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College comparison
Rice vs USC
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Rice Houston, TX |  USC Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateRice University is more selective | 8% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1570 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,776 | 20,443 |
| Avg net price | $13,370 | $32,740 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)USC reports higher median earnings | $89,718 | $92,498 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 92% |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $18,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 3.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Rice vs USC: how they compare
Two premier private universities in major Sun Belt cities, offering distinct paths to strong outcomes.
By the numbers Rice is more selective (8% acceptance vs. USC's 10%) with a higher middle-50% SAT range (1510–1570 vs. 1450–1550). Financially, Rice's average net price is lower ($13k vs. $33k), delivering a higher calculated value (6.7× vs. 2.8× earnings per dollar of net price). Post-graduation, 10-year median earnings are comparable ($90k vs. $92k). USC shows a higher economic mobility rate (393% compared to Rice's 160%). USC also shows higher admit-rate volatility (62% vs. 38%) and has a DOE financial-health score of 2.5/3. Graduation rates are high at both (95% vs. 92%).
Where they overlap Both are highly residential, research-intensive universities located within major metropolitan areas (Houston and Los Angeles). They provide campus security and student services, fostering self-contained communities that offer a traditional collegiate experience. Each provides access to professional and internship networks in their respective regions.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge. Rice is often described as close-knit and collaborative, with a residential college system that builds community. USC's culture is often characterized as socially dynamic and ambitious, leveraging its ties to the entertainment, business, and tech industries of Los Angeles. The social scenes reflect this, with Rice being more internally focused and USC offering a large network.
Who each suits Rice suits a student seeking a rigorous, collaborative academic environment with a strong sense of on-campus community and notable financial value. USC suits a student who is socially driven and eager to leverage the opportunities and professional networks of Los Angeles, placing value on economic mobility and a dynamic campus life.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Rice University or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- Rice University is more selective: Rice University's acceptance rate is approximately 8% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Rice University vs University of Southern California?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1570 at Rice University and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.