College Comparison
UCLA 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
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
School
Rice University
Houston, TX
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7% | 7.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 34–36 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $58,128 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013 | $12,640wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511 | $89,718wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 95.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.8% | 97.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 4,562 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rice edges out UCLA 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.
UCLA Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,040
Rice Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,640
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $89,718
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.