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College Comparison

University of Michigan 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

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

School

Rice University

Houston, TX

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUniversity of MichiganRice
Acceptance Rate17.9%7.9%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1350–15301500–1570wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)31–3434–36wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$58,072wins$58,128
Avg Net Price$14,832$12,640wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$83,648$89,718wins
Graduation Rate93.2%95.7%wins
Retention Rate97.6%wins97.6%
Student–Faculty Ratio11:16:1wins
Total Enrollment33,488wins4,562

Verdict

Based on the data above, Rice edges out University of Michigan on 7 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.

University of Michigan Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $58,072
  • Retention Rate: 97.6%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,488

Rice Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 7.9%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
  • Avg Net Price: $12,640

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