Rider University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Shenandoah 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); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Rider University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or SU? 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 SU ($26,506 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 27.5% lower than at Rider University ($12,490 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $4,170 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Rider University than at Shenandoah University (about $4,170 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rider University as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 18.4% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($29,294 vs. $24,747).

Rider University vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 90 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Rider University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 60%)

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.