Rider University (RU)

Rider University is a private, student-centered university located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Founded in 1865, Rider has a long history of helping students turn their goals into meaningful careers and lives of purpose.

Guided by the promise Your future. Our mission. One career at a time since 1865., Rider combines personal support, hands-on learning, and career preparation to help students move forward with confidence. With more than 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates, more than 40 graduate programs, small classes, and engaged faculty, students have the freedom to explore their interests and the guidance to build a path toward what comes next.

Rider is also a first-gen-friendly institution where one in three undergraduate students is the first in their family to attend college. Through a welcoming community, personalized support, and real-world experiences, Rider helps students feel at home, find their direction, and prepare for career-ready outcomes.

Rider University enrolls approximately 3,052 undergraduate students from across the United States and around the world. Students come to Rider from Broncs journey from: 36 states, 1 U.S. territory, 65 countries.

Rider is a diverse and welcoming community. Approximately one in three undergraduate students is first-generation to college, and 46% of students are students of color. The University is committed to helping students feel supported, included and prepared to succeed.

Rider offers a vibrant campus life with more than 150 student organizations and more than 500 annual events. Students can get involved in academic clubs, leadership organizations, cultural groups, student media, performance opportunities, service initiatives, Greek life, intramural and club sports, and campus traditions.

Popular opportunities include Student Government Association, Student Entertainment Council, 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM, Rider University Network, Model United Nations, cultural organizations and many others. Rider also offers 120+ intramural and club sports teams, along with 19 NCAA Division I athletic teams.

Rider University's student body "is very small, yet welcoming." Many undergrads say it's "so easy to make connections with people," noting that everyone is "friendly and willing to help you with anything...academic or personal." That doesn't mean the school is without cliques that "tend to stick together as they share most of their classes," but it's not seen as a negative. Rider is also seen as a haven for "many different people here who didn't know if they would be able to go to college," and it shows-individuals work to make the most of this opportunity. "I haven't met one person at this school who hasn't been hardworking or determined with a set of goals in mind." A classmate adds, "I have had an amazing experience with everyone that I have met here at Rider and am really looking forward to seeing where life takes me."

At first glance, Rider's campus may appear quiet, given that "a decent portion of the student body commutes." But students list countless "amazing extracurriculars like a tabletop club, a dance ensemble, a student-directed theatre company, and more. There is truly something for everyone!" Additionally, students say that intramurals are "a lot of fun" and that "Greek life is a big way for students to become more involved and engaged." The school also hosts "many events that bring students together," including their twist on the X Factor television show, R Factor, and sometimes works with clubs to expand offerings like a beach cleanup. Students note that you can participate at your own pace, and appreciate that they can "easily get together to hang out or work on projects, go to the SRC to attend a fitness class, [or head] to our on-campus pub to watch sports games."