Rider University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Rider University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Liberty 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 Rider University than Liberty University ($26,506 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 19.7% lower than at Rider University ($13,835 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 83% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $18,655 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83% higher at Rider University than at Liberty University (about $18,655 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 134.6% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($29,294 vs. $12,489).

Rider University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 60 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Rider University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Liberty 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).

• Rider University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $1,584 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($24,166 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($249 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 36%)

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.