PUC vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than PUC based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Union College is located in Angwin, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Pacific Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Union College 12:1; Rivier University 14:1.

PUC vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PUC 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 Pacific Union College than Rivier University ($22,767 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 37.2% lower than at Rivier University ($9,816 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PUC (about $2,315 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $37,173.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Rivier University than at Pacific Union College (about $2,315 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $37,173.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Union College students is 6.8% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($26,629 vs. $24,927).

PUC vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PUC 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 PUC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 60 points higher than at PUC (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 930/1190; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PUC - Test-free; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14% at PUC vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

PUC vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PUC 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).

• Pacific Union College's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Pacific Union College earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $4,545 lower median loan debt than PUC graduates ($25,455 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($263 vs. $310).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 57%)

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.