Rice vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 16.8% acceptance). Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #201-300). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 16.8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1480).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 94.6%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 58,951 |
| International students | 30% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Rice. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Rice or Virginia graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Virginia?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Virginia?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $37,123 at Virginia.
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