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Rivier University vs Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm College is moderately selective with a 78.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rivier University (81.8%). Graduates of Saint Anselm College earn $21,123 more per year at the 10-year mark ($73,371 vs $52,248). For families earning $48k–$75k, Rivier University is more affordable at $25,106 net price vs $27,193.

Admissions & Outcomes

Rivier University has a higher yield rate (20.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.

Rivier University

Nashua, NH

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH

Acceptance Rate
81.8%
78.3%
Applicants (2023)
1,749
4,165
Median SAT
N/A
1180
Yield Rate
20.4%
17.5%
6-Year Graduation Rate
55.2%
81.5%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$52,248
$73,371
Median Earnings (6yr)
$54,599
$63,347
Median Debt
$26,956
$27,000
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$33,410
$41,510
Room & Board
$13,962
$15,120

Net Price by Family Income

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Rivier University is more affordable at $23,321 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $31,359 vs $37,268.

Family Income
Rivier University
Saint Anselm College
$0 – $30k
$23,321
$25,143
$30k – $48k
$23,978
$26,956
$48k – $75k
$25,106
$27,193
$75k – $110k
N/A
N/A
$110k+
$31,359
$37,268

Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.

Financial Aid

Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Rivier University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (27%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Metric
Rivier University
Saint Anselm College
Students Receiving Grants
84%
99%
Average Grant Amount
$18,143
$30,237
Pell Grant Recipients
27%
11%
Institutional Grant Rate
98%
100%
Avg Institutional Grant
$20,455
$29,355

Highest-Earning Majors

Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.

Rivier University

  • 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    $66,787
  • 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
    $43,426
  • 3 Biology, General
    $34,704
  • 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    $33,993
  • 5 Psychology, General
    $33,138

Saint Anselm College

  • 1 Computer Science
    $75,518
  • 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    $68,858
  • 3 Finance and Financial Management Services
    $53,775
  • 4 Business/Commerce, General
    $49,019
  • 5 Criminology
    $45,696

Most Popular Majors

The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.

Rivier University

  • 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • 2 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • 4 Psychology, General
  • 5 Biology, General

Saint Anselm College

  • 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • 2 Business/Commerce, General
  • 3 Criminology
  • 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • 5 Psychology, General

Campus & Student Body

Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.

Metric
Rivier University
Saint Anselm College
Total Enrollment
2,879
2,078
Retention Rate
76%
90%
Women
62%
59%
International Students
N/A
1%
Asian
29%
1%
Hispanic/Latino
3%
4%
Black
8%
1%
White
51%
87%

For International Students

Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.

Rivier University

  • International studentsN/A
  • Tuition (international)$33,410
  • Est. total cost/year$48,472
  • School typePublic

Saint Anselm College

  • International students1%
  • Tuition (international)$41,510
  • Est. total cost/year$57,960
  • School typePublic

What international students should know

  • International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
  • Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
  • F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
  • Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get into Rivier University or Saint Anselm College?

Saint Anselm College is more selective with a 78.3% acceptance rate, compared to 81.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.

Which school has higher earnings: Rivier University or Saint Anselm College?

Saint Anselm College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $73,371 compared to $52,248. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.

Which is cheaper: Rivier University or Saint Anselm College?

For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rivier University has a lower net price at $25,106 per year vs $27,193. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the graduation rate at Rivier University vs Saint Anselm College?

Saint Anselm College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 81.5%, compared to 55.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.

Which school has more international students: Rivier University or Saint Anselm College?

Saint Anselm College has a larger international student population at 1% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.

What are the highest-paying majors at Rivier University and Saint Anselm College?

At Rivier University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $66,787 within two years. At Saint Anselm College, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $75,518. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.

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