Calvin University vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Rider University 14:1.

Calvin University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Rider 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 Calvin University than Rider University ($25,231 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 29.7% lower than at Rider University ($12,120 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $1,770 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Rider University than at Calvin University (about $1,770 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Rider University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 0.6% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($29,294 vs. $29,123).

Calvin University vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University or Rider 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 Rider University and Calvin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is the same as at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Calvin University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Rider 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).

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $699 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($266 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 73%)

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.