Rider University vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Drexel University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Drexel University 9:1.

Rider University vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($26,506 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 4.8% lower than at Drexel University ($17,230 vs. $18,096).
• Drexel University is 51.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $21,292 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.8% higher at Drexel than at Rider University (about $21,292 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rider University as at Drexel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($35,051 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 130 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at Drexel (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drexel students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Rider University vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Drexel? 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).

• Drexel University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $24,400 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $493 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($266 vs. $271).
• More Drexel graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.