Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Rice University
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 10
- Rice Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944, Rice University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rice University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Carnegie Mellon
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Rice University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #20
Rice
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $18,574 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 8% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Rice in Biology & Biomedical (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Rice University. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $89,718.
Pick Rice University over Carnegie Mellon University. Net price $13,370 vs $31,944.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Rice University. THE World Rank #20 vs #47.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Rice University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and Rice University are close on paper, but Rice University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Rice University is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while Carnegie Mellon University takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rice University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Rice University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,370, about $18,574 a year below Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $21,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $74,296 before any change in aid. Choosing Rice University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862, compared with $89,718 at Rice University. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Carnegie Mellon University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Rice University, it is 1.6%. Carnegie Mellon University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Carnegie Mellon University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Carnegie Mellon University sits higher, at #20 versus #47.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rice University to keep costs and debt down; pick Carnegie Mellon University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Rice University saves about $18,574 a year, yet Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $25,144 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Rice University is harder to get into, with a 8% admit rate, but Carnegie Mellon University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, while Rice University leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $31,944 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,750, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Carnegie Mellon University's enrollment of 7,304 far exceeds Rice University's 4,776.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Rice University's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 44% at Rice — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Carnegie Mellon (20.6% Early Decision admit rate vs 16.8%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.
Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.
Rice University
Houston, TX · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Rice University attracts driven students who are eager to excel academically and socially. This private nonprofit institution in Houston is ideal for those interested in fields like Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The strong graduation rate of 95% speaks volumes about the supportive environment here, where students are encouraged to dive deep into their studies and collaborate across disciplines.
Graduates from Rice see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $89,718 just ten years after finishing their degree. This figure is significant because it highlights the school's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. While 17% of students rely on Pell Grants, the overall affordability of education here, combined with the strong salary potential, makes it a viable option for many.
When it comes to the practical side of things, the net price after aid is around $13,370, and the median debt for graduates is relatively low at $11,000. These numbers suggest that students can graduate with manageable debt, which is a big plus in today’s economy. Those who thrive here are often collaborative, ambitious, and ready to engage with a diverse community, making the most of the excellent academic resources available to them.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Rice leads with Biology (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rice).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Business & Marketing, while Rice University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 12% at Carnegie Mellon University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,718 at Rice University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 93%.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Rice University: which is better for social mobility?
Carnegie Mellon University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Carnegie Mellon University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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