Rice vs Boston college — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 16.4% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #501-600). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $70,702 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 Rice for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 16.4% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $90K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 90.8%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $70,702); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 34,779 |
| International students | 30% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 96% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Rice. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Rice or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Boston college?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Boston college?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $61,753 at Boston college.
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