KSC vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

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

Keene State College is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (2,848 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Keene State College is located in Keene, NH (Distant Town setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Keene State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Keene State College 17:1; Rivier University 14:1.

KSC vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KSC 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 Keene State College than Rivier University ($19,997 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Keene State College are 12% lower than at Rivier University ($13,766 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 167.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSC (about $24,704 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $14,784.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.1% higher at Rivier University than at Keene State College (about $12,648 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $26,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Keene State College than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 102.6% larger than aid received by Keene State College students ($24,927 vs. $12,302).

KSC vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KSC 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 KSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 50 points higher than at KSC (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Keene State College 970/1170; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Keene State College 24/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KSC - Test-free; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSC Dec 1, 2026; Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• KSC has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at KSC vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

KSC vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KSC 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).

• Keene State College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than KSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $840 lower median loan debt than KSC graduates ($25,455 vs. $26,295).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KSC graduates ($263 vs. $271).
• More KSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.