Rice vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 89% 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 $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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 West virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 89% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1122).
Rice graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($90K vs $56K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $64,144); Rice offers a larger average aid package ($69,040 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rice | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 44.2% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 32,473 | 20,150 |
| International students | 30% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $144K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 94.6% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 97.4% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,144 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,040 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 100% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,418 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 8,961 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rice or West virginia?
It's harder to get into Rice. Rice accepts 8% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Rice or West virginia graduates earn more?
Rice graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $90K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Rice vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,144 per year at Rice and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Rice or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Rice and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rice or West virginia?
Rice ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Rice vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rice or West virginia?
The average aid package is $69,040 at Rice and $16,730 at West virginia.
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