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Rice University vs Southwestern University

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX, and Southwestern University is a private university in Georgetown, TX. Rice University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 43% at Southwestern University. Rice University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,370 a year against $29,224 at Southwestern University. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 71% at Southwestern University. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $56,878 for Southwestern University.

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Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

Southwestern University

Georgetown, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Georgetown, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,776
1,440
Acceptance rate
8%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
1130–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
26–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,370
$29,224
Full cost / yr
$79,788
$67,493
In-state tuition
$64,144
$53,813
Out-of-state tuition
$64,144
$53,813
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,827
$22,478
$30k - $48k
$563
$19,096
$48k - $75k
$3,217
$28,175
$75k - $110k
$17,755
$30,387
Over $110k
$48,466
$36,332
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
71%
Freshman retention
97%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,751
$49,249
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,718
$56,878
Median debt at graduation
$11,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
25%
First-generation students
14%
20%
International students
13%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 3
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Feb 2

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 Southwestern University harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 43% at Southwestern 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 Southwestern University?
Rice University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,370 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,224 at Southwestern 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 Southwestern University?
Before aid, Southwestern University costs about $67,493 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 Southwestern University?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $22,478 at Southwestern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rice University or Southwestern University?
Rice University is the larger of the two, with about 4,776 undergraduates against 1,440 at Southwestern University.
Does Rice University or Southwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 71% at Southwestern University.
Do graduates of Rice University or Southwestern University earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,878 for Southwestern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rice University and Southwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Rice University and Southwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Rice University and 1130–1300 at Southwestern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school