College Comparison
Rice University vs University of Colorado Boulder: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Rice University
Houston, TX
School
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rice | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 7.9%wins | 83.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | 1230–1420 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 28–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $58,128 | $41,943wins |
| Avg Net Price | $12,640wins | $21,480 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $89,718wins | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.7%wins | 75.0% |
| Retention Rate | 97.6%wins | 89.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,562 | 31,578wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rice edges out CU Boulder on 8 of 10 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.
Rice Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,640
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,943
- ✓Total Enrollment: 31,578
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.