Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Rice
$297,312
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Rice = $123,712. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Auburn Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgricultureRice Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsBiologyKinesiology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Rice harder to get into?+
Rice is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.5% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Rice?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $297,312). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Rice offers $43,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Rice?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 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 Auburn or Rice graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rice have a higher average starting salary ($80,100 vs $60,200). 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?+
Auburn has a 19:1 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 Auburn and Rice compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Rice is in Houston, Texas (urban setting) with 300 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Rice in NCAA D1.