Rivier University vs. Culinary Institute of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Culinary Institute of America is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (3,147 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Culinary Institute of America is in Hyde Park, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Culinary Institute of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Culinary Institute of America 18:1.

Rivier University vs. Culinary Institute of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Culinary Institute of America? 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 Rivier University than Culinary Institute of America ($28,584 vs. $39,581).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Culinary Institute of America are 3.9% lower than at Rivier University ($15,030 vs. $15,636).
• Culinary Institute of America is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rivier University (about $362 more per year; $39,850.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Culinary Institute of America than at Rivier University (about $362 more per year; $39,850.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Culinary Institute of America than at Rivier University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 28.8% larger than aid received by Culinary Institute of America students ($24,927 vs. $19,350).

Rivier University vs. Culinary Institute of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rivier University or Culinary Institute of America? 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 Culinary Institute of America and Rivier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 60 points higher than at Culinary Institute of America (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Culinary Institute of America 928/1183.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCulinary Institute of America 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Culinary Institute of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Culinary Institute of America has a higher acceptance rate (91.1%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 31% at Culinary Institute of America.

Rivier University vs. Culinary Institute of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Culinary Institute of America? 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).

• Graduates from Culinary Institute of America earn a median of about $200 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Culinary Institute of America graduates have a $10,455 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Culinary Institute of America graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($155 vs. $263).
• More Culinary Institute of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 70%)

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.