Rider University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Rider’s test-optional policy is real: 12% of students submitted SAT scores and 2% submitted ACT scores. With an acceptance rate near 79%, your strategy is to submit scores only when they add strength, ideally around 1210 to 1310 SAT or 29 to 31 ACT.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Rider University facts and stats
Rider University enrolls 3,145 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Rider has a 78% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and reports a 1% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Lawrenceville, NJ
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Key Rider University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
November 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
January 15
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Rider, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the October test date for retakes, which gives you a superscoring opportunity while still leaving time for scores to arrive before the November 15 Early Action deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Rider’s tuition and fees are $41,120, with 76% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $22,362, and students should submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
Rider University’s listed cost of attendance is about $58,350, including $41,120 in tuition and fees plus $17,230 for room and board. About 76% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $36,982, and the average merit award is $22,362. For context, students graduate with an average debt of $40,410.
Student life at Rider University
52% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 6% of men join fraternities, and 9% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Assumption College for Sisters
Denville, NJAcceptance rate: 78.3%
Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, NJAcceptance rate: 78.3%
Bergen Community College
Paramus, NJAcceptance rate: 78.3%
Berkeley College - Woodland Park
Woodland Park, NJAcceptance rate: 100%
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