Trinity College vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Trinity College in Hartford, CT with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Trinity College based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Trinity College is located in Hartford, CT (Midsize City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Trinity College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Trinity College 9:1; Rider University 14:1.

Trinity College vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Trinity College 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 Trinity College ($26,506 vs. $36,071).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 8.8% lower than at Trinity College ($17,230 vs. $18,890).
• Trinity College is 72.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $29,650 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.1% higher at Trinity College than at Rider University (about $29,650 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Trinity College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trinity College students is 76.7% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($51,754 vs. $29,294).

Trinity College vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Trinity College 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 Trinity College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trinity College (1380) is 170 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Trinity College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Rider University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Trinity College 1298/1470; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Trinity College 30/34; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Trinity College - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Trinity College Jan 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Trinity College students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Trinity College (29.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.8% at Trinity College vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Trinity College vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Trinity College 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).

• Trinity College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Trinity College earn a median of about $18,500 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,500 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Trinity College graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($21,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Trinity College graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($217 vs. $266).
• More Trinity College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 73%)

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.