Kansas state vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas state 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 81.7% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1151).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $57K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas state | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 27.5% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1151 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 15,432 | 32,473 |
| International students | 5% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $52K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 85.6% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,568 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,968 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 77% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,179 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 20,295 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas state or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Kansas state accepts 81.7% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Kansas state or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Kansas state vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,568 per year at Kansas state and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas state or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1151 at Kansas state and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas state or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Kansas state vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas state or Rice?
The average aid package is $15,968 at Kansas state and $69,040 at Rice.
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