Rivier University vs. Montclair State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rivier University in Nashua, NH with Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montclair State University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Montclair State University is in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Montclair State University 18:1.

Rivier University vs. Montclair State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or Montclair State 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 Montclair State University than Rivier University ($17,669 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rivier University are 6.5% lower than at Montclair State University ($15,636 vs. $16,730).
• Rivier University is 148.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $23,576 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.7% higher at Rivier University than at Montclair State University (about $13,466 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $26,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Montclair State University (98% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 102% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($24,927 vs. $12,341).

Rivier University vs. Montclair State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 60 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Montclair State University 910/1210.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; Montclair State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Montclair State University has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 18.2% at Montclair State University.

Rivier University vs. Montclair State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rivier University and Montclair State 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).

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $2,456 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($22,999 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($237 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montclair State University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 67%)

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.