About Rivier University
Rivier University draws students seeking a close-knit Catholic education with strong career preparation. The university enrolls 1,312 students on its small city campus in Nashua. Founded by the Presentation of Mary Sisters in 1933, Rivier has built a reputation for nursing, education, and business programs that emphasize both academic rigor and service to others. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just ID numbers.
Students pay an average net price of $27,692 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $37,791. Graduates earn a median of $52,248 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,956. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given employment rates of 97.4%. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,807 net.
Women make up 73% of the student body, reflecting Rivier's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The Raiders compete in 15 Division III sports within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. With a 58.7% six-year graduation rate and 76.2% retention rate, Rivier works hard to support students through completion, though some struggle with the academic demands.
Students pay an average net price of $27,692 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $37,791. Graduates earn a median of $52,248 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,956. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given employment rates of 97.4%. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,807 net.
Women make up 73% of the student body, reflecting Rivier's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The Raiders compete in 15 Division III sports within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. With a 58.7% six-year graduation rate and 76.2% retention rate, Rivier works hard to support students through completion, though some struggle with the academic demands.
Academics & Faculty
Rivier University operates as a Catholic institution known primarily for its nursing and education programs, which attract students seeking hands-on professional training. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classroom settings. However, the 58% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees within six years. The university emphasizes practical learning through clinical partnerships and fieldwork opportunities. Nursing students benefit from simulation labs and hospital rotations throughout New Hampshire. Education majors work directly in local schools as part of their coursework. The Catholic mission influences the curriculum with required theology and philosophy courses. Most programs prepare students for specific careers rather than broad liberal arts exploration.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 29.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,248
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,817 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,787 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,516 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,417 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $41,937 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $41,565 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $38,721 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,208 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $36,141 |
Campus Life
Students at this small Catholic university navigate a close-knit campus where 73% are women, creating a predominantly female academic environment. The 495-bed housing capacity accommodates about 38% of the 1,312 students, meaning most live off-campus in nearby Nashua apartments or commute from home. With 53% of students coming from in-state, many already know New Hampshire's brutal winters that demand heavy coats from November through March.
The compact campus sits just 45 minutes from Boston, giving students easy access to internships and weekend adventures in the city. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Raiders athletics draw modest crowds with 351 student-athletes competing across 15 Division III sports. Students often gather in the campus center between classes or head to nearby Pheasant Lane Mall for shopping and dining. Weekend activities typically split between campus events, trips to Boston, or exploring New Hampshire's outdoor recreation. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture without overwhelming it, creating a values-driven but welcoming atmosphere.
The compact campus sits just 45 minutes from Boston, giving students easy access to internships and weekend adventures in the city. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Raiders athletics draw modest crowds with 351 student-athletes competing across 15 Division III sports. Students often gather in the campus center between classes or head to nearby Pheasant Lane Mall for shopping and dining. Weekend activities typically split between campus events, trips to Boston, or exploring New Hampshire's outdoor recreation. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture without overwhelming it, creating a values-driven but welcoming atmosphere.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 495 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1933
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–34°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 66.8"
Student Demographics
Rivier draws students who value Catholic education with practical career preparation. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, education, and health sciences. The school serves a mix of local New Hampshire families and students from across New England who appreciate small class sizes with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Rivier's commitment to making Catholic higher education accessible to working-class families seeking professional training in caring fields.
- Men
- 27.0%
- Women
- 73.0%
- White
- 71.7%
- Black
- 11.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.5%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 53.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.3%
Location
Rivier University sits in Nashua, New Hampshire, about 50 miles northwest of Boston. The city of roughly 90,000 people offers a blend of New England charm and modern amenities along the Merrimack River. Nashua consistently ranks among the safest cities in America and boasts no state income or sales tax. The area features historic mill buildings converted into shopping and dining destinations. Students enjoy easy access to both Manchester's urban offerings 20 minutes north and Boston's strong culture an hour south. The campus draws 53.41% of its students from New Hampshire, reflecting strong regional ties. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Rivier University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Nashua, New Hampshire 03060
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,248
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $72,517
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,956
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rivier University?
Rivier University accepts 84.47% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. This Catholic university in Nashua focuses on personalized education with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
How much does Rivier University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,692 after aid, less than the $54,134 sticker price. The university provides institutional grants averaging $21,554 to nearly a quarter of students.
What are the graduation rates at Rivier University?
Rivier graduates 58.18% of students within four years and 58.70% within six years. The university retains 76.21% of first-year students, reflecting its supportive Catholic community environment.
What do Rivier University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $52,248 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $286. The university boasts a 97.4% employment rate, showing strong career preparation despite lower earnings compared to larger universities.
Where do Rivier University students live on campus?
The campus houses 495 students in residence halls, serving about 38% of the 1,312 total enrollment. This small Catholic university creates a tight-knit community atmosphere in Nashua's urban setting.
Is Rivier University primarily a women's college?
Women comprise 73.02% of students while men make up just 26.98% of enrollment. This gender imbalance reflects the university's strong programs in nursing and education, fields that traditionally attract more women.
