Rider University: A Chance For Below-Average Students?

Rider University is a private institution in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with a large campus and a diverse range of courses. The university offers over 100 majors, minors, and programs, including business, liberal arts, sciences, music, and fine and performing arts. With an acceptance rate of 84.1%, Rider University is considered an easy school to get into. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.41, and the university typically attracts students with B+ grades. The university offers a holistic admissions approach, considering applicants' academic performance, letters of recommendation, and admission essays. The university also has a rolling admissions policy and is test-optional, meaning that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission.

Rider University's acceptance rate

Rider University is a private institution that was founded in 1865 and is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The university offers 100+ majors, minors, and programs, including business administration, education, liberal arts, sciences, music, fine and performing arts, counselling, human services, and leadership. The university has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with an average class size of 18, allowing students to receive individualised attention. The university also offers internships and co-ops that provide field experience, with over 500 being completed each year.

Rider University also offers test-optional admission and provides college credit to students based on International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework and the results of the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. The university's early action application deadline allows students to apply early without committing to the school if accepted.

The average high school GPA of Rider University students

Rider University is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,196 as of fall 2023. The university ranks 35th in Regional Universities North and has an acceptance rate of 84.1%, making it a relatively non-selective school.

The average high school GPA for admitted students at Rider University is 2.6 on a 4.0 scale, according to estimates based on test scores and GPA averages. This is considered a very competitive GPA, and the university is clearly accepting students at the top of their high school class. However, other sources suggest that the average unweighted GPA at Rider University is 3.41 or 3.47 on a 4.0 scale, which is considered above average. To achieve this average GPA, students need to earn mostly B+ letter grades and occasionally A's, scoring around 87-89% on tests and assignments in high school.

Rider University considers the strength and number of college-preparatory courses taken when evaluating applicants for admission and scholarships. The minimum requirements include academic English courses and Algebra II/Trigonometry, with higher-level math courses preferred. The university also offers test-optional admission and college credit to students based on International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework and Advanced Placement (AP) examination results.

In summary, while the average high school GPA of Rider University students may vary slightly depending on the source, it appears to range from 2.6 to 3.47 on a 4.0 scale. The university welcomes a mix of A's and B's, with a small number of C's, and places a strong emphasis on college-preparatory courses and standardized test scores in its admissions process.

SAT scores for Rider University applicants

Rider University is a private institution located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The university has a relatively high acceptance rate of 84.1%, making it a lightly selective school. The average GPA of students accepted to Rider University is 3.41 or 3.47, depending on the source. This means that the university requires you to be around average in your high school class with a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's.

Rider University does not have a hard cutoff point for SAT scores, and the submission of SAT scores is not required for admission. However, the average SAT score composite at Rider University is around 1200 on the 1600 SAT scale, with a range for the middle 50% of accepted students between 1100 and 1300. A score of 1090 places you below average, while a score of 1310 will be considered above average.

Rider University considers the strength and number of college-preparatory courses taken when considering students for admission and scholarships. The minimum requirements include academic English courses and Algebra II/Trigonometry, with higher-level math courses accepted in place of Algebra II.

While there is no absolute SAT requirement, it is recommended that applicants aim for a score of at least 1090 or 1100 to have a good chance of admission. A score of 1200 or above will make you a competitive applicant, and a score of 1300 will significantly improve your chances.

ACT scores for Rider University applicants

Rider University is a private institution in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with an acceptance rate of 84.1%. The school ranks 35th in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges' Regional Universities North and 11th in Best Value Schools.

Rider University is a test-optional school, meaning applicants are not required to submit ACT scores with their application. However, according to collegesimply.com, the average ACT score for admitted students is 25, while half of the admitted students have ACT scores from 21 to 29. A score of 17 is considered the lowest ACT score likely to be admitted.

According to collegeadmissionscores.com, the average ACT score for Rider University is 26, with the 25th percentile at 21 and the 75th percentile at 29. The website also states that half of the students admitted have ACT scores from 19 to 25.

Rider University considers the strength and number of college-preparatory courses taken when considering students for admission and scholarships. The minimum requirements include academic English courses and Algebra II/Trigonometry.

Rider University's application requirements

Rider University is a private institution in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,196 students (as of Fall 2023). The university offers 100+ majors, minors, and programs, with an average class size of 18 and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The university ranks #35 in Regional Universities North and #11 in Best Value Schools.

Application Requirements

Rider University has an acceptance rate of 84.1%, making it a less competitive school to get into. The average unweighted GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.41, with most students graduating in the top half of their high school class. To have a good chance of acceptance, applicants should aim for the following:

• A high school GPA of 3.41 or higher
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1200 or above on the SAT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

The submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Rider University. However, if scores are submitted, they will be considered as part of the application. The average SAT score of incoming freshmen is 1200, with the middle 50% of students scoring between 1100 and 1300. For the ACT, the average score is 25, with the middle 50% of students scoring between 21 and 29.

In addition to test scores, Rider University requires the following as part of the application process:

• Completion of 16 academic units in a college-preparatory curriculum while in high school, including academic English courses and Algebra II/Trigonometry
• Submission of transcripts, mark sheets, and/or exam results from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended
• One letter of recommendation from a school counselor or another individual who can speak to the applicant's academic potential and personal characteristics
• Submission of testing information, such as SAT or ACT scores, is optional but recommended
• Application fee of $75 for international students

For international applicants, additional requirements include:

• Evidence of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or ITEP scores
• Proof of finances, including an International Student Supplement and supporting financial documentation

Frequently asked questions