SHU vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sacred Heart University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (11,022 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Sacred Heart University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sacred Heart University 15:1; Rivier University 14:1.

SHU vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SHU or Rivier 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 Rivier University than SHU ($28,584 vs. $47,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rivier University are 18.3% lower than at Sacred Heart University ($15,636 vs. $19,140).
• Sacred Heart University is 27.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rivier University (about $10,916 more per year; $50,404.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.6% higher at SHU than at Rivier University (about $10,916 more per year; $50,404.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sacred Heart University than at Rivier University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 15.3% larger than aid received by Sacred Heart University students ($24,927 vs. $21,625).

SHU vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRivier University 1055/1175.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SHU - Test-free; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than SHU (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at SHU vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

SHU vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SHU and Rivier 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).

• Sacred Heart University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Sacred Heart University earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,700 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sacred Heart University graduates have a $455 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, SHU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More SHU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.