Rivier University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Johnson & Wales University Providence in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Johnson & Wales University Providence is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (4,303 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Johnson & Wales University Providence is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Providence is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Johnson & Wales University Providence 14:1.

Rivier University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Johnson & Wales University-Providence? 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 Rivier University than Johnson & Wales University-Providence ($28,584 vs. $32,057).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rivier University are 21% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Providence ($15,636 vs. $19,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Providence is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rivier University (about $2,931 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Providence than at Rivier University (about $2,931 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Providence than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Providence students is 13.8% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($28,361 vs. $24,927).

Rivier University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rivier University or Johnson & Wales University-Providence? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence and Rivier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 90 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Providence (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Johnson & Wales University Providence 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJohnson & Wales University Providence 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Johnson & Wales University-Providence has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 15.8% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence.

Rivier University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Johnson & Wales University-Providence? 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).

• Johnson & Wales University Providence's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,445 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates ($25,455 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates ($263 vs. $278).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Johnson & Wales University-Providence students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 66%)

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.