College Comparison
Rice University vs UC Irvine: 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
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rice | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 7.9%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $58,128 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $12,640wins | $12,840 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $89,718wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.7%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 97.6%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,562 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rice edges out UC Irvine on 7 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.
Rice Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,640
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $89,718
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Total Enrollment: 29,494
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.