Connecticut vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 52.4% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #101-150). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $64,144 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 Connecticut for: lower tuition.
Choose Rice for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 52.4% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1348).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $74K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 32,473 |
| International students | 11% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Connecticut or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Rice?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $69,040 at Rice.
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