Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) vs Rider University

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Rider University are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique offerings and characteristics. RIT, located in Rochester, New York, is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, while Rider University, situated in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, offers a more comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With RIT boasting a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, it provides a diverse and vibrant campus environment. Rider University, on the other hand, offers a more intimate learning experience with smaller class sizes. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Rider University	Rochester Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Lawrenceville, New Jersey	Rochester, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	77.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	81.9%	71.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1050 - 1270	1270 - 1450
ACT range	28 - 31	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	20.0%	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	4.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	8,791	21,923
Total number of admissions given out	7,204	15,645
Admitted students who chose to enroll	638	3,355
Yield rate	8.9%	21.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$46,150	$69,232
Average net price	$23,781	$35,012
Tuition	$35,000	$52,030
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,020 Meal plan: $5,590	Room/dormitory: $8,392 Meal plan: $7,000
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $34,727	100.0% Average amount $31,960
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,246	62.0% Average amount $5,197
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $16,651	16.0% Average amount $19,624

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,222 Men 42.0% Women 58.0%	14,000 Men 66.5% Women 33.5%
Graduate students	982 Men 33.0% Women 67.0%	2,790 Men 62.1% Women 37.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	53.2%
International students	2.8%	11.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,409	6,543
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Psychology Visual & Performing Arts Communication and Journalism	Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Engineering Technologies Business
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	60.9%	69.0%
Dropout rate	38.6%	29.1%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,763 Year 2: $79,473 Year 3: $93,597 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,917 Year 2: $68,834 Year 3: $75,955 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $72,521 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $69,567 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $60,193 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $67,210 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,945 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $62,232 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $60,650 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,476 Year 2: $45,752 Year 3: $59,583 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,862 Year 2: $53,894 Year 3: $55,130 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,020 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $54,983	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,382 Year 2: $89,006 Year 3: $104,341 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,806 Year 2: $98,137 Year 3: $98,068 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,771 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,116 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,470 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $92,303 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,401 Year 2: $72,901 Year 3: $87,280 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,111 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,564 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,226 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $82,398 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,931 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $81,980 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $79,663 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,256 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $79,347

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic strengths of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) compared to Rider University?

RIT excels in technology-focused programs, including engineering, computer science, and imaging science. It also has a strong reputation in art and design. Rider University is known for its programs in business, education, and the performing arts, with a particular emphasis on practical application and career preparation.
How does the campus environment differ between RIT and Rider University?

RIT has a large, suburban campus with a focus on technology and innovation, often described as having a more industrial feel. Rider University offers a more traditional college experience with a smaller, more intimate campus setting, fostering a stronger sense of community. Rider also has a second campus in Princeton, NJ.
What is the cost of attendance like at RIT versus Rider University?

Generally, the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) at RIT is slightly higher than at Rider University. However, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly impact the net cost for each student. It's recommended to compare the specific financial aid offers from each institution.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare at RIT and Rider?

Both universities offer robust career services. RIT has a strong focus on co-ops and internships, particularly in STEM fields, due to its industry connections. Rider University also emphasizes career preparation, with a focus on internships and networking opportunities, especially in business, education, and the arts. The specific opportunities will vary depending on your chosen field of study.
What is the student life like at RIT and Rider University?

RIT has a diverse student body with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, reflecting its varied academic programs. Student life is often centered around technology, innovation, and the arts. Rider University offers a more traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on community, Greek life, and Division I athletics, creating a close-knit campus environment.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

RIT is located in Rochester, New York, a city with a growing tech industry and access to cultural attractions. Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, near major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, providing access to internships, cultural events, and career opportunities.
What are the admission requirements like for RIT and Rider University?

Both universities require standard application materials, including transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and letters of recommendation. Admission requirements are generally competitive at both institutions, but the specific requirements and selectivity may vary depending on the program and year. It's best to check the most up-to-date information on each university's website.
Which university is better for a student interested in engineering?

RIT is generally considered the stronger choice for engineering due to its specialized programs, extensive lab facilities, and strong industry connections. However, Rider University may offer a good engineering program depending on the specific area of engineering the student is interested in.
Which university is better for a student interested in business?

Both universities offer strong business programs. Rider University's business school is well-regarded and emphasizes practical application and career preparation. RIT also has a business school, and its programs may be a good fit for students interested in the intersection of business and technology.
How do the alumni networks of RIT and Rider University compare?

Both universities have active alumni networks. RIT's network is particularly strong in technology and related fields, providing valuable connections for career advancement. Rider University's alumni network is strong in business, education, and the arts, offering support and networking opportunities within those industries.

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