Fitchburg State vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fitchburg State University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Rivier University 14:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University than Rivier University ($15,340 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 1.2% lower than at Rivier University ($15,452 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 248% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $28,142 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.6% higher at Rivier University than at Fitchburg State University (about $22,062 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Fitchburg State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 116% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($24,927 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fitchburg State University (1150) is 30 points higher than at Rivier University (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Fitchburg State vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State 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).

• Fitchburg State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $2,770 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($22,685 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($234 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 65%)

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.