Rice vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 8% acceptance). Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,758 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: lower tuition.
Choose Duke 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
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1548).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $90K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 94.6%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | — | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 51,795 |
| International students | 30% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 98% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Rice or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Duke?
Duke ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Duke?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $72,437 at Duke.
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