Rider University is a well known private institution that provides a huge range of undergraduate and graduate degrees under the US Education System. Currently, Rider University consists of 4,677 students enrolled in 4 colleges with enrollment of international students. Last year, during the admission process at Rider University, a total of 871 freshmen and 173 transfer students enrolled at the Fall Session.

International applicants are required to submit English proficiency test scores and standardized test scores like SAT or ACT are optional but recommended for admission. An international candidate aspiring to enter Rider University as a freshman should be prepared to spend 17,500 USD per semester as tuition fees. Applicants with a GPA of 2.7 are offered scholarships while studying at the university. Though only a handful in number, these university scholarships waive as much as 50%-100% tuition waivers.

Check Out: Scholarships to Study in US

Rider University Rankings

  • #38 in Regional Universities North US News and World Report
  • #27 in Best Value Schools US News and World Report 
  • #108 in Top Performers on Social Mobility according to US News and World Report
  • #306 in US College Rankings by Times Higher Education
  • #201-250 in US universities by QS Top Universities 

Apart from the above-mentioned rankings, Rider University received a subject-specific ranking in MBA of #206-273 according to US News and World Report. It also got a country rank of #397 by 4icu.

Rider University Highlights

Type of university Private
Faculty members 200+
Student:faculty ratio 10:1
Number of undergraduate students 3,900
Number of graduate students 927
Percentage of international students 3.4%
Annual acceptance rate 71%
Basic tuition fee for international undergraduate students 17,500 USD per semester
Basic tuition fee for international graduate students 960 USD per credit
Test scores accepted TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo
Official website https://www.rider.edu/
Graduation rate 65.7%
Employment rate 92%
Application fees 50 USD

Rider University Campus and Accommodation

The campus setting of the institute is primarily suburban. Apart from academic and administrative buildings and offices, there is a family fitness center, pool, alumni gym, library, football field, track, fraternity, and sorority housing communities, and 12 residence halls. Some of the campus facilities enjoyed by the Rider University students are as follows:

  • There are more than 150 clubs and student-led organizations which consist of every possible student interest. Students also have the liberty of forming their own organization based on their preferences.
  • Art and culture are prioritized in the university and more than 100+ student performances are put up each year. Theatre, dance, music, creating writing are a few of the many categories students can choose from.
  • Intramural and club sports witness active participation each year. More than 25 athletic teams are present on campus and they compete among each other or other affiliates.
  • Counseling services. Recreation programs and family fitness services ensure that the mental well-being of a student is always put first. They can be approached at any time for mental or spiritual guidance.
  • There are more than 14 fraternities and sororities on campus which help create interpersonal relationships and leadership skills among the members. One out of ten students is a member of either of the clubs.
  • Several noticeable events take place on campus like College Dance Party, Cranberry Fest, and Scream Screen which provide platforms for students to show their talents or simply have fun.

Rider University Accommodation

The living options at Rider University consist of a variety of options- 12 residence halls, 6 living-learning communities, 4 theme communities, and 5 fraternity and sorority housing options. There are more than 2,400 students who live on campus and enjoy the housing facilities. The rooms contain all the basic necessities like a bed, desk, chair, etc, and students are allowed to bring additional materials. Each residence hall has its own specialty and they can be summed up as follows.

  • The Convener Hall is a co-ed housing option and accommodates 207 first-year students in double rooms. Study lounge, social lounge, laundry, kitchen, bathroom are available.
  • The Gee Hall features an international living community and houses a total of 124 students in traditional doubles and pods.
  • The Hank and Bonnie Hall comprises suite-style and apartment-style living options. It can house 72 students and has all the basic amenities required for living comfortably.
  • The Hill Hall has spacious living options and can house 244 students from first-years to seniors.
  • Kroner Hall can also accommodate 244 students in traditional doubles and pods.
  • The Lake House features a fine art living community and is predominantly occupied by first-year students. It houses 45 students in traditional doubles and is coed by the floor. Basic amenities are available.

