Notre dame vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 11.3% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #101-150). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $65,025 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 Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Rice for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 11.3% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1520).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $90K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 94.6%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $65,025); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 32,473 |
| International students | 13% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Notre dame or Rice graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Rice?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $69,040 at Rice.
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