Head-to-Head Comparison
Rice University vs Santa Clara University
- Rice Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 14
- Santa Clara Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Santa Clara University's $50,062, 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
Rice
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $36,692 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
Santa Clara
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, 22% more than Rice University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rice graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (16% of degrees); Santa Clara in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 Santa Clara University over Rice University. Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment vs $89,718.
Pick Rice University over Santa Clara University. Net price $13,370 vs $50,062.
Pick Santa Clara University over Rice University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Rice University over Santa Clara University. 95% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rice University and Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,426.
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 $36,692 a year below Santa Clara University's $50,062. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $19,162.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $146,768 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, Santa Clara University graduates report median earnings of $109,183, compared with $89,718 at Rice University. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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.
Finishing the degree
Rice University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Santa Clara University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Rice University, it is 1.6%. Santa Clara University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Santa Clara 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rice University to keep costs and debt down; pick Santa Clara 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 $36,692 a year, yet Santa Clara University graduates earn $19,465 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 Santa Clara 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. Rice University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Santa Clara University leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Rice University has less business program depth, and Santa Clara University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $50,062 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,162, against $11,000 at Rice University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Santa Clara (80.1% Early Decision admit rate vs 11.3%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Santa Clara, where only about 34% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
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.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.
The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.
Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.
Rankings They Appear On
Rice University is featured on the Best Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rice's top program is Biology (16% of enrollment), while Santa Clara leads with Business Administration (27%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rice) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Santa Clara).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rice University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Santa Clara University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Communications. 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 Rice University or Santa Clara University?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 48% at Santa Clara University.
Which is more affordable, Rice University or Santa Clara University?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $50,062 at Santa Clara University.
Do Rice University or Santa Clara University graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more: median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,718 at Rice University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rice University or Santa Clara University?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 88%.
Rice University vs Santa Clara University: which is better for social mobility?
Santa Clara University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Rice University or Santa Clara University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Santa Clara 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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