Carnegie Mellon University vs Rice University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Carnegie Mellon University and Rice University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Rice University at a glance
Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Rice University 8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $35,780 at Carnegie Mellon University and $11,164 at Rice University. Six-year graduation rates are 94.3% and 95.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Rice University 8%, so Rice University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $35,780 a year at Carnegie Mellon University and $11,164 at Rice University; Rice University costs $24,616 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,468 at Carnegie Mellon University and $5,707 at Rice University.
- 94.3% of students graduate within six years at Carnegie Mellon University, against 95.3% at Rice University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $125,257 for Carnegie Mellon University and $90,773 for Rice University; Carnegie Mellon University is $34,484 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at Carnegie Mellon University and $13,000 at Rice University.
- Carnegie Mellon University enrolls 7,304 students (large city) and Rice University 4,776 (large city).
Side by side
Carnegie Mellon University and Rice University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Carnegie Mellon University | Rice University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 8% |
| Applicants | 32,896 | 29,544 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $35,780 | $11,164 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,776 | $67,857 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,776 | $67,857 |
| Cost of attendance | $86,759 | $87,824 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,468 | $5,707 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,293 | $1,524 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,816 | $5,420 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,455 | $14,522 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,003 | $40,188 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 94.3% | 95.3% |
| First-year retention | 98% | 97.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $125,257 | $90,773 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,304 | 4,776 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | Houston, TX |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Carnegie Mellon University reports 114 bachelor's programs and Rice University 55; 46 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Carnegie Mellon University vs Rice University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
Rice University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Rice University admits 8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Carnegie Mellon University 1500–1570; Rice University 1510–1570.
Which is cheaper, Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
Rice University has the lower average net price after grants: $35,780 a year at Carnegie Mellon University against $11,164 at Rice University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,468 and $5,707. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at the median: $125,257 ten years after entry for Carnegie Mellon University and $90,773 for Rice University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Rice University?
Rice University does: 94.3% of Carnegie Mellon University students graduate within six years, against 95.3% at Rice University.
How big are Carnegie Mellon University and Rice University?
Carnegie Mellon University has 7,304 students in Pittsburgh, PA and Rice University has 4,776 students in Houston, TX.