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