Financial Aid Offer Packet

Congratulations on your acceptance to

Rider University!

Dear Future Bronc,

We understand choosing which school to attend is one of the most important decisions you will make.

While the enclosed materials are designed to assist you and your family with the financial aspect of your decision, the Rider University community is available to answer questions and assist you with this process.

The enclosed financial aid offer includes any merit scholarship you may have received at the point of admission and it may or may not contain any additional financial aid. If it does not include aid other than your merit scholarship, we either have not received your 2023–24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR there is additional information needed.

If you have not completed a 2023–24 FAFSA, it is not too late; you may still be eligible for federal, state and other resources. At a minimum, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Stafford student loan if you submit a valid FAFSA to Rider.

Students who commit to Rider (by enrollment deposit) will be sent additional information in May, including next steps, details regarding Rider’s monthly payment plan and information about supplemental borrowing opportunities. If you wish to meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss your options, please contact Rider's One Stop Services at 609-896-5360 or send an email to onestop@rider.edu.

We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Jim Conlon, Assistant Vice President Student Financial Services and Academic Success

Our generous scholarships and financial aid offers ensure it’s affordable too.

Finalize your plans with our financial aid team. Know what you’re dealing with so you can make the best possible decision. Our One Stop Services team consists of the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of the Bursar and the One Stop Help Desk. We're dedicated to helping you with any financial aid questions throughout your time at Rider.

One Stop Services is available remotely. Make an appointment by emailing onestop@rider.edu or visit rider.edu/one-stop for more information.

Email: onestop@rider.edu Phone: 609-896-5360 or 800-257-9026 | Fax: 609-219-4487

Zoom Hours: Monday-Friday | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2 to 4 p.m.

“ Rider offers so many real-life experiences and networking opportunities. I truly believe that anything is possible at Rider. ”

Mikaela Batts ’18, Filmmaking, TV and Radio

Here's how to read your financial aid offer letter:

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

A number used to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive based on the financial information you provided in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cost of Attendance (COA)

This highlights the estimated cost for tuition and fees, as well as standard housing and meals. It also estimates the amount that a student will spend on books and supplies, as well as transportation. By subtracting out the books and supplies and transportation, you will be able to determine your estimated direct billable cost.

Scholarships/Grants

Your scholarship amount, as well as any grants you may have received, including federal, institutional, and state grants (such as the NJ Tuition Aid grant for NJ students who may be eligible).

Net Costs

Your Net Costs include your cost of attendance minus the scholarships and grants you may be eligible for.

Loan Options/Work Options

Loan Options you may be eligible for include both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Loans that can be used to further reduce your cost to attend the university. Work Options includes, but not limited to, the federal work study program.

For more information, please review the glossary on the back of your College Financial Plan.

You’ve got options.

Helping you afford a Rider education is important to us. Here are some additional ways to reduce the cost of your educational expenses.

Rider-funded aid

» Merit-based scholarships

» Athletic scholarships

» Transfer and international scholarships

» Institutional grants

Monthly payment plan

Affordable, monthly payments are like a slow trickle that eventually fills a big bucket, instead of filling it all at once.

Federal and state aid

» Federal Pell Grant

» Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

» New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant and other state grants

Other scholarship and loan options

Some outside organizations offer funds to help you pay for college — no repayment necessary. Look for scholarships that relate to you and your major. In addition, the federal government, banks and credit unions offer loans you can repay later.

Get all the details.

Student rights and responsibilities

You may review all of your rights and responsibilities regarding financial aid at:

RIDER.EDU/FINAID-RIGHTS

Financial aid renewal requirements

Because the offering of financial aid is an annual process, you must reapply each year to be considered for need-based aid and other resources requiring submission of the FAFSA. You will also be required to meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress. For more information, visit:

RIDER.EDU/RENEWINGFINAID

Verification

If you are selected for verification by the federal government through the FAFSA, Rider is required to verify the information reported on your financial aid application and adjust aid accordingly. For more information on verification, visit:

RIDER.EDU/TUITION-VERIFY

What’s next?

Next steps checklist:

† File your 2023–24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Rider’s six digit code: 002628

New Jersey residents: Be sure you complete your FAFSA in order to be considered for New Jersey state aid (Tuition Aid Grant). To confirm that the state has your information, go to njgrants.org. Click “Grants,” then “Login to your NJFAMS” (you may need to create an account).

† Review your financial aid offer and any outstanding requirements in your myRider Portal at myRider.rider.edu .

Username: Provided to you with your acceptance letter Password: Your Bronc ID plus MMDD of your birthday

» Select “Student Finances” ▸ “Accept My Financial Aid”

» Select “2023–2024” in the drop-down menu and click “Submit”

» Select “Terms and Conditions” ▸ “Review” ▸ “Accept”

» Select “Award Overview” and scroll down to view your awards under “Financial Aid Award for 2023–2024”

» Review any outstanding requirements you may have located in the “Award Overview” section

requested, submit verification documents.

Notify the Office of Financial Aid of any outside scholarships or agency payments that you will be receiving. Your aid offer may be revised based on the information you provide. Confirm payment of your scholarship with the donor or agency providing the funds.

Confirm your enrollment! Once you’re comfortable with your financial aid offer, submit your tuition and housing deposits.

Rider University

609-896-5000

609-896-5042 Bursar 609-896-5360 Cashier 609-896-5390 Educational

Office of

609-896-5381 Public Safety 609-896-5029 Registrar 609-896-5065 Residence Life 609-896-5102