FAQs
If you should have a question that does not appear here or would prefer to speak to someone in Admission, call 1-800-257-9026, 609-896-5042 or mail us at admissions@rider.edu.
- How much does Rider cost?
Visit Tuition and Fees to find current costs.
- Is Rider a safe campus?
The safety and well-being of the campus and community are the primary responsibility of the Public Safety Department. The department is staffed by a director, assistant director, coordinator of safety and security, and 24 security officers who cover the Lawrenceville and Westminster campuses. Security officers patrol both campuses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These security officers do not have police powers. Each officer undergoes continuous training and is qualified in first aid and CPR. There are also security officers who are Emergency Medical Technician qualified on staff. The Public Safety Department, located in the General Services Building at Lawrenceville and in the basement of Bristol Chapel at Westminster, never closes. In addition, Lawrence Township Police Headquarters is located less than 1/4 mile from the Lawrenceville campus.
- Does my student need a car on campus?
Students may have a car on campus. A NJ Transit bus stop is located at the main entrance of Rider University. There are three NJ Transit train stations located within 12 minutes of Rider's campuses which make Philadelphia and New York accessible.
- Does my student need a computer on campus?
Each student will have an Internet connection in his/her residence hall, which makes Internet access easy. All students have access to several computer labs, some of which are open until 2 A.M. Rider has an educational partnership with DELL if a student is looking to purchase a laptop. Rider University’s College of Business Administration (CBA) will require the use of laptop computers throughout its curriculum for incoming freshmen students starting in the Fall 2006 semester. Click here for more information regarding this laptop program.
- Will my student be guaranteed housing all four years?
Housing is guaranteed for first and second year resident students. Students beyond the second year will need to submit a housing application and deposit by the required deadlines. Because of limited capacity in the residence halls, housing selection for rising third and fourth
year students will be on a lottery basis. Rider makes every attempt to house as many students as possible in the residence halls.
- How are fires detected in the residence halls? Does each room have a sprinkler?
Fire sprinklers exist in all common areas of each residence hall. In addition, each room has its own computerized heat/smoke detector, which alerts Security to the exact location of the situation.
- How does my student 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. Student Financial Services hosts a workshop called "Investing in Your Future" workshop check the admission web page for the date.
- Do resident students stay on campus on weekends, or do most go home?
Approximately 70 percent of the resident student population stays on campus during the weekends. With movies, athletics, and over 100 clubs and organizations, Rider offers a multifaceted weekend environment.
- Will my student graduate in four years?
All undergraduate programs are designed to allow a student to complete the curriculum in four years.
- Are health facilities available on campus? Are hospitals close to campus?
Students have access to quality health services on-campus. There are several major hospitals within minutes of Rider's campuses.
- How will my student be billed?
The Bursar's Office of Rider University bills students once a semester. Bills are mailed in July and December. Rider also partners with Academic Management Services (AMS) so students can utilize payment plans to assist with payment.
- How successful are Rider graduates?
Rider graduates are very successful. Graduates are prepared to enter graduate school, the corporate world, or embark on their own journey with the confidence and skills necessary to attain their successes. Over the past three years approximately 93% of our graduates were employed or pursuing graduate/professional school shortly after graduation.
- Does Rider offer challenging academic programs? What about honors courses?
All of Rider's academic programs feature challenging courses that are taught by skilled professors. The small sizes of these classes promote tremendous faculty-student contact, which in turn offers a level of academic rigor not found in many large institutions. The Baccalaureate Honors and Business Honors Programs push the envelope of intellectual discourse with classes featuring two professors, motivated students, and stellar learning experiences.
- Why should my student choose Rider?
The benefits of a private, university education are numerous. Small classes. Motivated professors. More than 100 clubs & organizations. Twenty Division I athletic programs. Successful alumni. Please visit Rider University to learn firsthand what awaits your son or daughter.
Rider University affirms the principles and practices of diversity throughout the University. Rider University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability status, in the administration of its educational or Admission policies, employment practices, scholarship and loan program, athletic programs and any other Rider-sponsored program.
