Rivier University vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Rivier University vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or HSU? 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 Hardin Simmons University than Rivier University ($19,811 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 26.5% lower than at Rivier University ($11,500 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 19.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $6,528 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at Rivier University than at Hardin Simmons University (about $6,528 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 4.7% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($26,095 vs. $24,927).

Rivier University vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rivier University or HSU? 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 HSU and Rivier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 20 points higher than at HSU (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsHardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Rivier University vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and HSU? 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).

• Hardin Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University 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, Rivier University graduates have a $534 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($25,455 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HSU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 67%)

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.