Northwestern University vs Rice University
Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools
Getting in
Cost and aid
Outcomes
Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.
Northwestern University or Rice University?
Is Northwestern University harder to get into than Rice University?
They are about equally selective: Northwestern University admitted 7.5% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Rice University admitted 8% (2025-26).
What SAT scores do Northwestern University and Rice University students have?
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1520–1560 at Northwestern University and 1510–1560 at Rice University.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or Rice University?
Before aid, Rice University costs about $92,654 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $96,003 at Northwestern University (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $65,946 at Northwestern University and $73,663 at Rice University.
Does Northwestern University or Rice University have a higher graduation rate?
96% of Northwestern University students graduate within six years, compared with 95.3% at Rice University.