California State University-San Marcos vs Rice University
San Marcos, CA — Houston, TX
| Metric | California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA | Rice University Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Houston, TX |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 14,877 | 4,776 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% | 8.0% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,553 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 | $64,144 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 | $64,144 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,229 | $13,370 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,350 | $11,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 54.4% | 95.2% |
| Retention Rate | 78.6% | 97.4% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $48,673 | $79,751 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,908 | $89,718 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 333500.0% | 41300.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Rice University
Houston, TX
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do California State University-San Marcos and Rice University compare?▼
California State University-San Marcos (San Marcos, CA) has an acceptance rate of 95.1%, in-state tuition of $8,082, and median 10-year earnings of $62,908. 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 State University-San Marcos or Rice University?▼
Rice University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,718 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Rice University?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-San Marcos is the more affordable option at $10,229 per year versus $13,370.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Rice University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.2% vs 54.4%.
More Comparisons
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