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Drexel University vs Rice University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

11
Drexel Wins
10
Tied / N/A
25
Rice Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southwest
13,233
Enrollment
4,776
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

79%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1345
SAT Average
1553
29
ACT Midpoint
35
1240-1440
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,412
In-State Tuition
$64,144
$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,144
$38,509
Average Net Price
$13,370
$28,055
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,827
$29,435
Net Price ($30-48K)
$563
$34,970
Net Price ($48-75K)
$3,217
$48,089
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,466
27%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
49%
Federal Loan Rate
6%

Academics

78%
Graduation Rate
95%
90%
Retention Rate
97%
58%
Full-Time Faculty
84%
$12,380
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$18,454
29%
First-Gen Students
14%

Student Body

57%
Female
45%
40%
White
26%
9%
Hispanic
17%
10%
Black
8%
24%
Asian
29%
0.75
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$69,063
Earnings (6yr)
$79,751
$79,235
Earnings (8yr)
$78,690
$84,648
Earnings (10yr)
$89,718
$25,325
Median Debt
$11,000
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
83%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
160.34%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4873.2%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
329.0%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$149,200

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.86
-0.02
Friending Bias
-0.02
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
10.4%

Research (Times HE)

#190
World Rank
#47
45
Teaching Score
57.4
35.9
Research Score
50.6
58.2
Citations Score
99.1

The Overviews

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

79% accept 78% grad $84,648 earnings $38,509 net

With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.

After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.

When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $89,718 earnings $13,370 net

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.

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