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Rice University vs Sul Ross State University

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX, and Sul Ross State University is a public university in Alpine, TX. Rice University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 99% at Sul Ross State University. Sul Ross State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,286 a year against $13,370 at Rice University. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 29% at Sul Ross State University. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $41,871 for Sul Ross State University.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

Sul Ross State University

Alpine, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Alpine, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,776
1,396
Acceptance rate
8%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
930–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
15–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,370
$13,286
Full cost / yr
$79,788
$24,529
In-state tuition
$64,144
$7,592
Out-of-state tuition
$64,144
$17,672
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,827
$11,110
$30k - $48k
$563
$11,722
$48k - $75k
$3,217
$11,261
$75k - $110k
$17,755
$18,596
Over $110k
$48,466
$20,279
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
29%
Freshman retention
97%
45%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,751
$34,340
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,718
$41,871
Median debt at graduation
$11,000
$15,900
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
58%
First-generation students
14%
46%
International students
13%
1%
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 Sul Ross State University harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 99% at Sul Ross State 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 Sul Ross State University?
Sul Ross State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,286 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,370 at Rice 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 Sul Ross State University?
Before aid, Sul Ross State University costs about $24,529 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 Sul Ross State University?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $11,110 at Sul Ross State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rice University or Sul Ross State University?
Rice University is the larger of the two, with about 4,776 undergraduates against 1,396 at Sul Ross State University.
Does Rice University or Sul Ross State University have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 29% at Sul Ross State University.
Do graduates of Rice University or Sul Ross State University earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,871 for Sul Ross State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rice University and Sul Ross State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sul Ross State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Rice University and Sul Ross State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Rice University and 930–1110 at Sul Ross State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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