Rider University
Lawrenceville, United States • Founded 1865
Overview
Established in 1865, the Rider University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Lawrenceville (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), New Jersey.
This institution also has a branch campus in Princeton. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Rider University is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Rider University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 159-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Rider University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Rider University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Rider University — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing Rider University's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 4 items
- College of Business Administration
- College of Continuing Studies
- College of Liberal Arts, Education and Sciences
- Westminster College of the Arts
Programs Offered
Rider University's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
Bachelor's Degree
56 programmes
Browse 56 programmes at Rider University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Biopsychology Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religious Music and Worship Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
20 programmes
Rider University provides 20 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Religious Music and Worship Religious Studies
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Music Music
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
Rider University offers 1 programme at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
Rider University offers 2 programmes at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
34 programmes
Rider University offers 34 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other Agriculture
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Music Music
Music Music
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Rider University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Rider University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Rider University offers 113 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Each programme at Rider University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Rider University's online portal at www.rider.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (609) 896 5000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rider University
Common questions about Rider University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
In what year was Rider University established?
Rider University was founded in 1865 (approximately 161 years ago).
Where is Rider University located?
Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, United States.
Is Rider University public or private?
Rider University operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Rider University?
Student enrolment at Rider University is around 4,000-4,999.
How is Rider University organised academically?
Rider University is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Rider University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How do I find Rider University online?
Rider University's official website is www.rider.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top universities in the United States differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Rider University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Beyond Rider University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
If Rider University is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in the United States offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Often Compared with Rider University
Beyond Rider University, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.