Rider University vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rider University vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College ($26,506 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 0.8% lower than at Rider University ($17,100 vs. $17,230).
• Dickinson College is 59.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $24,530 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.7% higher at Dickinson College than at Rider University (about $24,530 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 51.8% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($44,479 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rider University or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College and Rider University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 180 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Rider University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Rider University vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Dickinson College? 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).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($21,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($217 vs. $266).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.