Boston college vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 16.4% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #101-150). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, lower graduate debt.
Choose Rice for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 16.4% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $90K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 90.8%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $70,702); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 32,473 |
| International students | 12% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Boston college or Rice graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Rice?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $69,040 at Rice.
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