Rice vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 88.7% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #501-600). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Rice for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 88.7% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1204).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $63K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 23,095 |
| International students | 30% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Rice. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Rice or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Iowa state?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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