FDU vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus in Madison, NJ with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than FDU based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 2,885 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 11:1; Rider University 14:1.

FDU vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus than Rider University ($25,585 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus are 5.6% lower than at Rider University ($16,270 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than FDU (about $3,116 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $38,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at Rider University than at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus (about $3,116 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $38,004.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus as at Rider University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus students ($29,294 vs. $28,294).

FDU vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FDU 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 FDU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 30 points higher than at FDU (1180).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at FDU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 1040/1310; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 19/30; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FDU - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman FDU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• FDU has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.5% at FDU vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

FDU vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus's (55%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $100 more per year than FDU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than FDU graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FDU graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FDU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 60%)

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.