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Rice University vs Wayland Baptist University

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX. Wayland Baptist University is a private university in Plainview, TX. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants and Wayland Baptist University about 56%, 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 $20,590 at Wayland Baptist University. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 19% at Wayland Baptist University. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $51,838 for Wayland Baptist University.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Plainview, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,776
2,041
Acceptance rate
8%
56%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
900–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,370
$20,590
Full cost / yr
$79,788
$36,323
In-state tuition
$64,144
$23,782
Out-of-state tuition
$64,144
$23,782
Application fee
$75
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,827
$20,070
$30k - $48k
$563
$16,344
$48k - $75k
$3,217
$19,949
$75k - $110k
$17,755
$21,542
Over $110k
$48,466
$25,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
19%
Freshman retention
97%
45%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,751
$44,159
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,718
$51,838
Median debt at graduation
$11,000
$23,106
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
46%
First-generation students
14%
45%
International students
13%
3%
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 Wayland Baptist University harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 56% at Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Rice University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,370 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,590 at Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Before aid, Wayland Baptist University costs about $36,323 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 Wayland Baptist University?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $20,070 at Wayland Baptist University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rice University or Wayland Baptist University?
Rice University is the larger of the two, with about 4,776 undergraduates against 2,041 at Wayland Baptist University.
Does Rice University or Wayland Baptist University have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 19% at Wayland Baptist University.
Do graduates of Rice University or Wayland Baptist University earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,838 for Wayland Baptist University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rice University and Wayland Baptist University require SAT or ACT scores?
Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wayland Baptist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Rice University and Wayland Baptist University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Rice University and 900–1090 at Wayland Baptist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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