Suffolk University vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Suffolk University in Boston, MA with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; Rider University 14:1.

Suffolk University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Rider 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 Rider University than Suffolk University ($26,506 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 19.2% lower than at Suffolk University ($17,230 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 15.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $6,430 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at Suffolk University than at Rider University (about $6,430 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 7.7% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($31,558 vs. $29,294).

Suffolk University vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or Rider 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 Rider University and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 10 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Suffolk University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Rider 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).

• Rider University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.