College Comparison
Northwestern University vs Rice University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
School
Rice University
Houston, TX
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Northwestern | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 7.1%wins | 7.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1560 | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–36wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,997 | $58,128wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,143 | $12,640wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $89,363 | $89,718wins |
| Graduation Rate | 95.9%wins | 95.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.4% | 97.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,960wins | 4,562 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rice edges out Northwestern on 6 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.9%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,960
Rice Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $58,128
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,640
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