St. Ambrose University vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Ambrose University is located in Davenport, IA (Small City setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Ambrose University 11:1; Rivier University 14:1.

St. Ambrose University vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Ambrose University or Rivier 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 Saint Ambrose University than Rivier University ($25,345 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Ambrose University are 14.4% lower than at Rivier University ($13,378 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 7.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Ambrose University (about $2,830 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $36,658.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at Rivier University than at Saint Ambrose University (about $2,830 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $36,658.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 3.8% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($25,877 vs. $24,927).

St. Ambrose University vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 70 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 930/1170; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Ambrose University - Test optional; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at St. Ambrose University vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

St. Ambrose University vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Ambrose University and Rivier 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $309 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($25,455 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($263 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 70%)

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.