Northwestern University vs Rice University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northwestern University and Rice University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northwestern University vs Rice University at a glance
Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and Rice University 8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,420 at Northwestern University and $11,164 at Rice University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 95.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and Rice University 8%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,420 a year at Northwestern University and $11,164 at Rice University; Rice University costs $23,256 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,427 at Northwestern University and $5,707 at Rice University.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Northwestern University, against 95.3% at Rice University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $104,255 for Northwestern University and $90,773 for Rice University; Northwestern University is $13,482 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,017 at Northwestern University and $13,000 at Rice University.
- Northwestern University enrolls 9,201 students (small city) and Rice University 4,776 (large city).
Side by side
Northwestern 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 | Northwestern University | Rice University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 8% |
| Applicants | 47,636 | 29,544 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,420 | $11,164 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,589 | $67,857 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,589 | $67,857 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,854 | $87,824 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,427 | $5,707 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,536 | $1,524 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,811 | $5,420 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,954 | $14,522 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,074 | $40,188 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 95.3% |
| First-year retention | 98.1% | 97.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $104,255 | $90,773 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,017 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $193 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 9,201 | 4,776 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Evanston, IL | 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
Northwestern University reports 85 bachelor's programs and Rice University 55; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northwestern University vs Rice University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or Rice University?
Northwestern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and Rice University admits 8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northwestern University 1510–1570; Rice University 1510–1570.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or Rice University?
Rice University has the lower average net price after grants: $34,420 a year at Northwestern University against $11,164 at Rice University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,427 and $5,707. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northwestern University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the median: $104,255 ten years after entry for Northwestern University and $90,773 for Rice University. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,017 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northwestern University or Rice University?
Northwestern University does: 96.1% of Northwestern University students graduate within six years, against 95.3% at Rice University.
How big are Northwestern University and Rice University?
Northwestern University has 9,201 students in Evanston, IL and Rice University has 4,776 students in Houston, TX.