Rivier University Admissions

Rivier University Admissions Overview:

With an acceptance rate of 57%, Rivier University is not highly selective. Students with strong grades and an impressive application are likely to be admitted. Applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. They will need to send in high school transcripts, an application (the school accepts the Common Application), a letter of recommendation, and an essay/writing sample. For complete instructions and other important information, be sure to visit Rivier's website.

Admissions Data (2015):

• Rivier University Acceptance Rate: 57%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
• • SAT Critical Reading: - / -
  • SAT Math: - / -
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
    • New Hampshire Colleges SAT comparison
  • ACT Composite: - / -
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
  • ACT Writing: - / -
    • What these ACT numbers mean
    • New Hampshire Colleges ACT comparison

Rivier University Description:

Rivier University (formerly Rivier College) was founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. This Catholic university offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through more than 60 academic programs. Professional fields in business, education and nursing are most popular among undergraduates. The university has both traditional undergraduates and part-time evening students. Academics are supported by an 18 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Outside of the classroom, students can join a number of clubs and activities, ranging from academic and professional clubs to performing arts groups and services organizations. On the athletic front, the Rivier Raiders compete in the NCAA Division III Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) for most sports. The university fields seven women's and six men's intercollegiate sports. Popular choices include lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country, and field hockey. Rivier's 68-acre campus is located in Nashua, New Hampshire. Downtown Boston is less than an hour away when traffic cooperates.

Enrollment (2015):

• Total Enrollment: 2,599 (1,396 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 20% Male / 80% Female
• 56% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $30,000
• Books: $1,400 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $11,610
• Other Expenses: $2,892
• Total Cost: $45,902

Rivier University Financial Aid (2014 - 15):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 99%
  • Loans: 98%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $14,438
  • Loans: $8,984

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration, Elementary Education, Nursing

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 77%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 40%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 42%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country
• Women's Sports: Lacrosse, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Soccer

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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• University of Southern Maine: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• Franklin Pierce University: Profile 
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Rivier and the Common Application

Rivier University uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

• Common Application essay tips and samples
• Short answer tips and samples
• Supplemental essay tips and samples