Simmons University vs. Rider University

Should I go to Simmons University or Rider University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Simmons University or Rider University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Simmons University vs. Rider University comparison
Simmons University Rider University College 3 College 4
Simmons University Rider University
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Overview

Simmons University Rider University
Location Boston, MA Lawrenceville, NJ
Setting Large City Large Suburban
Enrollment 5,053 4,083
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #122 #309
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website simmons.edu rider.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Simmons University Rider University
Tuition (In State) $44,208 $37,700
Tuition (Out of State) $44,208 $37,700
Room & Board $17,104 $16,730
Avg Net Price $29,575 $26,618
Avg Grant Aid $33,874 $27,411
% Receiving Grant Aid 99% 100%

Admission

Simmons University Rider University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,871 9,069
Admitted 3,215 7,201
Acceptance Rate 66% 79.4%
Enrolled % 11.3% 11.2%
Avg High School GPA 3.87 3.41
Typical High School Grades A- B+
Admissions Standards Very High Challenging
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 26/31 22/29
SAT Range 1230/1390 1100/1310
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Feb 1, 2026

Academics

Simmons University Rider University
Student to Faculty Ratio 9:1 12:1
Popular Majors
  • Health Professions (37%)
  • Social Sciences (9%)
  • Psychology (9%)
  • Communication (9%)
  • Business (6%)
  • Business (34%)
  • Education (15%)
  • English and Literature (13%)
  • Psychology (8%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)

Outcomes

Simmons University Rider University
Graduation Rate 69% 63%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $52,800 $53,000
Making Student Loan Payments 80% 73%
Median Student Loan Debt $26,000 $25,750
Median Loan Payment $268 $266

Diversity

Simmons University Rider University
% Men 8% 7%
% Women 57% 14%
Racial Diversity Medium Medium
HBCU No No
% White 67% 62%
% Black 7% 12%
% Hispanic 6% 12%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 4% 3%
% International 3% 3%
% Unknown Race 4% 2%

Students

Simmons University Rider University
% In-State 57% 73%
% Out-of-State 37% 25%

Campus

Simmons University Rider University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Simmons University is larger than than Rider University based on total student enrollment (5,053 students vs. 4,083 students)

Simmons University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons University or Rider University?

  • Simmons University is 17.3% more expensive to attend than Rider University for in-state tuition ($44,208.00 vs. $37,700.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 17.3% higher at Simmons University than Rider University ($44,208.00 vs. $37,700.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Rider University than Simmons University ($26,618 vs. $29,575)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 2.2% lower than costs at Simmons University ($16,730 vs. $17,104)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Rider University than Simmons University (100% vs. 99%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 23.6% larger than aid received Rider University ($33,874 vs. $27,411)

Simmons University vs. Rider University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simmons University or Rider University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Rider University or Simmons University .

  • The average SAT score at Simmons University (1163) is 149 points higher than at Rider University (1014)
  • Incoming Simmons University students have a 5 point higher average ACT score (27) than students at Rider University (22)
  • Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Rider University (3.41)
  • Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Simmons University (66%)

Simmons University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Simmons University or Rider University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Rider University and Simmons University.

  • The graduation rate at Simmons University is higher than Rider University (69% vs. 63%)
  • Graduates from Rider University earn on average $200 more per year than Simmons University graduates after ten years. ($53,000 vs. $52,800)
  • Rider University students graduate with a $250 lower median federal student loan debt than Simmons University graduates. ($25,750 vs. $26,000)
  • Rider University graduates are paying $2 less per month on federal student loans than Simmons University graduates. ($266 vs. $268)
  • More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/