
420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060, USA


Rivier University was established in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary as a Catholic institution dedicated to educating women, reflecting its religious roots while focusing on academic growth. Initially, it functioned primarily as a women's college, offering a limited number of programs suited to the era's expectations for female students. Over time, the institution evolved, broadening its academic scope and transitioning toward coeducation, which allowed it to serve a wider and more diverse student population.
The university's development included expanding its curriculum to encompass various undergraduate and graduate degrees beyond its original offerings. This growth aligned with a broader trend in higher education, emphasizing professional and liberal arts programs to meet changing workforce demands. As it evolved, Rivier University retained a commitment to values-based education but adapted to modern educational standards and student needs.
Today, Rivier University stands as a comprehensive institution that balances its founding mission with contemporary academic programs designed to prepare students for a variety of careers. Its history of transformation highlights a continuous effort to remain relevant and accessible while honoring its origins.
Rivier University organizes its academic offerings across several faculties that cater to a range of disciplines and professional interests. Among the primary divisions is the College of Arts and Sciences, which provides programs designed to build a strong liberal arts foundation and encourages critical thinking across diverse fields of study.
The university also houses the School of Business Administration, which focuses on preparing students for careers in management, marketing, accounting, and other business-related professions through practical and theoretical coursework.
For those interested in healthcare and social services, Rivier University includes a College of Health Professions and Sciences, offering degrees tailored to nursing, public health, and other health-related fields. This faculty emphasizes experiential learning and clinical practice to equip students with hands-on skills.
Additionally, the School of Education supports future educators with programs that combine pedagogical theory and classroom experience, aiming to develop qualified teachers prepared to meet diverse educational needs.
Across these faculties, the university offers departments that align with both traditional academic disciplines and applied professional training, providing prospective students with versatile pathways depending on their career goals.
Rivier University is located in Nashua, New Hampshire, at 420 South Main Street, 03060. Nashua is part of the Northeast region, offering students a setting that balances suburban calm with proximity to urban amenities. The university's location provides convenient access to the nearby city of Manchester, expanding opportunities for cultural experiences and employment. Prospective students can reach Rivier University by calling the local contact number 888-1311 for inquiries.
Rivier University focuses on fostering an educational environment that emphasizes rigorous academic preparation alongside personal growth. Its mission centers on empowering students to develop critical thinking skills, ethical judgment, and professional competencies through a comprehensive liberal arts foundation. The institution aims to cultivate a diverse community of learners who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and their chosen fields.
At the core of its vision, Rivier University aspires to be recognized as a dynamic center for higher education that integrates intellectual inquiry with values-based leadership. It seeks to nurture graduates who demonstrate both expertise and a commitment to service, equipped to navigate complex challenges in a variety of professional and civic roles. The university emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability in its approach to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community.
Name of the institution
Rivier UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1933
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Biology, General
$31,210Business Administration, Management and Operations
$38,049Public Health
$35,094Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$66,515Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$31,311