Rivier University
Rivier University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Rivier University at a Glance
Rivier University is a private Catholic university in Nashua, New Hampshire, United States. Rivier is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
1933
93 years old
$41M
$41 million (2020)
2,238
943 undergrad · 770 grad
74
68 acres
Identity
Is Rivier University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Rivier University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,248 — 3% below average — while paying $28,082/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,956 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Rivier University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Rivier University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #96 of 146 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #96 | Rivier University | 26 | $28,082 | $52,248 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Rivier University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NH.
Best Programs at Rivier University
The highest-earning program at Rivier University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $29,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Rivier University earns $64,300, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $29,500. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,082/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,300 | $64,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,300 | $41,300 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $30,400 | $30,400 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,500 | $29,500 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Nashua, NH
- Student Body
- 1,231 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,082
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,248
- Median Student Debt
- $26,956