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Rice University vs Nelson University

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX, and Nelson University is a private university in Waxahachie, TX. Rice University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 89% at Nelson University. Rice University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,370 a year against $21,662 at Nelson University. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 39% at Nelson University. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $46,238 for Nelson University.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Waxahachie, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,776
1,479
Acceptance rate
8%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
890–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,370
$21,662
Full cost / yr
$79,788
$34,504
In-state tuition
$64,144
$25,064
Out-of-state tuition
$64,144
$25,064
Application fee
$75
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,827
$17,583
$30k - $48k
$563
$18,396
$48k - $75k
$3,217
$21,731
$75k - $110k
$17,755
$23,883
Over $110k
$48,466
$25,474
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
39%
Freshman retention
97%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,751
$37,425
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,718
$46,238
Median debt at graduation
$11,000
$24,725
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
48%
First-generation students
14%
38%
International students
13%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Not reported

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Rice University or Nelson University harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 89% at Nelson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Rice University or Nelson University?
Rice University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,370 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,662 at Nelson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Rice University and Nelson University?
Before aid, Nelson University costs about $34,504 a year and Rice University about $79,788. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Rice University or Nelson University?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $17,583 at Nelson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rice University or Nelson University?
Rice University is the larger of the two, with about 4,776 undergraduates against 1,479 at Nelson University.
Does Rice University or Nelson University have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 39% at Nelson University.
Do graduates of Rice University or Nelson University earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,238 for Nelson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rice University and Nelson University require SAT or ACT scores?
Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Nelson University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Rice University and Nelson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Rice University and 890–1090 at Nelson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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