Rice vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #23). Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $86K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $65,790 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 12.1% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1530).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $86K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 94.3%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 32,754 |
| International students | 30% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 95% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Rice. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Rice or Washington university graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or Washington university?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $75,604 at Washington university.
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