Northwestern vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 8% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #101-150). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($89K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rice for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 94.6%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,322); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 32,473 |
| International students | 20% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Rice?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Northwestern or Rice graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $89K at Northwestern and $90K at Rice.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Rice?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Rice?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $69,040 at Rice.
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