Rider University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

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

Wilkes University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Rider University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Wilkes? 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 Wilkes ($26,506 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilkes University are 6.2% lower than at Rider University ($16,166 vs. $17,230).
• Wilkes University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $2,376 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Wilkes than at Rider University (about $2,376 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rider University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($29,294 vs. $28,324).

Rider University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 70 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Rider University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Wilkes? 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 Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.