Rhode island vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 72.2% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #101-150). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 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 Rhode island 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 72.2% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1160).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $70K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 32,473 |
| International students | 3% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 60% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Rhode island or Rice graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Rice?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Rice?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $69,040 at Rice.
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