Rice vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 8% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #33). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($90K vs $89K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,322 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: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 94.6%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $68,322); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | — | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 49,474 |
| International students | 30% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 98% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Rice or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $90K at Rice and $89K at Northwestern.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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