Iowa state vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 88.7% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #101-150). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
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 88.7% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1204).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $63K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 32,473 |
| International students | 8% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Iowa state or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Rice?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $69,040 at Rice.
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