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Rice University vs Southern Methodist University

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

Rice University
#18
Rice University
Houston, TX
Private
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Houston, TX

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

8,961

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

4,789

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.0%

63.4%

Average GPA

3.96

3.66

SAT Range

1510–1570

1340–1490

ACT Range

34–35

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$60

Total Applicants

32,473

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$72,200

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$12,640

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$54,100

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$54,100

$55,012

Room & Board

$18,100

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

56.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,199

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

93.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,718

$78,354

More Comparisons
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Rice is in Houston, TX

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Rice University is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Rice University is $12,640 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Rice University is $29,138 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Rice University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Rice University has a graduation rate of 93%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Rice University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Rice University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. Rice University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Rice University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,199. At Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Rice University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,718, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Rice University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Rice University is located in Houston, TX in a city: large setting. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.