Rice University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Houston, TX — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Rice University
Houston, TX
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Houston, TX Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 4,776 23,113
Acceptance Rate 8.0% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $64,144 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $64,144 $50,614
Avg Net Price $13,370 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $11,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 95.2% 84.3%
Retention Rate 97.4% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $79,751 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $89,718 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 41300.0% 596200.0%

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

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Rice University
Houston, TX
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rice University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
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. University of California-Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) has an acceptance rate of 33.0%, in-state tuition of $16,414, and median 10-year earnings of $74,915.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Rice University or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Rice University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,718 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rice University or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Rice University is the more affordable option at $13,370 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.2% vs 84.3%.

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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