Rhode island vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #201-300). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $37,146 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 Rhode island for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 73.9% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K); Rhode island has a higher 6-year graduation rate (73.3% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $37,146); Rhode island offers a larger average aid package ($17,388 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 31,716 |
| International students | 3% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 87% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 60% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Houston?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Rhode island or Houston graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Houston?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $16,450 at Houston.
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