Founded in 1865, Rider University. is a Private college. Located in New Jersey, which is a city setting in New Jersey, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,085 full time undergraduate students, and 972 full time graduate students.
The Rider University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 243 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Rider University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
71%
Application Deadline
15-Nov
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
916-1110
ACT Range
19-24
Admissions at RU are considered Selective, with ,28% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
81% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 43% were in the top quarter, and 15% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Rider University.
11%
“We”re apathetic”
41%
“We know about current events and vote”
39%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
39%
“Sometimes, but not often”
51%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
1%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
60%
“We bought the gear”
23%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
11%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
11%
“Available in class”
51%
“They keep regular office hours”
37%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
26%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
63%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
20%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
48%
“We only party on weekends”
32%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
6%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
48%
“There might be people who do”
42%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
11%
“We”re apathetic”
41%
“We know about current events and vote”
39%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
39%
“Sometimes, but not often”
51%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
1%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
60%
“We bought the gear”
23%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
11%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
11%
“Available in class”
51%
“They keep regular office hours”
37%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
26%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
63%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
92 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
61 Students rated off-campus housing 3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
96 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
98 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
97 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
96 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
98 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
98 Students rated academics 3.6 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
Rider University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Rider University?
44 Students rated Rider University
Charlotte
From the moment I stepped on the campus, I knew this was where I belonged. It felt like I had been there before that's how safe and right it was. The many opportunities and activities made college more fulfilling and exciting. I like to think of Rider as my hidden gem and I am always looking for a reason to brag about my school.
Irene
Rider immediately caught my eye when deciding what school I wanted to attend, so I decided to list the pros and cons. The list of pros outweighed the cons drastically. They say that you will know it's the one when you visit a college as soon as you get there. I can 100% say that this was the case in my story. They have the most beautiful, well-kept campus, with student life that meets those same standards. I promise you that there is a place for everyone here and at Rider University.
Zyheim
Rider is a very nice school, however it can get pretty expensive, rack up on those scholarships, and you got this.
Anneliese
Rider University is an acquired taste. Students around campus seem to just generally tolerate each other. Most are either very clique-y or keep to themselves. Every professor that I've met there I've been able to engage in intelligent and friendly conversation with; I've even developed relationships with a few of them. The food on campus is decent at their restaurant outlets but extremely poor in the dining hall. Cooks/workers are somewhat friendly but do NOT know how to complete an order as written. The dorms are decent... if you're placed in or choose a newly renovated one. The old buildings are workable but extremely dreary. I personally did not enjoy my first and only semester dorming at Rider and actually ended up commuting an hour instead. Another thing I don't like about Rider is how liberal it is. Obviously, colleges are going to be liberal and that's perfectly fine. But when the majority of students are completely intolerant towards someone who happens to have a different opinion, that's a problem. The professors don't help with this problem either. Most are largely uninvolved politically, or contribute towards the intolerance. I'm transferring. I'm done with this school. Good luck if you decide to go here.
Marshall
I believe Rider University is a good school to go to because of the environment. A lot of people who transfer or incoming are welcoming with walking arms like it's a family. The campus just it's self is just beyond peaceful and its not a lot of people which it's also good for people who learns visually like myself get a good learning.
Elizabeth
Expensive, MOST of the people who work there don't know what they're doing, professors throw each other under the bus. President did not even now the campuses the voice teachers were on and is trying to sell Westminster Choir College. It is all about money and less about education. Trying to get your transcript from there is a joke.
Nicolo
Overall I enjoyed my time so far at Rider and am looking forward to finishing my degree here. It is a very open school with tons of options and professors who are willing to listen to their students. I have enjoyed the overall welcoming atmosphere at Rider and enjoy how easy it is to communicate with professors on a daily basis, even if I do not see them for class on a certain day. Would recommend for people local to the area or if you want to attend a school in New Jersey.
Faith
Rider is a great school if your not only want to have the large college experience and a smaller friendly college. There is a lot of extras to do aside from just classes. Rider is in a great location it's not far from society in a whole. We always have activities that are for all the students regardless of their interests. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Farah
Rider University was actually not at the top of my list at the time. This might have been due to the change in my interests along the way. But as I did my research on every institution I was interested in, I was always disappointed with the results. I am glad that I found the best value in Rider.
This includes being about an hour and a half away from home. Even though Rider is a private school, if you complete your FAFSA, they can give you very generous financial aid packages. In fact, the financial aid I received is one of the main reasons why I am attending Rider University. I strengthened my bond with the admissions team and they made me completely secure with what I am pursuing. The campus itself is very beautiful. Everything is not too far away, it is all in a very good walking distance, and that is perfect for those who do not like to walk very far. Another plus was that Freshman can have their cars on campus during their first year. The last thing that sold it for me was their Education program. I acknowledge that they put a lot of effort into making sure Education majors feel good that they're in their program.
