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Rider University vs Drew University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lawrenceville NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Madison NJ

The verdict

Drew University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,120 in 6.4 years versus 7.2 years at Rider University, on median earnings of $63,646 vs $62,208 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRider UniversityDrew University
Net price / yr$24,792$24,280
Total net cost$99,168$97,120
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,208$63,646
Median debt$26,130$25,288
Payback7.2 yrs6.4 yrs
20-year net return$177,792$208,600

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Rider University or Drew University?

Drew University, at $24,280 a year after aid versus $24,792 — a gap of $512 a year, or $2,048 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Rider University or Drew University graduates earn more?

Drew University graduates report a median $63,646 ten years after entry, $1,438 more than the $62,208 at Rider University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Rider University or Drew University?

Drew University: its completers carry a median $25,288 in federal loans versus $26,130 at Rider University, a difference of $842. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

70% of students finish at Drew University, against 61% at Rider University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Rider University vs Drew University: frequently asked questions

Is Rider University or Drew University a better value?
Drew University. It clears its $97,120 net cost in about 6.4 years versus 7.2 years at Rider University, on median earnings of $63,646 vs $62,208 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Rider University or Drew University?
Drew University: $24,280/yr net price after aid versus $24,792/yr at Rider University — a difference of $512 a year, or about $2,048 over four years.
Do Rider University or Drew University graduates earn more?
Drew University graduates earn a median $63,646 ten years after entry, versus $62,208 at Rider University — a $1,438 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.