Rivier University vs. Cairn

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Cairn University Langhorne in Langhorne, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Cairn based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 1,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Cairn University Langhorne is in Langhorne, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cairn University Langhorne is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Cairn University Langhorne 11:1.

Rivier University vs. Cairn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Cairn? 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 Cairn University Langhorne than Rivier University ($23,273 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cairn University Langhorne are 18.4% lower than at Rivier University ($12,753 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cairn (about $5,479 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at Rivier University than at Cairn University Langhorne (about $5,479 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Cairn University Langhorne (98% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Cairn University Langhorne students ($24,927 vs. $21,416).

Rivier University vs. Cairn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rivier University or Cairn? 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 Cairn and Rivier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 40 points higher than at Cairn (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Cairn University Langhorne 1000/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Cairn - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Cairn has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 45.2% at Cairn.

Rivier University vs. Cairn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Cairn? 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).

• Cairn University Langhorne's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than Cairn graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Cairn graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cairn graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cairn students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

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.