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Colby-Sawyer College vs Rivier University

Colby-Sawyer College is a private college in New London, NH. Rivier University is a private university in Nashua, NH. Colby-Sawyer College admits about 80% of applicants and Rivier University about 83%, making Colby-Sawyer College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $27,431 a year at Colby-Sawyer College after aid, and about $28,082 at Rivier University. About 60% of students graduate at Colby-Sawyer College, compared with 55% at Rivier University. Ten years after enrolling, Rivier University alumni earn a median of about $52,248, against $46,474 for Colby-Sawyer College.

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH · Private

Rivier University

Nashua, NH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New London, NH
Nashua, NH
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
771
1,231
Acceptance rate
80%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1055–1175
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,431
$28,082
Full cost / yr
$38,527
$53,499
In-state tuition
$19,125
$39,488
Out-of-state tuition
$19,125
$39,488
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,456
$23,321
$30k - $48k
$19,687
$23,978
$48k - $75k
$24,437
$25,106
$75k - $110k
$27,412
$27,352
Over $110k
$29,679
$31,359
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
55%
Freshman retention
77%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,935
$54,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,474
$52,248
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,956
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
28%
First-generation students
24%
37%
International students
2%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jul 28
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colby-Sawyer College or Rivier University harder to get into?
Colby-Sawyer College is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 83% at Rivier University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colby-Sawyer College or Rivier University?
Colby-Sawyer College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,431 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,082 at Rivier University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colby-Sawyer College and Rivier University?
Before aid, Colby-Sawyer College costs about $38,527 a year and Rivier University about $53,499. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colby-Sawyer College or Rivier University?
Colby-Sawyer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,456 there, against about $23,321 at Rivier University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colby-Sawyer College or Rivier University?
Rivier University is the larger of the two, with about 1,231 undergraduates against 771 at Colby-Sawyer College.
Does Colby-Sawyer College or Rivier University have a better graduation rate?
Colby-Sawyer College has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 55% at Rivier University.
Do graduates of Colby-Sawyer College or Rivier University earn more?
Rivier University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,248 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,474 for Colby-Sawyer College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colby-Sawyer College and Rivier University require SAT or ACT scores?
Colby-Sawyer College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rivier University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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