Hastings College vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hastings College in Hastings, NE with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Hastings College based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 956 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hastings College is located in Hastings, NE (Remote Town setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Hastings College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hastings College 14:1; Rivier University 14:1.

Hastings College vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hastings College 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 Hastings College than Rivier University ($24,406 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hastings College are 22.9% lower than at Rivier University ($12,050 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hastings College (about $1,718 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $37,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Rivier University than at Hastings College (about $1,718 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $37,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hastings College than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hastings College students is 8.7% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($27,107 vs. $24,927).

Hastings College vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hastings College 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 Hastings College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 50 points higher than at Hastings College (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hastings College 960/1180; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hastings College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hastings College - Test optional; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Hastings College (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Hastings College vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Hastings College vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hastings College 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).

• Hastings College's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Hastings College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $45,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Hastings College graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hastings College graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Hastings College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.