Rivier University vs. Mercy

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercy University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (8,991 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Mercy University is in Dobbs Ferry, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Mercy University 16:1.

Rivier University vs. Mercy Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Mercy? 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 Mercy University than Rivier University ($15,200 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercy University are 2.5% lower than at Rivier University ($15,250 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 72.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercy (about $16,608 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.6% higher at Rivier University than at Mercy University (about $16,608 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercy University than at Rivier University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 41.1% larger than aid received by Mercy University students ($24,927 vs. $17,664).

Rivier University vs. Mercy Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercy University (1130) is 10 points higher than at Rivier University (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Mercy University 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMercy University 21/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Mercy - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Mercy has a higher acceptance rate (85.8%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 14.3% at Mercy.

Rivier University vs. Mercy Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rivier University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Mercy University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Mercy graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercy University graduates have a $1,756 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($23,699 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Mercy graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($245 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercy students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 40%)

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.