Florida Southern vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Florida Southern based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida Southern College is located in Lakeland, FL (Small City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Florida Southern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida Southern College 11:1; Rider University 14:1.

Florida Southern vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida Southern 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 Southern ($26,506 vs. $29,384).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Southern College are 16.7% lower than at Rider University ($14,360 vs. $17,230).
• Florida Southern College is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $2,920 more per year; $44,040.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at Florida Southern than at Rider University (about $2,920 more per year; $44,040.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Florida Southern College as at Rider University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Florida Southern College students is 7.2% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($31,394 vs. $29,294).

Florida Southern vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Southern College (1240) is 30 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Florida Southern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Southern College 1150/1330; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Southern College 25/30; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida Southern - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida Southern May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Florida Southern students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Florida Southern (64.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Florida Southern vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Florida Southern vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida Southern 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 Southern College's (55%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than Florida Southern graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Southern College graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Florida Southern graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($248 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Florida Southern students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 65%)

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.