Head-to-Head Comparison
Rice University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Rice Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 18
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778, 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, 30% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $3,408 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
Minnesota-Twin Cities
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); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick Rice University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Net price $13,370 vs $16,778.
Pick Rice University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 95% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rice University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,362.
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 $3,408 a year below University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,632 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 30% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 30% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 Engineering, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $16,778 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Engineering-focused students: Rice University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 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; Minnesota-Twin Cities does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Minnesota-Twin Cities, where only about 42% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Rice University is featured on the Best Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Biology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 16% of Rice's student body and 12% of Minnesota-Twin Cities's.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rice University is strongest in Social Sciences, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Rice University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Do Rice University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rice University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 85%.
Should you choose Rice University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
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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