Houston, TX · Private University
Is Rice University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$89,718
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$58,128
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,128
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$232,512
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.54x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
95.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,640
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Rice University graduates earn $44,718 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Rice University ranked by graduate earnings
67 graduates
23 graduates
21 graduates
36 graduates
17 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Rice University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Rice University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $172,391) and the lowest (Mathematics: $50,286) is $122,105/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $172,391 | 3.0x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $139,102 | 2.4x |
| Chemical Engineering | $108,850 | 1.9x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $89,863 | 1.6x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,547 | 1.5x |
| Economics | $88,145 | 1.5x |
| Cognitive Science | $86,577 | 1.5x |
| Political Science and Government | $70,513 | 1.2x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $62,105 | 1.1x |
| Psychology, General | $57,256 | 1.0x |
| MathematicsLowest(1yr data) | $50,286 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | 1.54x | $89,718 | Good ROI |
| Vanderbilt University | 1.43x | $91,565 | Average ROI |
| Emory University | 1.32x | $80,137 | Average ROI |
| Duke University | 1.49x | $97,800 | Average ROI |
| Washington University in St Louis | 1.37x | $86,182 | Average ROI |
| Trinity University | 1.40x | $71,668 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Rice University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $89,718 10 years after starting — $44,718 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.2 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.