Vanderbilt University vs Rice University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Vanderbilt University and Rice University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Vanderbilt University vs Rice University at a glance
Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and Rice University 8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,497 at Vanderbilt University and $11,164 at Rice University. Six-year graduation rates are 92.6% and 95.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and Rice University 8%, so Vanderbilt University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University and $11,164 at Rice University; Rice University costs $4,333 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,637 at Vanderbilt University and $5,707 at Rice University.
- 92.6% of students graduate within six years at Vanderbilt University, against 95.3% at Rice University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,080 for Vanderbilt University and $90,773 for Rice University; Vanderbilt University is $8,307 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at Vanderbilt University and $13,000 at Rice University.
- Vanderbilt University enrolls 7,208 students (large city) and Rice University 4,776 (large city).
Side by side
Vanderbilt 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 | Vanderbilt University | Rice University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.9% | 8% |
| Applicants | 47,152 | 29,544 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,497 | $11,164 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,226 | $67,857 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,226 | $67,857 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,142 | $87,824 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,637 | $5,707 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,908 | $1,524 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,651 | $5,420 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,284 | $14,522 |
| Over $110,000 | $42,583 | $40,188 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.6% | 95.3% |
| First-year retention | 96.3% | 97.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,080 | $90,773 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,208 | 4,776 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Nashville, TN | 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
Vanderbilt University reports 53 bachelor's programs and Rice University 55; 36 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Vanderbilt University vs Rice University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Vanderbilt University or Rice University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and Rice University admits 8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Vanderbilt University 1500–1570; Rice University 1510–1570.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or Rice University?
Rice University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University against $11,164 at Rice University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,637 and $5,707. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Vanderbilt University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at the median: $99,080 ten years after entry for Vanderbilt University and $90,773 for Rice University. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Vanderbilt University or Rice University?
Rice University does: 92.6% of Vanderbilt University students graduate within six years, against 95.3% at Rice University.
How big are Vanderbilt University and Rice University?
Vanderbilt University has 7,208 students in Nashville, TN and Rice University has 4,776 students in Houston, TX.