Rider University vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

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

Rider University is larger than VWC based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Wesleyan University is in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1.

Rider University vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University than Rider University ($21,267 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 30.8% lower than at Rider University ($11,930 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VWC (about $3,620 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Rider University than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $3,620 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rider University as at Virginia Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($29,923 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. VWC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Wesleyan University (1250) is 40 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 VWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; VWC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at VWC (3.39).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than VWC (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 11.9% at VWC.

Rider University vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and VWC? 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 Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than VWC graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VWC students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

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.