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College Comparison

California Institute of Technology vs Rice University

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

Rice University
#18
Rice University
Houston, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pasadena, CA

Houston, TX

Total Enrollment

2,430

8,961

Undergrad Enrollment

987

4,789

Student-Faculty Ratio

3:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

2.6%

8.0%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1530–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

35–36

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

13,856

32,473


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,762

$72,200

Avg Net Price

$18,902

$12,640

Tuition (In-State)

$58,479

$54,100

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,479

$54,100

Room & Board

$20,283

$18,100

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

56.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$72,373

$56,199


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

88.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

97.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$128,566

$89,718

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA

Rice is in Houston, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Caltech has an acceptance rate of 3%, while Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Caltech is more selective than Rice University.

The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $12,640 at Rice University. Rice University is $6,262 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 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.

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

Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Rice University has a ratio of 6:1. Caltech offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Caltech, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $72,373. At Rice University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $56,199.

The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $89,718 for Rice University graduates. Graduates from Caltech tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA in a city: midsize setting. Rice University is located in Houston, TX in a city: large setting.