Emory vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 10.7% acceptance). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $80K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $64,280 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 Emory for: lower graduate debt.
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 10.7% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1520).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $80K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 91.1%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $64,280); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $67,329).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 32,473 |
| International students | 19% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Emory or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Rice?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $69,040 at Rice.
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