Head-to-Head Comparison
Rice University vs Wellesley College
- Rice Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 18
- Wellesley Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Wellesley College's $25,496, Rice University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Rice University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $89,718 at ten years.
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, 6% more than Wellesley College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $12,126 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 8% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Wellesley
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.4%, 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); Wellesley in Social Sciences (23%). 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 Wellesley College. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $84,803.
Pick Rice University over Wellesley College. Net price $13,370 vs $25,496.
Pick Wellesley College over Rice University. 2.4% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Rice University over Wellesley College. 95% completion rate vs 91%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rice University and Wellesley College 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 Wellesley College takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,520.
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 $12,126 a year below Wellesley College's $25,496. Graduates of Wellesley College also borrow less: median debt of $10,000, against $11,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $48,504 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 $84,803 at Wellesley College. That is a 6% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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 91%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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
Wellesley College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.4%; at Rice University, it is 1.6%. Wellesley College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Wellesley College 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 Wellesley College if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Rice University is harder to get into, with a 8% admit rate, but Wellesley College posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.4%. 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 Engineering, while Wellesley College leans toward 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 Wellesley College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rice University's enrollment of 4,776 far exceeds Wellesley College's 2,300.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,496 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Engineering-focused students: Rice University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Wellesley (29.4% 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 Wellesley, where only about 62% 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.
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
Wellesley College is a great fit for students who are focused on a strong academic experience and personal growth. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, this school attracts motivated individuals who are passionate about subjects like Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science. The environment here is tailored for those who thrive in a rigorous, supportive setting, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their studies.
After graduation, Wellesley alumni see impressive outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $84,803 after ten years. This reflects the value of a Wellesley education in the job market. While the cost of attendance can be a concern, the school’s commitment to affordability helps many students manage their financial futures. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 for graduates suggests that most leave with manageable financial obligations.
When it comes to the practicalities, the net price after aid sits at $25,496, which is reasonable for a private institution. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a close-knit community and seek a challenging academic environment. With a graduation rate of 91%, it’s clear that Wellesley supports its students well, helping them not just to finish their degrees, but to succeed afterward.
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 Wellesley leads with Sociology (23%).
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 Wellesley).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rice University is strongest in Engineering, while Wellesley College concentrates in Physical Sciences. 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 Wellesley College?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 14% at Wellesley College.
Which is more affordable, Rice University or Wellesley College?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $25,496 at Wellesley College.
Do Rice University or Wellesley College graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,803 at Wellesley College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rice University or Wellesley College?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 91%.
Rice University vs Wellesley College: which is better for social mobility?
Wellesley College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Rice University or Wellesley College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Wellesley College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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