Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
VS
Rice
$297,312
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MIT = $119,760 | Rice = $123,712. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
MIT Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiologyRice Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsBiologyKinesiology
Need Help Choosing Between MIT & 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 MIT or Rice harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 7.5%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MIT or Rice?+
At sticker price, Rice costs less over 4 years ($297,312 vs $307,320). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MIT offers an average of $46,890/year in aid while Rice offers $43,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MIT and Rice?+
The average SAT score at MIT is 1556 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 MIT or Rice graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 vs $80,100). 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?+
MIT has a 3:1 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 MIT and Rice compare for campus life?+
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 168-acre campus. Rice is in Houston, Texas (urban setting) with 300 acres. MIT competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Rice in NCAA D1.