Non-Profit Private
Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education
Nashua, New Hampshire
81.8% Acceptance Rate
Rivier University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
81.8%Acceptance Rate
$50,999Annual Cost
$52,248Grad Salary
27.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
81.8%
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
27.3% receive Pell
Rivier University is a private, Catholic institution in New Hampshire known for its commitment to academic excellence, service, and professional preparation. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university provides a supportive campus community that encourages critical inquiry and personal growth. Its focus on providing a high-value, career-relevant education makes it a meaningful choice for students seeking to achieve their professional goals in a values-based setting.
Rivier University Acceptance Rate
Rivier University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 81.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 81.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Rivier University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Rivier University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
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Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Rivier University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Rivier University Without SAT or ACT?
Rivier University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Rivier University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Rivier University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Ask about Anna Maria College transfer support if you're affected by that closure
Rivier University is actively offering dedicated transfer support to students from Anna Maria College, which announced it will cease academic operations at the end of Spring 2026. If you or someone you know was enrolled at Anna Maria, contact Rivier's admissions office specifically about this transfer pathway, since it's a named, current institutional response rather than a generic transfer process.
Choose your nursing entry exam based on your current license status
Rivier's RN-to-BSN program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and an active, unencumbered RN license, but the entrance testing differs by background: non-LPN/non-RN applicants take the TEAS, while LPNs instead take the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Examination (NACE) prior to course registration. Confirm which specific exam applies to your licensure status before registering for a test, since taking the wrong one wastes time and money.
Leverage Rivier's Employment Promise as a concrete post-graduation safety net
Rivier offers an explicit Employment Promise: graduates who don't secure a full-time job within nine months of graduation receive additional financial or educational support - a real, named guarantee rather than vague "career services" language. Ask admissions for the specific terms and qualifying conditions of this promise (which majors qualify, what "additional support" means concretely) before enrolling, since guarantees like this often have fine print worth understanding upfront.
Consider the new three-year Applied Bachelor's tracks if you want to finish faster
Rivier is expanding its three-year applied bachelor's degree offerings, recently adding an Applied Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education alongside existing accelerated tracks - a genuine time-and-cost saver compared to a traditional four-year degree. If a shorter timeline matters to you and your intended major has an applied three-year version, ask specifically how this track compresses coursework and whether it affects your eligibility for programs like teacher licensure.
Expert Insight:
A specific and time-sensitive detail is that Rivier's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program has only just launched, meaning it lacks the multi-year outcomes track record of Rivier's traditional BSN - a prospective ABSN student should ask directly about the size and progress of its first cohorts before treating it as an established program with a long history of clinical placements and NCLEX outcomes.
Rivier University Profile
Full Name
Rivier University
City
Nashua
State
New Hampshire
ZIP Code
3060
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Is a Rivier University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Rivier University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Rivier University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Rivier University is $78,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.47%.
How much does a degree from Rivier University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Rivier University is $50,999. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Rivier University is much less than this.
27.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 73.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Rivier University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Rivier University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Rivier University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Rivier University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $52,248. An average Rivier University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Rivier University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Rivier University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Rivier University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52,248 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $50,999 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
27.3% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Rivier University is 81.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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