Find Your Future Here
First-year students applying to Rider should follow the application steps and deadlines below.
Common Application
Available for Spring 2022 and Fall 2022 applicants.
Who is considered a first-year student?
Apply as a first-year undergraduate student (freshman) if you will have graduated from an accredited high school or passed the GED examination before your anticipated date of enrollment (you may be considered for admission as a degree-seeking student) OR if you have completed or are in the process of completing fewer than 12 credits by the time that you enroll at Rider.
During your college search, you're likely to come across different terminology that may be unfamiliar. View our glossary of terms to help get you started.
Please note, you should apply as a transfer student if you have completed or are in the process of completing 12 credits or more by the time you enroll at Rider. Follow the steps to apply as a transfer student.
Steps to Apply
Application Deadlines
Rider practices rolling admissions. Once your application is complete, you will be notified of your decision. Applications completed after the stated deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
Fall 2022 Semester - September Start Deadlines
*To be considered for the maximum amount of scholarships for which you are eligible, your application must be complete, including all required credentials. If you are applying to a major that requires an audition, auditions scheduled for an audition day after January 15 will not disqualify you from maximum scholarship consideration.
Application Review
Rider University welcomes students with a variety of academic backgrounds. When reviewing an application for admission, the Undergraduate Admission Office takes a holistic approach by assessing your academic performance, letters of recommendation, and your admission essay, as well as your activities, talents and leadership. We encourage you to complete your application thoroughly and thoughtfully. Once the committee has reviewed the entirety of the student's academic experience, an admission decision will be made.