Freshman Admission FAQs
About Rider
- How many undergraduates are enrolled at Rider?
Approximately 4,000 full-time undergraduates are enrolled at Rider University.
- How many are entering as freshmen?
Approximately 950 students entered as freshmen for the Fall 2008 term.
- Is housing guaranteed?
On-campus housing is guaranteed for all freshmen who submit their housing deposits and housing contracts by May 1. After May 1, housing is offered on a space-available basis. Sophomores are also guaranteed housing if they apply for it by the appropriate deadlines. While juniors and seniors are not guaranteed housing, we make every effort to accommodate them and most are accommodated.
- How do I get on-campus housing?
To obtain housing on campus, students are required to pay a housing deposit, which can be paid online with a valid credit card. Students must also complete a housing application, which is included in the admission packet and is downloadable from the Residence Life web site. The deadline for freshmen is May 1.
- What opportunities does Rider provide for study abroad?
Rider is committed to international education and offers opportunities for study, internships and service learning in numerous countries to prepare our students for global citizenship and to give them an edge in the job market. Students can study for a semester, summer or full year at any time during the academic program, generally retain all financial aid and receive Rider credit. Faculty members also lead short-term projects abroad for academic credit.
About Admissions
- How many apply for admission?
Rider received approximately 5,000 applications for Fall 2007 admission.
- When should I send for admission information?
You should begin requesting admission information during your junior year. It is recommended that students begin to visit college campuses towards the end of their junior year and during the summer prior to their senior year.
- Can an applicant who has been offered admission defer that admission?
Yes. If a student decides to defer his/her enrollment for any reason, Rider will still honor the acceptance if the student chooses to enroll within one year of his/her acceptance. The student will have to update their application and submit transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- Is there a minimum grade point average, class rank, or SAT/ACT test score result necessary for consideration for admission?
Rider does not have a specified GPA, rank or test score that it uses as a cut-off for admission. However, our average standards are a 3.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); a 1610 on the SAT (all three sections); 23 on the ACT (composite), and rank in the top third of the high school graduating class.
- How does Rider treat test scores?
Rider accepts the SAT and ACT scores. The SAT or ACT are reviewed in conjunction with the student’s academic record. A composite of the highest critical reading and highest math score on the SAT will be used as the criteria for admission. The Writing section is used in English course placement for admitted students and in consideration for the honors programs. The SAT II is not required for admission. The ACT must include the Writing component.
- Does Rider University take into consideration a rigorous academic load in high school?
Yes. Rider's Committee on Admission looks first and foremost at the type of courses the student has completed. The Committee recalculates an academic GPA for all candidates based on academic/ college prep courses completed. Additional weight is given to honors and advanced placement courses.
- How does Rider weigh extracurricular activities?
Rider enrolls well-rounded students and considers extracurricular activities as an indication of the contribution that the student may bring to the University.
- What is the Educational Opportunity Program?
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a state-sponsored program that provides access to college for New Jersey residents who show strong potential for success but who come from backgrounds of educational and economic disadvantage. - How do I know if I qualify for EOP?
To be eligible for admission through EOP you must be a US citizen or permanent resident and a New Jersey resident for at least one year prior to enrollment. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be admissible to Rider University. You’ll need to demonstrate historical background of financial and educational disadvantage and meet the state mandated income guidelines. Students admitted through EOP must enroll full-time and attend the EOP Summer Program preceding their freshman year. - What is the EOP Summer Program?
The five-week residential summer program is intended to help familiarize students with the rigors of academic life and the University environment. Students are required to take courses in Speech Communications, College Writing, and Logic. In addition, students participate in socially enriching activities and leadership workshops. The summer program helps to orient students to the Rider University campus EOP students The summer program is an integral part of the EOP and is, therefore, required of all freshmen admitted through the EOP program. - Is it any easier to gain acceptance into Rider University if I express an interest in a special field of study?
All applications are considered equally. Particular attention is paid to performance in courses that would be directly related to an intended area of study.
- Are interviews required for admission?
Interviews are not required for admission but they are certainly recommended. A student may request an interview if they feel it may add to his/her application or simply would like to discuss the admission procedure.
- Are letters of recommendation required?
Yes, two letters of recommendation are required to be considered for admission. It is recommended one be from a guidance counselor and the other from a teacher or employer.
- Does Rider University accept advanced placement test scores?
Rider will accept a score of three or better on most advanced placement tests. Credit may vary from 3-8 credits depending on the exam. Click here for the AP policy.
- Does Rider University offer services for students with learning disabilities?
Yes. Although there is not a specific program for students with learning disabilities, Rider offers many support services to help students succeed at the college level. The Education Enhancement Program can be contacted at 609-896-5244. - What do I do once I have been admitted?
The packet that accompanies your letter of admission contains important details about the next steps you must take in order to secure your place in the entering class, register for courses, and obtain on-campus housing. If you plan to enroll, you will need to make a non-refundable tuition deposit and, if you plan to live on campus, a non-refundable housing deposit.
About Costs and Financial Aid
- How do I apply for financial aid?
A student must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible to receive financial aid. The FAFSA can be picked up in high school guidance offices in mid to late December or at the institution to which the student is applying. The form cannot be sent in until after January 1 of the year you plan to enter college. After the form is complete, it is read and processed by a federal processing agency and the information is forwarded to the institution. Rider encourages that this information be furnished to the agency prior to March 1.
- Will my chances for admission be affected by my application for financial aid?
No. Rider University has a need-blind policy.
- Does Rider University offer any merit-based scholarships?
Rider University offers a considerable amount of merit-based scholarships. The minimum requirements to be eligible for a scholarship are a 3.0 grade point average and a 1000 (critical reading and math sections only) SAT or a 21 ACT(composite score). Dollar amounts range from $6,000 to $18,000 with a few scholarships at full tuition. Full time students in good standing are guaranteed Rider's merit-based scholarships for four years based on maintaining a minimum grade point average. There is no separate application for scholarship. Simply by applying to Rider University by the January 15th scholarship deadline, you are considered for a merit-based scholarship. Qualifying GPA's are based on a 4.0 scale and should reflect at least a college preparatory level of study. Cumulative GPA through the seventh semester, December ACT and December SAT will be the latest academic information considered for awards. To qualify for a Rider University scholarship you must be regularly admissible to the University's Lawrenceville campus as a full-time student and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students awarded scholarship must deposit by May 1st in order to receive the scholarship award. Potential scholarship recipients who deposit after May 1st will forfeit their scholarship eligibility.
- Does Rider University offer athletic scholarships?
Yes. Rider is a Division I NCAA institution and offers athletic scholarships. Rider has 20 intercollegiate athletic teams. Athletic scholarships are given by the discretion of the coach.
- Why are you requiring my family’s income tax forms for EOP consideration?
In order to determine that you qualify for EOP, Rider must certify that your family’s total income meets state income guidelines and historical disadvantage. All documents sent to Rider are considered confidential. - How do I pay the tuition and housing deposits?
The easiest way to pay your deposits is online via our web site. To do so, you will need a valid credit card and your Rider I.D. number, which is included in your admission packet. If you prefer to mail a payment, you may return the Admission Decision Form that accompanied your admission letter along with a check or money order made payable to “Rider University.” Please be sure that the check includes your name and Rider I.D. number. - What is the deadline for depositing?
For Fall enrollment, Rider subscribes to the National Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1. To guarantee freshman housing and to secure your seat in the entering class, your deposit must be received by May 1. If you were admitted through Early Decision, your deposit must be received by February 15.
