Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Rice
$297,312
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Rice = $123,712. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
ASU Top Majors
BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply ChainRice Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsBiologyKinesiology
Need Help Choosing Between ASU & Rice?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASU or Rice harder to get into?+
Rice is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.5% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Rice?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $297,312). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Rice offers $43,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Rice?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Rice it is 1520. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Rice graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rice have a higher average starting salary ($80,100 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Rice has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Rice compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Rice is in Houston, Texas (urban setting) with 300 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Rice in NCAA D1.