Also check: Student housing in the US

The housing costs for the academic year are as follows:

Type of housing Cost (USD/semester)
Standard Double (Conover, Pryda) 5,060
Standard Double as a single (Gee, Hill, Olson, Kroner, Switlik, Wright) 6,740
Standard double (Greek- PSS, University, ZTA) 5,690
Double as a single (Greek) 6,740
3 bedroom suite, no living room (Lincoln) 5,970
4 single bedroom apartments (Beckett Village, Moore) 6,840
Premium double (Beckett Village, Moore) 6,160
RA/CA single suite 2,530

Rider University Programs

Rider University has 4 colleges under its wing offering more than 100 majors, minors, and special programs for applicants to choose from. Apart from undergraduate and graduate degrees, the university provides associate degrees, post-baccalaureate, and certificates as a part of the continuing education program. Some of the popular programs are tabulated below.

Program Fees (USD/credit)
MBA 1,040
MA in Applied Psychology 960
MA in Business Communication 960
MA in Athletic Leadership 990
MA in Counseling Services 960
MA in Organizational Leadership 910
MS in Nursing 830
MS in Analytics 990
Arts Management and Executive Leadership 960
Westminster Choir College Programs (online) 1,300

Rider College Admission Process

International applicants who are aiming to get admitted at Rider College as freshman candidates are required to provide all the necessary documents required. An aspirant must keep the following in mind that the online application form is mandatory to be filled with a fee of $50.

Rider University Common Application Deadlines

Rider University admits international students based on 2 intake seasons- Fall and Spring. Students need to closely follow the admission deadlines since no applications are accepted after the deadlines have passed. The admission deadlines can be summed down as follows.

Fall Semester
Type of Deadline Application deadline
Early action November 15
Scholarship considerations January 15
First-year international students March 15
Spring Semester
All International Students November 1

Rider University Admission Requirements:
The admission requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students are compiled below.

  • Online application and 50 USD application fee.
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume
  • English language proficiency test results
  • A self-written essay.
  • Certificate of finances showing proof of funds.
  • Audition required for Westminster College of Arts.
  • Transfer students should submit the required credentials.
  • Medical records
  • Health insurance.
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Standardized test scores are not mandatory but recommended. The following score ranges are witnessed in enrolled students:
    • SAT- 1020-1210
    • ACT- 19-26
  • SOP
  • Scholarship or sponsorship letter, if applicable.

Rider University English Proficiency Test

English proficiency test scores are a must when it comes to the admission of international students at Rider University. undergraduate and graduate courses require different proficiency test scores, and they are all tabulated below.

English proficiency test Undergraduate requirements Graduate requirements
TOEFL PBT 540 540
TOEFL iBT 70 79
IELTS 6.0 6.5
PTE 50 53
ITEP 3.7 3.9
ISE II II Distinction Pass
Duolingo 95 100

Note: Students who score below the minimum required scores are accepted under conditional admission through Rider’s English Language Institute.

Rider University Cost of Attendance

International aspirants should know the estimated budget for studying in the US before seeking admission into Rider University. The cost of attendance is affected hugely by personal expenses, miscellaneous costs, and scholarships. The basic cost for one semester or one course for undergraduate and graduate programs at Rider University is as follows.

Type of expense Undergraduate (USD/semester) Graduate (USD/semester)
Tuition 17,500 12,450-19,500
General student fee 600 600
Student activities fee 145 145
Technology fees 280 60
Student teaching fees 250 250
Total 18,775 13,505 -20,555

Rider University Scholarships and Financial Aids

Rider University offers scholarships, fee waivers, student jobs, and financial aid for international students to study in the US. According to last year’s statistics, the university offered an average need-based aid of 33,611 USD to a student and almost 85% of the students receive need-based aid. International students are not eligible for financial needs but they can easily avail merit-based scholarships.