I also notice that Rider has a Greek presence on their campus. I might consider joining during my sophomore year, but I hear it is pretty strict this time around. I'll see how it goes once I start in the fall.
Gianni
I love Rider University. I have a made many lifelong friends here. There are multiple opportunities for students to get involved on campus, the university even allows students to create their own clubs/teams if there is enough of a following. The class sizes are not very large, so professors get to know you on a first name basis, which can be very convenient for students if they need extra help outside of class.
Juliet
At Rider University, there is not much to do besides party off campus on the weekends. There's not a lot near the school to do either, unless you drive at least 15 minutes. My experience in a sorority here at Rider is gruesome. There was NO hazing, but the sorority life is very strict and quite scary. However, the academics and teachers give a good learning environment, with small class sizes and easy to reach professors.
Tara
As a student attending Rider University, I would say that it is a very amazing but different university with a wide range of opportunities for students to take. Rider University has a small classroom setting, which is always great, because being with a bigger class could make students feel less comfortable. It provides all students with the ability to be surrounded with all the help that they need. Rider helps students to feel comfortable in such a positive environment when it comes to academics and community service projects/assignments. This university has a wide range of sports and clubs to join, which makes people feel more adjusted to the Rider community. Rider should consider taking on more and better restaurants for students to eat at. The food kinda sucks. Besides that, Rider is just an awesome university/community to be apart of. It's the best choice that I have made in my life!
Jack
Everyone I talked to while I visited was so nice! The eating options here seemed to be very diverse. I feel as though this university could be a great fit for me! I am not into partying/drugs and from what my friends who have gone/are going to rider have told me, this university students more often focuses on academics than those things.
dana
Rider is a very reputable university with a lot of culture and diversity. The professors are very knowledgeable and easy to get in touch with. The campus offers on campus living with on campus dining . The classes are reasonably sized and there's always someone who wants to ensure your learning experience. Rider is AWSOME!
ylexis
If you’re looking for a smaller school and a tight knit community Rider is for you. Everything is walking distance on campus, which is great because you don’t have to drive to class or catch a shuttle to get there. Most of the class sizes are also around 20 people, so you will be able to get one on one time with your professor if you have any questions. On the weekends people usually leave campus because nothing really goes on. Because the campus is so small you will see the same faces everyday, which can be a pro or a con depending on who you ask. I’d rate the cafeteria food a 3.5. They definitely put effort into being culturally diverse on certain holidays, which is appreciated. The student body is also very diverse. Overall Rider is a good school if your looking for something small and tight knit.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Rider University is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Be ready to explore the many wonders and responsibilities of a college student. During the college years you will experience many changes, those that will help you pursue the right career path and those that will guide you in making your decisions as an independent learner. This is a time in your life where you will better yourself, and steer you?re self in the right direction. You can make a difference in your life while inspiring others just like you.
Rider University is an amazing school with amazing people. I have experienced many of my best moments already at Rider University. Everyone I have met is kind and caring. The professors care about what the students learn and what knowledge they gain from their courses.
Professors vary as much as the subjects they teach, I have had some that know my name on the second day and others who didn't know it by the end of the semester. My favorit example of this is when I was talking with one of the biology professors, and the department chair of biology walked in and addressed me by name, I had only met her once or twice before hand. That story encapsulates something that I felt as soon as I walked onto campus. Participation always varies depending on the class, from my experiences the professors are pretty accepting of all viewpoints. Rider's requirements can be a little lax, and for some majors particularly. I have an internship in a professor's lab as a freshman, most students if they are dedicated enough can get involved somewhere.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
I attend Westminster Choir College, a branch of Rider University. The unique thing about this school is that it is the only choir college in the world. It attracts students from around the world because of the choirs' competitiveness and prestige. It is also one of the most tolerant and selfless music communities I have ever encountered.
not a big campus everyone ;has a security level. The school seems organized and trys to stay on top of any issues we as the students have going on during the time spent there. They try to stay on a feel at home level-even though it seems as if a lot of people go home on weekends. I live close enough to go home, but need to learn how to have a campus life and learn to live on my own.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
A person who is career oriented and knows what they want to do. There is not much time to be undecided if you want to graduate in 4 years. Also someone who has their own car, there is not too much around campus in walking distance and it would be very helpful on the weekends!
My school is best known for its football team, number one student section, and large alumni association. Penn State's reputation is well-known throughout most of the country.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
Rider is very diverse, although there are many cliques. Greeks tend to stay with each other, the Japanese Pop Culture Society (JCPS) kids, the international students (especial asian).
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
100% of students attending Rider University receive some sort of financial aid.
33% were awarded federal grants.73%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.