Rivier University vs Franklin Pierce University: which has better ROI?
Franklin Pierce University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,616 in 21.8 years versus 28.9 years at Rivier University, on median earnings of $53,353 vs $52,248 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rivier University | Franklin Pierce University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,082 | $27,154 |
| Total net cost | $112,328 | $108,616 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,248 | $53,353 |
| Median debt | $26,956 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 28.9 yrs | 21.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$34,568 | -$8,756 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rivier University or Franklin Pierce University?
Franklin Pierce University, at $27,154 a year after aid versus $28,082 — a gap of $928 a year, or $3,712 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rivier University or Franklin Pierce University graduates earn more?
Franklin Pierce University graduates report a median $53,353 ten years after entry, $1,105 more than the $52,248 at Rivier 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, Rivier University or Franklin Pierce University?
Rivier University: its completers carry a median $26,956 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Franklin Pierce University, a difference of $44. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Franklin Pierce University, against 52% at Rivier 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.