Rider University vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Christopher Newport University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Rider University vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or CNU? 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 Christopher Newport University than Rider University ($23,148 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 27.7% lower than at Rider University ($12,460 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 144.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $24,292 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at Rider University than at Christopher Newport University (about $9,942 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 179.1% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($29,294 vs. $10,494).

Rider University vs. CNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 30 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 18% at CNU.

Rider University vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and CNU? 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).

• The graduation rate at Rider University is the same as at Christopher Newport University (63% vs. 63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.