewal of this $1,000 non-need based grant.

Nichols Access Grant

• Up to $2,000

This need-based grant is awarded to day students who are not legal residents of Massachusetts. This grant helps to supplement the limited out-of-state scholarship dollars students receive who demonstrate financial need. Since funds are limited, the Access Grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nichols Transfer Grant

• Up to $4,000

Students filling out the FAFSA may also qualify for an additional transfer grant up to $4,000, depending on need. Students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of college work to qualify for the transfer grant. This grant is renewable annually as long as the student remains enrolled full-time in the day program, maintains a 2.0 Cumulative GPA, and continues to demonstrate financial need.

Nichols Travel Grant

• $1,000

There are a limited number of $1,000 grants for students attending from select states. Students must reside on campus and be enrolled full-time in the day program. These grants are renewable and non-need based.

Business Forward Scholarship

• $1,000

High school students who are involved in DECA entrepreneurship or FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) programs and apply and are admitted to Nichols could be eligible to receive the renewable $1000 Business Forward Scholarship. In addition, high school DECA and FBLA teams that participate in competitions at Nichols could receive a grant toward travel to state- or regional-level tournaments.

DECA is an international association of high school and college students and teachers of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales, and service.

FBLA is the high school division of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda Inc. FBLA helps high school students prepare for careers in business through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs.

How many scholarships are available: a limited number

Criteria for eligibility: a minimum two-year participation in DECA/FBLA programs; preference will be given to students who have attended a DECA/FBLA event hosted by Nichols.

How to apply: Letter of recommendation from guidance counselor or advisor along with participation stated on application.

Need Based Grants

Awarded to students with financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

• Nichols Success Grant
• Women in Enterprise Grant
• Nichols Opportunity Grant

Are you a Principal, Headmaster, or Guidance Counselor with a student who exemplifies leadership beyond the classroom? Nominate them for the Nichols College 10th Annual Principal’s Leadership Award. 

One student from each participating school will receive an $84,000 Nichols College scholarship. The award will be dispersed in four amounts of $21,000 to attend Nichols College beginning the 2022–2023 academic year.  

The nominated student from your school should demonstrate academic promise, ambition, and leadership in your school and community. The student should also meet the following criteria:  

• Demonstrates exemplary leadership 
• Involved in your school and community 
• Have an unweighted cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 

To Nominate a Student: 

Fill out our fast nomination form with all your student’s information and attach the student’s high school transcript (including first quarter grades if available). 

For other ways to nominate a student, please reach out to Emily Reardon at emily.reardon@nichols.edu.   

Deadline: 

The deadline to nominate a student from your school is December 31, 2021. The student will be notified by our office and asked to complete an official application.  

Over the last nine years, we have awarded over $8 million in Principal’s Leadership Awards to over 500 students. We are thrilled to continue acknowledging your student leaders for years to come!  

Please note: this award is in lieu of any merit awards the student may have qualified for.