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Rice University vs St. Mary's University

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX, and St. Mary's University is a private university in San Antonio, TX. Rice University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 98% at St. Mary's University. Rice University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,370 a year against $21,145 at St. Mary's University. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 60% at St. Mary's University. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $56,955 for St. Mary's University.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,776
1,951
Acceptance rate
8%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
900–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
15–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,370
$21,145
Full cost / yr
$79,788
$47,999
In-state tuition
$64,144
$37,434
Out-of-state tuition
$64,144
$37,434
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,827
$18,352
$30k - $48k
$563
$21,470
$48k - $75k
$3,217
$20,553
$75k - $110k
$17,755
$22,331
Over $110k
$48,466
$24,649
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
60%
Freshman retention
97%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,751
$44,130
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,718
$56,955
Median debt at graduation
$11,000
$25,563
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
39%
First-generation students
14%
39%
International students
13%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

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 St. Mary's University harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 98% at St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University?
Rice University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,370 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,145 at St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University?
Before aid, St. Mary's University costs about $47,999 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 St. Mary's University?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $18,352 at St. Mary's University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rice University or St. Mary's University?
Rice University is the larger of the two, with about 4,776 undergraduates against 1,951 at St. Mary's University.
Does Rice University or St. Mary's University have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 60% at St. Mary's University.
Do graduates of Rice University or St. Mary's University earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,955 for St. Mary's University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rice University and St. Mary's University require SAT or ACT scores?
Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St. Mary's University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Rice University and St. Mary's University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Rice University and 900–1310 at St. Mary's 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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