Rivier University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Rivier University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University than Rivier University ($26,056 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 23.6% lower than at Rivier University ($11,950 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 41.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $11,588 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.5% higher at Rivier University than at Columbia International University (about $11,588 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Columbia International University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 46.6% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($24,927 vs. $17,009).

Rivier University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rivier University or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University and Rivier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 30 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsColumbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Rivier University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,955 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 63%)

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.