Rider University vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Bard College 9:1.

Rider University vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Bard College? 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 Bard College ($26,506 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 8.6% lower than at Bard College ($17,230 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 61.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $25,316 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.6% higher at Bard College than at Rider University (about $25,316 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 88.6% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($55,235 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rider University or Bard College? 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 Bard College and Rider University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 150 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Rider University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Rider University vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Bard College? 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).

• Bard College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $444 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($266 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.