Rivier University: Admission, Programs, Tuition, Ranking, Scholarships

Founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus, Rivier University is a coeducational not-for-profit Catholic institution of higher education in Nashua, New Hampshire focused on transforming hearts and minds to serve the world. At Rivier, all staff members are deeply invested in creating an environment that supports the academic and professional success of every student.

Now, if you want to enjoy this transformative and supportive educational experience, you’re in the right place.

In this read, I’ll be giving you a comprehensive review of Rivier University—from its admission requirements to its programs, tuition, available scholarships, rankings, accreditation, to reasons why you should at Rivier, and much more.

So, stay with me as we go through this together! Below is a table of what to expect:

Why Study at Rivier University?

If excelling academically is your goal, then Rivier is where you should be. Rivier offers academic programs at the undergraduate, professional studies, graduate, and doctoral levels. So, no matter what level of study you’re engaged with at Rivier, you’ll find the academic experience engaging, hands-on, and face-to-face with faculty. 

At Rivier University, you’ll get much more than a quality education; it fosters critical thought, sound judgment, and respect for all people. You’ll also be supported by an incredible community of learners and backed by state-of-the-art resources and professionals that will prepare you for your career.

Here are other reasons why you should attend Rivier University:

  • Opportunities for social, cultural, moral, and spiritual development.
  • Generous Aid. Rivier awards more than $14 million in need-based and merit-based institutional aid annually. In fact, 100% of Rivier’s full-time undergraduate students receive some form of aid. 
  • Small Class Size. Rivier has a 12:1 student/faculty ratio.
  • Affordable Tuition and Housing Costs.
  • Beautiful New England Campus with a supportive community close to home.
  • Accredited Programs.  Rivier University programs are recognized and approved by the right accrediting bodies. (Keep reading for Rivier University rankings.)
  • Innovative Employment Promise Program: Rivier is the only University in New Hampshire to promise invested students that they will secure a full-time job within nine months of graduation. If they do not, they will receive additional financial or educational support.
  • Financial Aid Assistance and No Application Fee including the Common Application.
  • Personal Academic and Career Advising upon entry and throughout your entire experience.
  • Standardized Test Scores are Optional for all majors including nursing.

Rivier University’s Location

River University is located in the heart of New England less than 2 hours from Boston and 30 minutes from Manchester at 420 South Main Street Nashua, New Hampshire 03060.

Rivier University Accreditation

Rivier University is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc (NECHE). In addition, the following online programs have specific accreditation:

  • Education programs are approved by the N.H. Department of Education, Division of Higher Education, Higher Education Commission.
  • Rivier University’s ASN, BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post Master’s Certificates, and DNP programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
  • Rivier’s undergraduate business programs in business administration, business management, finance, and marketing, as well as the University’s Master of Business Administration programs, are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
  • Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology (Psy.D.) received accreditation on contingency by the American Psychological Association (APA). The Rivier Unversity is one of only two institutions in New Hampshire to receive APA accreditation for the Psy.D. program.

Rivier University Rankings

Rivier is recognized in the USA for its on-campus and online degree programs.

Here are some notable rankings:

Rivier University is currently ranked #136-#176 in Regional Universities North and #90 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by the USNEWS & World Report.

It is ranked among the 2024 Best Colleges in the USA by Niche. Other Niche rankings include:

  • Best Colleges for Public Health in America – #77 of 222
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America – #245 of 692
  • Safest College Campuses in America – #382 of 1,336
  • Best College Locations in America – #603 of 1,605
  • Best Value Colleges in America – #699 of 1,572
  • Most Conservative Colleges in America – #400 of 1,674
  • Best College Locations in New Hampshire – #3 of 12
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in New Hampshire – #3 of 8
  • Most Conservative Colleges in New Hampshire – #4 of 12
  • Safest College Campuses in New Hampshire – #4 of 12
  • Best Value Colleges in New Hampshire – #6 of 12
  • Best Value Colleges in Boston Area – #23 of 36

Before we go on, every student needs a guide. You may like to check out our tips for students category.

What is Rivier University Acceptance Rate?

