Rider University
Rider University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Rider University at a Glance
Rider University is a private university in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, United States. It consists of three academic units: the Norm Brodsky College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which includes Westminster Choir College, and the College of Education and Human Services.
1865
161 years old
$90M
$89.6 million (2025)
3,693
200
303 acres
Identity
Is Rider University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Rider University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $62,208 — 16% above average — while paying $24,792/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Rider University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Rider University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #62 of 123 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #4 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #5 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #62 | Rider University | 39 | $24,792 | $62,208 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Rider University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NJ.
Best Programs at Rider University
The highest-earning program at Rider University is Accounting and Related Services at $49,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Dance at $20,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Rider University earns $49,000, while a Dance graduate earns $20,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Dance.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,792/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $49,000 | $49,000 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,200 | $48,200 | $21,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $48,000 | $48,000 | $26,955 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $44,200 | $44,200 | $26,850 |
| International Business | $43,000 | $43,000 | $25,555 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $42,000 | $42,000 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,100 | $41,100 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $39,600 | $39,600 | $26,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $37,700 | $37,700 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $37,000 | $37,000 | $26,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,600 | $36,600 | $31,250 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $35,100 | $35,100 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,800 | $29,800 | $26,515 |
| History | $29,000 | $29,000 | $27,000 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $28,500 | $28,500 | $27,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $26,700 | $26,700 | $27,000 |
| Music | $21,700 | $21,700 | $26,000 |
| Dance | $20,500 | $20,500 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lawrenceville, NJ
- Student Body
- 3,106 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,792
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,208
- Median Student Debt
- $26,130