Boston university vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 11.1% acceptance). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $83K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,102 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 university for: a larger aid package.
Choose Rice for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, 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 11.1% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1480).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $83K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 88.7%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 32,473 |
| International students | 32% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Boston university or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Rice?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $69,040 at Rice.
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