About Rider University
Rider University is a private, coeducational, and nonsectarian institution in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Founded in 1865, Rider University offers a world-class education for students pursuing one of more than 100 degree and certificate programs. You will experience hands-on learning when you start your journey at Rider.
The university’s wide range of programs are housed within its three colleges: Norm Brodsky College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Education and Human Services. Rider University online programs feature flexible scheduling to fit your busy life. Students can choose from a number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees that can be completed 100% online.
Rider’s Engaged Learning program innovatively combines academics, career goals, and related activities to fully prepare you for your future career. The program emphasizes learning by experience – whether that means completing projects, assuming leadership roles, networking with professionals in your field, or traveling to obtain first-hand knowledge in your area of expertise.
The following six categories of Engaged Learning allow students to create a unique program to fit their needs and interests:
- Leadership and Mentoring
- Study Abroad and Cultural Exploration
- Guided Research and Scholarship
- Civic and Community Engagement
- Arts, Media, and Creativity
- Internships, Co-ops, and Fieldwork
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Accreditation & Licensing
Rider University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,125Fully Online Graduate Students:
34%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,130Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
94%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$28,300Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesRider gives students a clear path to finish. Classes follow a steady schedule with clear deadlines. Small classes and direct faculty mentoring help students stay on track in tough courses. This setup works well for learners who want structure, regular due dates, and close academic support.
Cost can feel different from student to student. Annual tuition is listed at $41,120. Final cost depends a lot on aid, credits, pace, and your plan to finish. For many students, value comes from pairing Rider’s strong support with a timeline that keeps total cost and time in check.
At Rider, support shows up in everyday class life. Small classes help professors know students by name. Many instructors meet with students one on one and follow through.
The education department gets especially strong praise for support. Professors are often described as caring and focused on student success. Advising stays steady, and help is clear when classes or deadlines get hard.
Students often describe a positive experience shaped by close mentoring and a strong community. When students need help, instructors and advisors are easy to reach and quick to respond. That steady support helps students feel confident and on track.
Rider’s online fit centers on close instructor contact. Classes are small. Professors know students by name. One-on-one help is common.
The pace is structured, with regular expectations and active guidance. This school fits learners who want steady support. It is less of a hands-off model. Instructors stay involved and visible.
Mentoring is part of the class experience. Campus security and late dining hours add convenience for students balancing long days.
Rider’s teaching is personal and direct. Small classes are central to daily learning. Professors know students by name and often remember them later. Classes feel active, with real discussion and regular one-on-one help.
Students are not lost in large lecture halls. Coursework moves at a serious, steady pace. Expectations are clear, and classes stay well organized. As work gets harder, faculty mentors give practical guidance and support.
That day-to-day teaching support is a key strength. Outside class, involvement can take extra initiative. Many students build community through clubs and leadership roles. Even so, academics stay at the center, with close faculty contact and steady guidance.
Rider is at its best in the classroom. Classes are small, and professors often know students by name. One-on-one help is common. Teaching is clear, structured, and serious.
This works well for students who want steady expectations and direct contact with faculty. Academic support is strongest in class and through faculty mentoring. Students get clear direction and build confidence for graduate study and career goals. Campus life can feel different from week to week.
Clubs and leadership can build a strong sense of community, though weekends may feel quiet for some students. Cost and value can vary by student. Some finish with little or no loan debt, while others feel ongoing money pressure. Rider is a strong choice for students who want close faculty relationships and a focused academic experience.
Rider is at its best in the classroom. Classes are small, and professors often know students by name. One-on-one help is common. Teaching is clear, structured, and serious.
This works well for students who want steady expectations and direct contact with faculty. Academic support is strongest in class and through faculty mentoring. Students get clear direction and build confidence for graduate study and career goals. Campus life can feel different from week to week.
Clubs and leadership can build a strong sense of community, though weekends may feel quiet for some students. Cost and value can vary by student. Some finish with little or no loan debt, while others feel ongoing money pressure. Rider is a strong choice for students who want close faculty relationships and a focused academic experience.
Online Programs offered by Rider University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rider University
Is Rider University accredited?
Yes. Rider University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Rider University offer?
Rider University offers 17 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Rider University offer?
Rider University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Rider University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Rider University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Rider University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Rider University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Rider University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Rider University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.5 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.5 to 3.0.
Is Rider University military friendly?
Rider University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Rider University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Rider University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Rider University accept life experience credit?
Rider University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Rider University programs fully online or mixed?
Rider University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Rider University offer?
Rider University has online program options in areas such as Business, Nursing, Psychology & Human Services, and Art & Liberal Arts; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Rider University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Rider University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Rider University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Rider University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Rider University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Rider University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Rider University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Rider University is featured in 14 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Rider University is located in New Jersey
New Jersey at a Glance:
Top Majors in New Jersey:
Top Incentives in New Jersey:
- Tuition Aid Grant (TAG): Up to $12,938 annually
Top Career Pathways in New Jersey:
- Entry Level: Clinical Research Coordinator ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Project Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($160,000+)
- Required Education: BS Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Certifications: PMP, SOCRA