Houston vs Rice - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Houston accepts most of the applications it receives (73.9%), while Rice turns away the overwhelming majority (8%).
The larger international cohort belongs to Rice: 13% of students against 5.7% (Houston).
Average aid for an international student is $76,332 (Rice) and $4,456 (Houston).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Rice lists $92,262 against $45,970 (Houston), but after average aid what remains is $23,222 against $29,520.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 73.92% 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 ($27,926 vs $67,497 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 73.92% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1240).
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 ($27,926 vs $67,497); 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 | 73.92% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1240 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.49 | - |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 32,473 |
| International students | 5.7% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $90K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $39K | $63K |
| 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 | $27,926 | $67,497 |
| 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 73.92% 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 $27,926 per year at Houston and $67,497 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1240 at Houston and 1540 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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