College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Amherst College vs Rice University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
Rice University
#18
Rice University
Houston, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Houston, TX

Total Enrollment

1,914

8,961

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

4,789

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

8.0%

Average GPA

3.90

3.96

SAT Range

1490–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$75

Total Applicants

13,743

32,473


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$72,200

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$12,640

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$54,100

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$54,100

Room & Board

$18,390

$18,100

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

56.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$56,199


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

88.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

97.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$89,718

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Amherst is in Amherst, MA

Rice is in Houston, TX

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Rice University is more selective than Amherst College.

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $12,640 at Rice University. Rice University is $5,606 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Rice University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while Rice University has a graduation rate of 93%. Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Rice University has a ratio of 6:1. Rice University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Amherst College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,591. At Rice University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $56,199.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $89,718 for Rice University graduates. Graduates from Rice University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA in a city: small setting. Rice University is located in Houston, TX in a city: large setting.