California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Rice University

San Luis Obispo, CA — Houston, TX

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Rice University
Houston, TX
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Houston, TX
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 21,996 4,776
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 8.0%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $13,596 $64,144
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $64,144
Avg Net Price $16,665 $13,370
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $11,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 95.2%
Retention Rate 95.5% 97.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $79,751
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $89,718
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 41300.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Rice University
Houston, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Rice University compare?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768. Rice University (Houston, TX) has an acceptance rate of 8.0%, in-state tuition of $64,144, and median 10-year earnings of $89,718.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Rice University?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $89,718. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Rice University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Rice University is the more affordable option at $13,370 per year versus $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.2% vs 85.7%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025