Head-to-Head Comparison
Rice University vs Washington University in St Louis
- Rice Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 11
- Washington St Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Washington University in St Louis's $21,786, 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, 4% more than Washington University in St Louis
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $8,416 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 8% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Washington St
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #38
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rice graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (16% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick Rice University over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $13,370 vs $21,786.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Rice University. THE World Rank #38 vs #47.
Pick Rice University over Washington University in St Louis. 1.6% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rice University and Washington University in St Louis are close on paper, but Rice University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Washington University in St Louis takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,530.
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 $8,416 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $33,664 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 $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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.
Moving people up
Rice University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Washington University in St Louis, it is 1%. Rice University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Rice 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Washington University in St Louis sits higher, at #38 versus #47.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rice University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Rice University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Rice competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Washington University in St Louis's enrollment of 7,857 far exceeds Rice University's 4,776.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Washington St (27.0% 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 Washington St, where only about 61% 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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
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 Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
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 Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rice University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis.
Which is more affordable, Rice University or Washington University in St Louis?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do Rice University or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rice University or Washington University in St Louis?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 94%.
Rice University vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Rice University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 1%.
Should you choose Rice University or Washington University in St Louis?
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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