Rivier University vs. Holy Family University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Holy Family University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (3,225 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Holy Family University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Family University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Holy Family University 14:1.

Rivier University vs. Holy Family University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Holy Family 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 Holy Family University than Rivier University ($14,072 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Family University are 2.3% lower than at Rivier University ($15,284 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Family University (about $4,158 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $35,330.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Rivier University than at Holy Family University (about $4,158 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $35,330.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Holy Family University than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Family University students is 6.7% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($26,603 vs. $24,927).

Rivier University vs. Holy Family University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rivier University or Holy Family 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 Holy Family University and Rivier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 90 points higher than at Holy Family University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Holy Family University 910/1150.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Holy Family University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Holy Family University (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 21.1% at Holy Family University.

Rivier University vs. Holy Family University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Holy Family 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).

• Holy Family University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Holy Family University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Holy Family University graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Family University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Family University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 64%)

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.