Stanford vs Rice — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 8% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #101-150). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $90K). Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Rice for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 8% acceptance).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $90K); Rice has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.6% vs 91.9%).
Rice has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,144 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $69,040).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 8% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 44.2% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 32,473 |
| International students | 23% | 30% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $90K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $92K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $144K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 94.6% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 97.4% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $11,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $64,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $69,040 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $28,418 |
| Application fee | $100 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 8,961 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Rice?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Rice accepts 8%.
Do Stanford or Rice graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $90K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Rice?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $64,144 per year at Rice.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Rice?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1553 at Rice; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Rice?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #101-150 for Rice.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Rice?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $69,040 at Rice.
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