College Comparison
USC 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
USC
Los Angeles, CA
School
Rice University
Houston, TX
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0% | 7.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550 | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | 34–36wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $58,128wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $12,640wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $89,718 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 95.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5% | 97.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 4,562 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rice edges out USC 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Rice Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $58,128
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.