Head-to-Head Comparison
Rice University vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- Rice Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 20
- Texas A&M Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315, 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, 24% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $7,945 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
Texas A&M
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rice graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (16% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). 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 Rice University over Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Rice University over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $13,370 vs $21,315.
Pick Rice University over Texas A&M University-College Station. 95% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rice University and Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Rice University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,280.
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 $7,945 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $17,804.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,780 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, Rice University graduates report median earnings of $89,718, compared with $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 24% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 24% 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 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rice University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Rice University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Business & Marketing. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,804, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds Rice University's 4,776.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rice holds onto its admits more tightly: 43% of admitted students enroll, versus 38% at Texas A&M — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Rice offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas A&M does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
Rankings They Appear On
Rice University and Texas A&M University-College Station appear together in 11 rankings. On the Best Colleges in Texas, Rice University ranks #1 — Rice University outranks Texas A&M University-College Station by 14 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Rice's top program is Biology (16% of enrollment), while Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rice) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rice University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Rice University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do Rice University or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rice University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 84%.
Should you choose Rice University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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