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Rice University vs The University of Texas at Austin

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX. The University of Texas at Austin is a public university in Austin, TX. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants and The University of Texas at Austin about 27%, making Rice University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,370 a year at Rice University after aid, and about $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 88% at The University of Texas at Austin. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $75,121 for The University of Texas at Austin.

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Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,776
42,855
Acceptance rate
8%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.46–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
1250–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
27–33
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,370
$19,857
Full cost / yr
$79,788
$31,247
In-state tuition
$64,144
$11,688
Out-of-state tuition
$64,144
$44,908
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,827
$12,553
$30k - $48k
$563
$14,297
$48k - $75k
$3,217
$17,207
$75k - $110k
$17,755
$24,406
Over $110k
$48,466
$30,082
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
88%
Freshman retention
97%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,751
$60,896
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,718
$75,121
Median debt at graduation
$11,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
26%
First-generation students
14%
28%
International students
13%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Dec 1

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 The University of Texas at Austin harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 27% at The University of Texas at Austin. 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
Rice University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,370 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin. 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
Before aid, The University of Texas at Austin costs about $31,247 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $12,553 at The University of Texas at Austin. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rice University or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is the larger of the two, with about 42,855 undergraduates against 4,776 at Rice University.
Does Rice University or The University of Texas at Austin have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 88% at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do graduates of Rice University or The University of Texas at Austin earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $75,121 for The University of Texas at Austin. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rice University and The University of Texas at Austin require SAT or ACT scores?
Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The University of Texas at Austin requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Rice University and The University of Texas at Austin look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Rice University and 1250–1510 at The University of Texas at Austin. 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