Houston vs Rhode island — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #801-900). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $37,146 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Rhode island 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
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 73.9% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K); Rhode island has a higher 6-year graduation rate (73.3% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $37,146); Rhode island offers a larger average aid package ($17,388 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Rhode island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.60 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 26,987 |
| International students | 16% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 83.6% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $37,146 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $17,388 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 60% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $40,247 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 17,649 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Rhode island?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Rhode island accepts 72.2%.
Do Houston or Rhode island graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Rhode island?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $37,146 per year at Rhode island.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Rhode island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1160 at Rhode island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Rhode island?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #801-900 for Rhode island.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Rhode island?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $17,388 at Rhode island.
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