ECSU vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Connecticut State University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (4,355 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Connecticut State University is located in Willimantic, CT (Distant Town setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Connecticut State University 15:1; Rider University 14:1.

ECSU vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU or Rider University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Connecticut State University than Rider University ($21,512 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 1.2% lower than at Eastern Connecticut State University ($17,230 vs. $17,445).
• Rider University is 195.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $27,192 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $13,928.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.9% higher at Rider University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (about $23,692 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $17,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 179.5% larger than aid received by Eastern Connecticut State University students ($29,294 vs. $10,480).

ECSU vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU or Rider University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Rider University and ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 40 points higher than at ECSU (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Connecticut State University 1070/1260; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at ECSU (3.4).
• ECSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at ECSU vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

ECSU vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU and Rider University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rider University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Eastern Connecticut State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Connecticut State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($237 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.