Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Rice's 7.9% acceptance rate, most applicants—even those with exceptional academic credentials—will need alternative options with more accessible admission.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Union College in New York (43.8% acceptance rate, $88,604 median earnings) or George Washington University (43.5% acceptance, $90,873 earnings). Both offer strong liberal arts and research opportunities with far more accessible admission while producing graduates with comparable long-term earnings to Rice.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to stay in Texas should consider Texas A&M University-College Station (63.3% acceptance, $72,097 earnings) just 84 miles away, though earnings are 19.6% lower. Southern Methodist University (61.2% acceptance, $78,354 earnings) in Dallas offers private university experience with higher admission rates and earnings 12.7% below Rice's level.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other highly competitive options include Vanderbilt University (6.3% acceptance, $91,565 earnings) with slightly higher earnings and similar selectivity, or Harvard University (3.5% acceptance, $101,817 earnings) for students seeking maximum prestige and 13.5% higher earnings potential.
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
