Rivier University vs. Howard Payne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Howard Payne University based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 809 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Howard Payne University is in Brownwood, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Howard Payne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Howard Payne University 10:1.

Rivier University vs. Howard Payne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Howard Payne 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 Howard Payne University than Rivier University ($25,750 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Howard Payne University are 34.8% lower than at Rivier University ($10,200 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard Payne University (about $4,506 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $34,982.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Rivier University than at Howard Payne University (about $4,506 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $34,982.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Howard Payne University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Howard Payne University students ($24,927 vs. $20,357).

Rivier University vs. Howard Payne University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 100 points higher than at Howard Payne University (1020).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Howard Payne University 880/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsHoward Payne University 16/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Howard Payne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Howard Payne University (67.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 27% at Howard Payne University.

Rivier University vs. Howard Payne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Howard Payne 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).

• Howard Payne University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Howard Payne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $231 lower median loan debt than Howard Payne University graduates ($25,455 vs. $25,686).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard Payne University graduates ($263 vs. $265).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard Payne University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 58%)

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.