First-Time Students

Rivier offers first-time undergraduate students:

• Beautiful New England Campus with a supportive community close to home
• Innovative Employment Promise Program: The only University in New Hampshire to promise invested students that they will secure a full-time job within nine months of graduation. If they do not, they will receive additional financial or educational support.
• Affordable Tuition and Housing Costs
• Financial Aid Assistance and No Application Fee including the Common Application
• Personal Academic and Career Advising upon entry and throughout your entire experience
• Standardized Test Scores are Optional for All Majors Including Nursing

At Rivier, you’ll get much more than a quality education. You’ll be supported by an incredible community of learners and backed by state-of-the-art resources and professionals that will prepare you for your career.

Rivier Early Acceptance Program

The Rivier Early Acceptance Program (REAP) is the fastest way to get your non-binding admissions decision and secure your spot in the incoming class. 

Requirements for First-Time Students

Candidates for admission should have the following from an accredited high school curriculum:

• 4 years of English
• 2 years of Social Sciences
• 1 year of Laboratory Sciences
• 3 years of Mathematics (Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry)
• 2 years of Foreign Language – optional
• 4 Additional Academic Courses
• Standardized Test Scores are Optional. If you wish to submit scores our CEEB code for the SAT is 3728, and for the ACT is 2520.

Exceptions to the above curriculum—which may include equivalent diplomas such as the GED—are reviewed on an individual basis.

Admission to the Nursing Program

Candidates for nursing must have the following:

• High School Courses Required
  • Chemistry
  • Biology or A&P
  • Algebra I
  • Additional Mathematics Course
• Standardized Test Scores are Optional. If you wish to submit scores our CEEB code for the SAT is 3728, and for the ACT is 2520.

If you do not meet the admissions criteria but are otherwise admissible to the University, you may be offered admission to the Health Science Program.

Applying to Rivier

When applying to Rivier, you must submit the following:

1. Application for Admission using either:
   • Rivier’s application
   • The Common Application
2. Essay/Writing Sample: Topics are listed on the application form. The writing sample on the Common Application will be sufficient.
3. Official High School Transcript or GED
4. Official College Transcript(s): Submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended
5. Standardized Test Scores are Optional for all Majors Including Nursing. If you are 23 years of age or older you are not required to submit SAT I or ACT scores, but you may be asked to take an alternative aptitude examination at the request of the Admissions Committee.
   • SAT code number is 3728
   • ACT code number is 2520
6. Letter of Recommendation: Your recommendation may be from a guidance counselor, teacher, or advisor concerning academic ability and character. Specific requirements exist for:
   • Home-schooled students: two letters of recommendation are suggested.
   • Transfer nursing students: two letters of recommendation are required.
   • Adults returning to school after an extended time: obtain a letter of recommendation from an employer or professional in the community.
7. Home-schooled applicants only:
   • Submit an academic portfolio consisting of graded work. Specific requirements include an English essay, science project/lab/report, and a social sciences research or analytical paper.

Deadlines

Rolling Admissions

• You may apply to Rivier at any time.
• You will be notified of an admission decision two to four weeks from the date your application was received.
• We recommend that you submit applications by March 1 for fall semester and by November 1 for spring semester; however, qualified students are admitted to the University as long as space is available.

Early Action

Freshmen candidates for fall admissions who have strong academic records through their junior year of high school may apply Early Action and receive an admission decision early. Under Early Action:

• Applicants are reviewed for admission based on their academic record through junior year.
• The Admissions Committee will begin a review of Early Action applications in September and notify applicants on a rolling basis through December.
• Students reviewed for Early Action but not accepted at that time will be asked to submit first quarter senior year grades and will be considered under the Rolling Admission program.

Rivier University does not discriminate in its application process. Read our non-discrimination policy.