Illinois College vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Rivier University 14:1.

Illinois College vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College or Rivier 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 Illinois College than Rivier University ($17,375 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois College are 23.1% lower than at Rivier University ($12,026 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 2.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Illinois College (about $812 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $38,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.1% higher at Rivier University than at Illinois College (about $812 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $38,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 26.8% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($31,609 vs. $24,927).

Illinois College vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois College or Rivier 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 Rivier University and Illinois College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 90 points higher than at Illinois College (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 883/1180; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Illinois College vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College and Rivier 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Illinois College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Illinois College graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 70%)

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.