Rice vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 8% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $90K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 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 Princeton 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
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 8% acceptance).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $90K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 94.6%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $64,144); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | — | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 42,303 |
| International students | 30% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 99% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Rice or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Princeton?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $80,837 at Princeton.
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