Drew University vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drew University in Madison, NJ with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Drew University based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drew University is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drew University 11:1; Rider University 14:1.

Drew University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drew 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 Rider University than Drew University ($26,506 vs. $28,425).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 2.3% lower than at Drew University ($17,230 vs. $17,640).
• Drew University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $5,980 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Drew University than at Rider University (about $5,980 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Drew University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($36,807 vs. $29,294).

Drew University vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drew 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 Drew University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drew University (1220) is 10 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Drew University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 1103/1338; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 24/30; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drew University - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Drew University (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Drew University vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Drew University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drew 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).

• Drew University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.