Houston vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 73.9% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #101-150). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 73.9% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $62K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 32,473 |
| International students | 16% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Houston or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Rice?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $69,040 at Rice.
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