Cornell vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #101-150). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $69,314 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 Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rice for: higher selectivity, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 8.8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1535).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $90K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 94.6%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $69,314); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 32,473 |
| International students | 26% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Cornell or Rice graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Rice?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Rice?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $69,040 at Rice.
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