About Rider University

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 Rate71%
Application Deadline15-Nov
Application Fee50
SAT Range916-1110
ACT Range19-24

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”
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”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    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 - 07/29/2024

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 - 11/18/2022

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 - 05/24/2022

Rider is a very nice school, however it can get pretty expensive, rack up on those scholarships, and you got this.

Anneliese - 11/20/2021

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.

Rider University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Rider University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Rider University is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. 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.

    Read all 86 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Enthusiasic, friendly, outgoing, creative, open-minded

    Read all 61 answers

  4. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    drunken business major frat boys. girls who are hot but really stupid.

    Read all 47 answers

  5. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    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.

    Read all 45 answers

  6. What are the academics like at your school?

    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.

    Read all 44 answers

  7. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Yes.

    Read all 43 answers

  8. 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.

    Read all 41 answers

  9. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The Gospel Choir performs

    Read all 41 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who likes small schools and doesnt need a lot to do outside of school.

    Read all 20 answers

  11. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    small classes

    Read all 18 answers

  12. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school is a good size focused ,on excellence in acedmics, and sports.

    Read all 18 answers

  13. What's unique about your campus?

    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.

    Read all 14 answers

  14. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    That were so many people who were there who were better than myself. I felt like a small fish in a big sea.

    Read all 12 answers

  15. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Academic advising. They never recommend how to plan course program forward

    Read all 12 answers

  16. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    It was pretty much what I expected. I don't have any regrets.

    Read all 10 answers

  17. 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!

    Read all 10 answers

  18. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    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.

    Read all 10 answers

  19. 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).

    Read all 1 answers

  20. What's the Greek scene like?

    Lambda Tau Omega Sorority Inc. strolling at Rider University

    Read all 1 answers

  21. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    MAAC Championships - Rider University -May 4, 2008

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

4,085

Total Undergrad Enrollment

972

Total Grad Students

25%

Out-Of-State

72%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

84

Student Organizations

4

Fraternities

8

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

49%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
5%
% Black or African-American
12%
% Hispanic/Latino
14%
% White or Caucasian
60%

TUITION & AID

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. While 73% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$39,820

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,500

Books and Supplies

$14,390

Room and Board

55,710

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$18,259
$30 - $48K
$21,112
$48 - $75K
$27,272
$75 - $110K
$30,550
$110K & UP
$33,726

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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