Rider University vs. TCNJ

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of New Jersey is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (8,141 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); The College of New Jersey is in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; The College of New Jersey 14:1.

Rider University vs. TCNJ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or TCNJ? 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 The College of New Jersey than Rider University ($25,580 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of New Jersey are 13.1% lower than at Rider University ($14,976 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 109.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than TCNJ (about $21,488 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $19,632.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.7% higher at Rider University than at The College of New Jersey (about $15,368 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at The College of New Jersey (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 119.3% larger than aid received by The College of New Jersey students ($29,294 vs. $13,360).

Rider University vs. TCNJ Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The College of New Jersey (1240) is 30 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at TCNJ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; The College of New Jersey 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; The College of New Jersey 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; TCNJ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at TCNJ (3.29).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 19.7% at TCNJ.

Rider University vs. TCNJ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and TCNJ? 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 College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from The College of New Jersey earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The College of New Jersey graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, TCNJ graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($240 vs. $266).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.