Southern california vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rice is the more selective of the two (8% vs 9.8% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #101-150). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
Choose Rice for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rice is more selective (8% vs 9.8% acceptance); Rice has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1495).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $90K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 91.8%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 32,473 |
| International students | 27% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Rice?
It's harder to get into Rice. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Southern california or Rice graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Rice?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Rice?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $69,040 at Rice.
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