Rider University vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Widener University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Widener University 11:1.

Rider University vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Widener 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 Widener University ($26,506 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Widener University are 4.1% lower than at Rider University ($16,530 vs. $17,230).
• Widener University is 35.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $14,610 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.5% higher at Widener University than at Rider University (about $14,610 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rider University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 49.2% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($43,706 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 20 points higher than at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Rider University vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Widener 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 Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 68%)

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.