Rivier University vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Rivier University is larger than Carlow University based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 2,416 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Carlow University 12:1.

Rivier University vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Carlow 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 Carlow University than Rivier University ($21,002 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carlow University are 11.7% lower than at Rivier University ($13,808 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carlow University (about $3,614 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $35,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Rivier University than at Carlow University (about $3,614 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $35,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Rivier University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($28,233 vs. $24,927).

Rivier University vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 60 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

Rivier University vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Carlow University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 59%)

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.