Rivier University vs. RIC

Comparable Facts

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

Rhode Island College is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (6,155 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rivier University is located in Nashua, NH (Small City setting); Rhode Island College is in Providence, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rivier University 14:1; Rhode Island College 15:1.

Rivier University vs. RIC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rivier University or RIC? 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 Rhode Island College than Rivier University ($10,346 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island College are 14.2% lower than at Rivier University ($13,414 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 249.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than RIC (about $28,188 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $11,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.6% higher at Rivier University than at Rhode Island College (about $12,189 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $27,299.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Rhode Island College (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 271.7% larger than aid received by Rhode Island College students ($24,927 vs. $6,706).

Rivier University vs. RIC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 120 points higher than at RIC (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rivier University 1055/1175; Rhode Island College 870/1120.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rivier University - Test optional; RIC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026; RIC Mar 15, 2027.
• RIC has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Rivier University vs. 23.1% at RIC.

Rivier University vs. RIC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rhode Island College's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than RIC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island College graduates have a $4,255 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($21,200 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, RIC graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($219 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RIC 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.