At $27,692/yr net price, Rivier University graduates earn $52,248/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,248/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,692 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,248/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,248/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,956 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,807/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,704/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,462/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,788/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,562/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,817 | $39,441 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,787 | $26,200 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,516 | $23,557 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,417 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $26,147 |
| 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 | $40,440 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $36,141 |
The Risk Factor
58.7% of students at Rivier University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Rivier University delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing programs offering strong earning potential while other majors struggle to justify the cost. The $27,692 annual net price produces median earnings of just $52,248 after 10 years, creating a challenging payback period for most graduates.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Rivier. The top nursing program generates nearly $100,000 in median earnings despite carrying $39,441 in debt. Even mid-tier nursing programs deliver solid returns with earnings in the $60,000-$67,000 range. This makes sense given New Hampshire's healthcare job market and nursing shortages driving up wages.
Business programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning $43,000-$59,000 annually. At the lower end, you're paying private school prices for earnings that barely exceed what many associates degree holders make in the region. The 58.7% graduation rate means four in ten students never finish their degrees, creating significant financial risk.
You should consider Rivier if you're committed to nursing and can handle the academic demands. The school's healthcare connections in southern New Hampshire provide good placement opportunities. However, if you're pursuing business or liberal arts, the financial math becomes much harder to justify compared to state schools or community college transfer options.
The low 27% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making this primarily a full-pay option for middle-class families. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best strategy involves finishing quickly in a high-earning program, particularly nursing, where the career prospects can offset the private school premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rivier University worth the cost for the ROI?
Rivier University graduates earn a median of $52,248 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $27,692 annual net price. The nursing programs offer much better returns, with some graduates earning nearly $100,000, but other programs struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Rivier University?
Nursing programs at Rivier University provide the strongest ROI, with advanced nursing graduates earning up to $99,817 annually. Business programs show mixed results, ranging from $43,426 to $59,417 in median earnings.
How much debt do Rivier University students typically graduate with?
Rivier University graduates carry a median debt of $26,956, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates payment challenges for those in lower-earning programs. The 58.7% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Should I attend Rivier University if I'm not majoring in nursing?
Non-nursing programs at Rivier University generally offer poor ROI given the cost and debt burden. With an 84% acceptance rate and below-average earnings outcomes, students should carefully consider more affordable alternatives unless pursuing nursing.