Head-to-Head Comparison
Rice University vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Rice Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 18
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678, 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, 8% more than University of Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $2,308 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
Maryland-College Park
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); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick Rice University over University of Maryland-College Park. Net price $13,370 vs $15,678.
Pick Rice University over University of Maryland-College Park. 95% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rice University and University of Maryland-College Park 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 University of Maryland-College Park takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,473.
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 $2,308 a year below University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $9,232 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 $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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 89%. 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.
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 Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Rice University's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rice University has less business program depth, and University of Maryland-College Park offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $15,678 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Engineering-focused students: Rice University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Rice University's 4,776.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rice offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Maryland-College Park, where only about 44% 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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 Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rice) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rice University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 University of Maryland-College Park?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which is more affordable, Rice University or University of Maryland-College Park?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Do Rice University or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rice University or University of Maryland-College Park?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 89%.
Should you choose Rice University or University of Maryland-College Park?
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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