Rider University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Rider University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or VCU? 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 VCU ($26,506 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 5.6% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($17,230 vs. $18,254).
• Rider University is 142.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $24,175 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Rider University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $1,011 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 106.5% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($29,294 vs. $14,186).

Rider University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 70 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Rider University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and VCU? 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 Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($240 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 56%)

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.