Getting admitted to Rivier University is not that difficult as its admission is less selective with an acceptance rate of 73%. This is quite high when compared to other colleges universities in the USA.

So, if you want to be enrolled at Rivier University, ensure you prepare adequately and also adhere to its admission requirements.

What are the Admission Requirements at Rivier University?

To provide Rivier University with a full picture of what makes you a great candidate, complete an online application. It will tell the school about your academic history and accomplishments, activities, goals, and more. The application saves your work automatically, so start now and finish later if needed.

In addition to the online application, you are to submit some required documents and they vary among levels.

Now, let’s see the Rivier admissions requirement for each level.

Rivier Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Essay/Writing Sample: Topics are listed on the application form. There is also a writing sample on the Common Application.
  • Official High School Transcript or GED
  • Official College Transcript(s): Submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended
  • Standardized Test Scores are Optional for all Majors Including Nursing. However, if you are 23 years of age or older you are not required to submit SAT I or ACT scores, but you may be asked to take an alternative aptitude examination at the request of the Admissions Committee.
    SAT code number is 3728
    The ACT code number is 2520
  • Letter of Recommendation: Your recommendation may be from a guidance counselor, teacher, or advisor concerning academic ability and character.
  • Home-schooled applicants only. (Submit an academic portfolio consisting of graded work. Specific requirements include an English essay, science project/lab/report, and a social sciences research or analytical paper.)

Learn more about Rivier undergraduate admissions HERE.

Rivier Professional Studies Admission Requirements

  • Official high school transcript or GED
  • One letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, or professional colleague
  • If you wish to major in Nursing and are currently not an LPN or RN, you must provide evidence of satisfactory completion (70% or higher) of high school or college chemistry and algebra
  • Essay—a personal statement, one or two pages in length addressing one of the following questions:
    >Looking out five years from now, where do you see yourself on your career path? Describe how your academic and/or life experiences have shaped and might help you reach your career goals. Please develop at least two specific examples.
    >Rivier University is a Catholic university dedicated to transforming hearts and minds to serve the world. Help them understand how your background and interests match Rivier’s mission. In your response, feel free not only to draw upon your past but also to look forward. What do you want to study, and why? What do you plan to do with your degree that will connect to the University’s mission?

Learn more about Rivier professional studies admissions HERE.

Rivier Graduate Admission Requirements 

  • Official transcript(s) from undergraduate study. 
  • Post-secondary academic transcripts.
  • Transcript evaluation. 
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Letter of recommendation. 
  • Test scores.

Learn more about Rivier graduate admissions HERE.

Rivier Doctoral Admission Requirements

Here, the admissions requirements differ based on your program of choice. For more information on the doctoral programs’ requirements, CLICK HERE.

Rivier University Academics | Which Programs And Courses are Offered at Rivier University?

With a variety of in-demand programs at the undergraduate, professional studies, graduate, and doctoral levels, the university is committed to providing you with a well-rounded education that sets you up for success at Rivier and beyond. There are over 70 programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees,

Below is a breakdown of programs offered at various levels in Rivier University:

#1 Rivier University Undergraduate Degree Programs

Rivier University offers the following bachelor degree programs:

  • Biology  B.S. 
  • Biology Education B.A.
  • Biotechnology  B.S.
  • Business Management  B.S. 
  • Business/MBA 4+1  B.S. 
  • Criminal Justice  B.S. 
  • Cybersecurity Management B.S. 
  • Cybersecurity Management/Computer Science 4+1 B.S. M.S.
  • Early Childhood Education B.A.
  • Education and Community Leadership B.A. 
  • Elementary Education B.A.
  • English B.A. 
  • English Education B.A. 
  • Finance B.S. 
  • Health Science B.S. 
  • History B.A. 
  • Homeland and International Security B.S.
  • Human Services B.S. 
  • Human Services—Addiction Studies Track B.S.
  • Liberal Studies B.A., A.A.
  • Marketing B.S. 
  • Mathematics B.A. 
  • Mathematics Education B.A. 
  • Mathematics/Computer Science 4+1 B.A., M.S. 
  • Nursing—BSN
  • Political Science B.A. 
  • Psychology B.A. 
  • Psychology—Addiction Studies Track B.A. 
  • Public Health B.S.
  • Social Studies Education B.A.
  • Sociology B.A.
  • Sport Management B.S. 
  • Special Education B.A

#2 Rivier University Graduate Degree Programs 

Whether you plan to work in healthcare, education, government, or business—our graduate programs are taught by faculty experts who are active in their fields and have the time to give you their full attention in the classroom.

