College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Rice University vs University of Southern California

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

Rice University
#18
Rice University
Houston, TX
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Houston, TX

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

8,961

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

4,789

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.0%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.96

3.83

SAT Range

1510–1570

1450–1550

ACT Range

34–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$85

Total Applicants

32,473

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$72,200

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$12,640

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$54,100

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$54,100

$63,468

Room & Board

$18,100

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

56.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,199

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

93.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,718

$92,498

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Rice is in Houston, TX

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Rice University is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Rice University is $12,640 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Rice University is $23,360 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Rice University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At USC, the typical SAT range is 1450-1550. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Rice University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. 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 USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Rice University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,718, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from USC 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. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.