Carnegie mellon vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 11.7% acceptance). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $66,246 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 Carnegie mellon for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Rice for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 11.7% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1546).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $90K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 94.1%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $66,246); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 32,473 |
| International students | 46% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Rice graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Rice?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $69,040 at Rice.
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