Florida Tech vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida Institute of Technology is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (8,992 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida Institute of Technology is located in Melbourne, FL (Small City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Florida Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida Institute of Technology 13:1; Rider University 14:1.

Florida Tech vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida Tech 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 Rider University than Florida Tech ($26,506 vs. $37,361).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Institute of Technology are 11.5% lower than at Rider University ($15,240 vs. $17,230).
• Florida Institute of Technology is 11.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $4,780 more per year; $45,900.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.6% higher at Florida Tech than at Rider University (about $4,780 more per year; $45,900.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Florida Institute of Technology (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 16.2% larger than aid received by Florida Institute of Technology students ($29,294 vs. $25,218).

Florida Tech vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Florida Tech 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 Florida Tech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Institute of Technology (1220) is 10 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Florida Tech).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Institute of Technology 1120/1320; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Institute of Technology 23/28; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida Tech - Required; Rider University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Florida Tech students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Florida Tech (57.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.4% at Florida Tech vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Florida Tech vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida Tech 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 Florida Institute of Technology's (56%).
• Graduates from Florida Institute of Technology earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,600 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,430 lower median loan debt than Florida Tech graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,180).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Florida Tech graduates ($266 vs. $281).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Florida Tech students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 36%)

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.