Head-to-head comparison
Rice University vs. Vanderbilt University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Rice or Vanderbilt harder to get into?
Vanderbilt is harder to get into than Rice. Vanderbilt's 5.6% acceptance rate is lower than Rice's 8.0%.
Which is cheaper, Rice or Vanderbilt?
Rice costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Rice's average net price is $13,370 vs $15,846 at Vanderbilt.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Vanderbilt graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $89,718 at Rice and $91,565 at Vanderbilt.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Rice | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 8.0% | 5.6% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1510–1570 | 1490–1570 |
| ACT mid-50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $79,788 | $92,522 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $13,370 | $15,846 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,776 | 7,144 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 94.6% | 93.5% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $89,718 | $91,565 |
| Setting | Houston, Texas | Nashville, Tennessee |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Vanderbilt is modestly harder to get into. The 2.4-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Rice is in Houston, Texas; Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Rice is 49.6% women, 12.8% international, and 29.1% Asian-American. Vanderbilt is 52.5% women, 11.2% international, and 18.6% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Rice | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 49.6% | 52.5% |
| International | 12.8% | 11.2% |
| White | 25.6% | 39.1% |
| Asian | 29.1% | 18.6% |
| Hispanic | 16.7% | 11.4% |
| Black | 7.9% | 9.2% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Rice vs. Vanderbilt?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Rice if
- Your odds are realistic at Rice (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: Rice costs $2,476 less per year on average
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the residential college system
Pick Vanderbilt if
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($91,565 vs $89,718)
- the residential colleges on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Rice University
8.0% accept · Houston, Texas
Full profile
Vanderbilt University
5.6% accept · Nashville, Tennessee
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.