Rivier is a small Catholic university in Nashua, southern New Hampshire's largest city, about an hour north of Boston. The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary founded it in 1933, and nursing remains its best-known field. In recent years it has also drawn international graduate students to its computer science and IT master's degrees. Tuition is moderate for a private New England university.
Nashua, New Hampshire, United States
Official website: rivier.edu
Private Catholic university
1933
Nashua, New Hampshire
Nursing and health programmes
$20,000 – $38,000
International students, graduate and undergraduate tuition
$15,000 – $18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on rivier.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MS Information Technology Management
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
Nursing programmes with a long history in New Hampshire.
Computer science master's degrees popular with international students.
A quiet campus an hour from Boston.
Nursing graduates work in hospitals across New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Computer science and IT graduates find roles with tech and defence firms in the region.
STEM master's graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Nashua sits on the Merrimack River right at the Massachusetts border, with a walkable Main Street and the Mine Falls Park trails close to downtown.
Boston is about an hour's drive south, and Manchester's airport is close. Winters are cold and snowy, and a car makes life easier.
Form I-20 issued by Rivier University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Rivier reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply three to four months before the term to allow time for the I-20 and visa interview.
Programmes start in the fall and spring terms, and some graduate programmes also admit in summer.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Rivier University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Computer science, IT management, nursing and business are popular. Graduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 79. Nursing needs strong science grades.
Rivier offers merit scholarships to undergraduates and some tuition awards for graduate students. Ask admissions what applies to your programme.