Rivier University offers about 37 programs at the graduate level. They include:

  • Business/MBA 4+1  B.S. 
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. 
  • Computer Information Systems
  • M.S.
  • Computer Information Systems (Online) M.S. 
  •  Computer Science M.S.
  • Cybersecurity Management/Computer Science 4+1 B.S. M.S. 
  • Early Childhood Education—Administration or Teaching M.ED
  • Education Administration M.ED
  • Education Studies M.ED  
  • Education Studies—Counseling and School Psychology M.ED
  • Educational Specialist in Counseling (Post-Master’s) ED.S.
  • Educational Specialist in School Psychology (Post-Master’s) ED.S.
  • Elementary Education (Certification) M.ED
  • Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP Post-Master’s Certificate CERTIFICATE
  • Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP Post-Master’s Certificate (Online) CERTIFICATE
  • Master of Public Health (Online) MPH
  • Mathematics/Computer Science 4+1 B.A. M.S.
  • MBA in Healthcare Administration (Online)
  • MBA in Management
  • Online –MBA in Management
  • MBA with Concentration in Information Technology Management
  • MBA with Concentration in Information Technology Management (Online)
  • Online – MBA with Concentration in Marketing
  • Middle / Secondary Education—Biology M.ED
  • Middle / Secondary Education—Mathematics M.A.T.
  • Middle/Secondary Education—English M.A.T.
  • Middle/Secondary Education—Social Studies M.A.T. 
  • MSN: Advanced Practice RN Completion Program
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP
  • Online MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP
  • MSN: Leadership in Health Systems Management (Online)
  • MSN: Nursing Education (Online)
  • Online MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Education—Post-Master’s Certificate (Online)Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—Post-Master’s Certificate (Online)
  • School Counseling (Certification)
  • Special Education M.ED 

#3 Rivier University Doctoral Degree Programs 

Equip yourself to take on the most challenging leadership roles with the following doctoral roles at Rivier:

  • Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Systems Leadership Track – Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology

#4 Rivier University Professional Studies

Whatever your individual learning style, Rivier has an academic environment that will meet your needs. There is a flexible learning system you can tailor to suit you.

You can choose from programs in education, nursing, business, and more. Classes are available online and on-campus during the evening.

  • Business Administration (Online) 
  • Human Services (Online)
  • Human Services—Addiction Studies Track (Online)
  • Individualized Studies (Online)
  • Nursing—ASN
  • Nursing—LPN to ASN
  • Nursing—RN to BSN (Online)
  • Psychology (Online)
  • Psychology—Addiction Studies Track (Online)
  • Public Health (Online)

#5 Rivier University Online Programs

The university offers online degree programs at the Professional Studies, Graduate, and Doctoral levels. The online programs offer strong academic programming, individualized attention, and a focus on active learning.

Learn more about Rivier Online HERE.

How Much is Tuition at Rivier University?

Tuition at Rivier University varies among levels and programs and are subject to change. Notwithstanding, Rivier’s undergraduate tuition for the 2024 academic year is $33,410.

See a breakdown of Rivier’s tuition and fees for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral programs below. 

#1 Rivier Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

FULL-TIME PROGRAMSANNUAL COSTS
Tuition – Undergraduate (up to 18 credits per semester)$33,410
Housing (Room)$6,076 – $9,924
Dining Plan (Board)$6,036 – $6,336

Note: Part-time students enrolled in 1-11 credits will be charged $1,114 per credit.

See other fees for undergraduates HERE.

