Hope College vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hope College in Holland, MI with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hope College is located in Holland, MI (Small City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hope College 9:1; Rider University 14:1.

Hope College vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hope College 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 Hope College ($26,506 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 24.8% lower than at Rider University ($12,950 vs. $17,230).
• Hope College is 2.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $850 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.1% higher at Hope College than at Rider University (about $850 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 17.4% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($29,294 vs. $24,945).

Hope College vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hope College 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 Hope College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hope College (1220) is 10 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Hope College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 1100/1340; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 25/31; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hope College - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Hope College has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Hope College vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Hope College vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hope College 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 73%)

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.