College Comparison
Rice University vs WashU (St. Louis): 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
WashU (St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rice | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 7.9%wins | 12.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $58,128wins | $62,982 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,640wins | $22,117 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $89,718wins | $86,182 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.7%wins | 94.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.6%wins | 95.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,562 | 7,897wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rice edges out WashU on 8 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%
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $58,128
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,640
WashU Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,897
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