As a first-year international freshman, candidates need to submit official academic transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and one letter of recommendation by January 15 and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 GPA to avail of a merit-based scholarship. Auditions are required for art majors. Some of the most popular merit-based first-year scholarships and their amounts are stated below:

Also check: Scholarships in the US

  • Trustee Scholarship- Pays full tuition.
  • Presidential Scholarship- 20,000 USD, maximum amount 80,000 USD.
  • Provost Scholarship- 18,000 USD, maximum amount 72,000 USD.
  • Dean’s Scholarship- 16,000 USD, maximum amount 64,000 USD.

Rider University Alumni

Rider University has a network of more than 60,000 alumni. The Alumni Relations is a mentionable segment of the university since it maintains the connection between the alumni. The present student and faculty open doors to endless opportunities. Some of the benefits enjoyed by the Rider University alumni are as follows:

  • They can get an Alumni membership card and avail several possibilities associated with the institute.
  • The alumni can get access to the library, family fitness and recreation centre and conference services.
  • They can attend several events and the alumni from recent years can also claim a 50% discount off season ticket prices.
  • Career Sources are at the beck and call of the alumni and can be summoned in case any assistance regarding writing resumes, looking for job opportunities or internship hunting.
  • Alumni can pursue further education at the university, being already familiar with the academic atmosphere.
  • They can retain their email address and stay connected together or to present students.
  • They can also purchase discounted gear from the university stores.

Rider university is known for crafting fine achievers throughout the years. Some of the noteworthy alumni are discussed below.

  • Digger Phelps- American basketball coach
  • Mark Schweiker- Former Governor of Pennsylvania
  • Tom Papa- Famous comedian
  • Carol Meyrowitz- Executive chairman of TJX companies
  • Robert Miller- Canadian businessman

Rider University Placements

Rider University has always witnessed a high success rate from alumni since 9 out of 10 graduates get employed, pursue higher education or get engaged in volunteering. 250+ alumni are CEOs or company leaders. There are job fairs on the campus every year so that candidates can get the proper exposure from the very first. The top employers at Rider University are ABC-TV, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, ExxonMobil etc.

According to statistics, the average base salary of a graduate from Rider University is 70,000 USD. The top employment fields the graduates usually enter and their average salaries are as follows:

Job Salary(USD/year)
Staff Accountant 51,395
Human Resources 98,740
Accountant 64,094
Senior Accountant 70,000
Director of Operations 83,264

Also check: What after study in the USA?

Rider University provides a noteworthy educational platform for all aspirants with the presence of 100+ programs and a 10:1 student: faculty ratio. Along with intramural sports and student engagement leading to an incredible intercultural bonding, Rider University has truly served as one of the best private educational centres in the nation, attracting several international students every year.

FAQs

Ques. Are standardized test scores for international students mandatory at Rider University?

Ans. SAT/ACT scores are usually, not mandatory but recommended. Superscoring is a segment in the admission process where students are selected based on their performance in standardized scores if they have been accepted in the ‘Test Optional Program’.

Ques. How does Rider University review applications?

Ans. Rider University reviews each application properly and takes on a holistic approach to judge candidates based on their performance in standardized tests, high school coursework, and additional requirements. Once the selection committee makes the decision they will let the student know via email.

Ques. How is an applicant supposed to write a personal statement for graduate admissions?

Ans. The candidate who is aiming to enroll at a graduate program at Rider university is required to write a personal essay of at least 250 words. They are advised to write about their future goals, aspirations and mention any accomplishments. They can also include noticeable events in their essays that shaped them as better people.

Ques. How are scholarships maintained at Rider University?

Ans. Each scholarship has specific criteria which lead to its renewability. Presidential Scholarship requires a GPA of 3.2, Provost Scholarship requires 2.80, Dean’s Scholarship requires 2.50, etc. Acceptance letters and award notifications can be checked for more information.