#2 Rivier Graduate Tuition and Fees

GRADUATE PROGRAMSTUITION PER CREDIT HOUR
Degrees/Certificates$620
Graduate Nursing Courses$650
Graduate Nursing Clinical Courses$1,015

#3 Rivier Professional Studies Tuition and Fees

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMSTUITION PER CREDIT HOUR
Degrees$360
Nursing Clinical Courses$1,015

#4 Rivier Doctoral Tuition and Fees

DOCTORAL PROGRAMSTUITION PER CREDIT HOUR
Doctor of Education (Ed.D)$690
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)$800
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) $1,190


Other Fees

Below are the additional fees for Rivier graduate and professional studies students:

  • No Application Fee
  • Graduation Fee – $175
  • Course Materials – Varies by course
  • Challenge Exam – $80 per credit
  • Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio – $80 per credit
  • Transcript Fee – $7
  • ID Card Replacement Fee – $15
  • Parking Permit Fee – $65
  • Technology Fee – $25 per course
  • Payment Plan Fee – Varies
  • Returned Check and e-Check Fee (each occurrence) – $30
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee – $100
  • Liability Insurance Fee – Varies (nursing clinicals or practicums; counseling, social work, psychology internships)

Note:

In addition to the fees above international graduate students are to pay the following:

  • Enrollment Commitment Deposit – $100
  • New Student Fee (one-time) – $250

In addition to the fees above doctoral students are to pay the following:

  • Application Fee (Ed.D. and Psy.D.) – $100
    No application fee for DNP
  • Enrollment Deposit – $500

*Graduation fee does not cover the cost of doctoral regalia.

For more information on Rivier University tuition and fees, click HERE.

Rivier University Scholarships

Rivier University Scholarships are offered to qualified, full-time, undergraduate day students, who are enrolling at Rivier directly out of high school, with the exception of the Transfer Scholarship. (Full-time attendance is defined as 12 or more credits per semester.) They are mostly granted on academic merit.

Here are some available scholarships at Rivier University:

Founders Merit Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is awarded to incoming full-time freshmen who meet the school’s standards of academic strength and dedication. Scholarships are awarded up to $20,000 annually.

Adams Achievement Scholarship

This is a one-time award of $2,000 to recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship in recognition of their academic distinction.

The Samuel A. Tamposi Sr. Scholarship

The Samuel A. Tamposi Sr. Scholarship is a competitive award paid over four years of full-time undergraduate study at Rivier University. This scholarship is awarded to incoming Rivier freshmen who have graduated from Nashua, New Hampshire area high schools and who demonstrate financial need, an exemplary work ethic, and determination to succeed.

Transfer Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students transferring to a Rivier University undergraduate day program who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement at another accredited college or university.

Eligible students must have a GPA of 2.5 earned after a minimum of 12 credits at the same college or university and have not earned a prior bachelor’s degree. Transfer scholarships range between $5,000 and $15,000.

Rivier University Grant Program

The Rivier University Grant Program is awarded on the basis of financial need to a full-time day student. This grant award is not guaranteed from one year to the next. So, students must file a Free Application for the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. 

Click on the button below for more information on Rivier University scholarships.

Student Life at Rivier University

 At Rivier, they are small enough that everyone knows your name—but big enough for you to make your own path.

The university has clubs for almost every subject—such as Biology Club, Dance Team, Model United Nations, and others—and if there isn’t a club that connects with your interests, create your own! Whether you’re participating in a team sport or forming your own club—your experience is what you make of it.

Also, Rivier has a diverse student body; they welcome traditional and non-traditional students who will work closely with their accomplished faculty members in the classroom and beyond. 

Here, you’ll take on active learning opportunities that immerse you in your chosen field, and form lifelong relationships. So if you’re coming to Rivier, it’s of essence you come with an open mind, ready to embrace self-discovery and explore the world that will unfold before you.

Rivier University Alumni

There are more than 23,000 alumni transforming hearts and minds throughout the USA and around the world.

Rivier University Website

You can visit Rivier University’s official website for more information about the school, its admission, programs, tuition, and others. Click on the link below:

Conclusion

The article has been carefully written to provide you with all the information you need regarding Rivier University. So, ensure you take your time to go through it.

I hope this helps you in your decision-making process.

Good Luck And Success!!!

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