Purdue University-Main Campus vs Rice University

West Lafayette, IN — Houston, TX

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Rice University
Houston, TX
Location West Lafayette, IN Houston, TX
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 44,503 4,776
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 8.0%
SAT Average 1,364 1,553
In-State Tuition $9,992 $64,144
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $64,144
Avg Net Price $14,600 $13,370
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $11,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 95.2%
Retention Rate 92.7% 97.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $79,751
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $89,718
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 41300.0%

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

Full Profile
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Rice University
Houston, TX
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and Rice University compare?
Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) has an acceptance rate of 49.9%, in-state tuition of $9,992, and median 10-year earnings of $72,424. 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, Purdue University-Main Campus or Rice University?
Rice University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,718 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus 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 $14,600.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.2% vs 83.1%.

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