Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Rice
$297,312
4-year total (private)
VS
Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Rice = $123,712 | Stanford = $86,332. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Rice Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsBiologyKinesiologyStanford Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman Biology
Need Help Choosing Between Rice & Stanford?
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 Rice or Stanford harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 7.5%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Rice or Stanford?+
At sticker price, Rice costs less over 4 years ($297,312 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Rice offers an average of $43,400/year in aid while Stanford offers $60,070/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Rice and Stanford?+
The average SAT score at Rice is 1520 and at Stanford it is 1550. 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 Rice or Stanford graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 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?+
Rice has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Stanford has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Rice and Stanford compare for campus life?+
Rice is located in Houston, Texas (urban setting) with a 300-acre campus. Stanford is in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with 8,180 acres. Rice competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Stanford in NCAA D1.