Emerson vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Emerson College in Boston, MA with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Emerson College is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Rider University 14:1.

Emerson vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson 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 Emerson ($26,506 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 17.6% lower than at Emerson College ($17,230 vs. $20,920).
• Emerson College is 38.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $15,936 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.8% higher at Emerson than at Rider University (about $15,936 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Emerson College (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 8.5% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($29,294 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emerson 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 Emerson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 140 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Emerson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Rider University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Emerson vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson 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).

• Emerson College's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($242 vs. $266).
• More Emerson 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.