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Stockton University vs Rider University: which has better ROI?

Public, Galloway NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Lawrenceville NJ

The verdict

Rider University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $99,168 in 7.2 years versus 8.9 years at Stockton University, on median earnings of $62,208 vs $57,602 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureStockton UniversityRider University
Net price / yr$20,670$24,792
Total net cost$82,680$99,168
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,602$62,208
Median debt$20,500$26,130
Payback8.9 yrs7.2 yrs
20-year net return$102,160$177,792

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

Which is cheaper, Stockton University or Rider University?

Stockton University, at $20,670 a year after aid versus $24,792 — a gap of $4,122 a year, or $16,488 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Stockton University or Rider University graduates earn more?

Rider University graduates report a median $62,208 ten years after entry, $4,606 more than the $57,602 at Stockton 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, Stockton University or Rider University?

Stockton University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $26,130 at Rider University, a difference of $5,630. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Stockton 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.

Stockton University vs Rider University: frequently asked questions

Is Stockton University or Rider University a better value?
Rider University. It clears its $99,168 net cost in about 7.2 years versus 8.9 years at Stockton University, on median earnings of $62,208 vs $57,602 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Stockton University or Rider University?
Stockton University: $20,670/yr net price after aid versus $24,792/yr at Rider University — a difference of $4,122 a year, or about $16,488 over four years.
Do Stockton University or Rider University graduates earn more?
Rider University graduates earn a median $62,208 ten years after entry, versus $57,602 at Stockton University — a $4,606 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.