Northeastern University Oakland vs Rice University
Rice University is extremely selective with a 7.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Northeastern University Oakland (16.5%). Graduates of Rice University earn $19,089 more per year at the 10-year mark ($77,683 vs $58,594). For families earning $48k–$75k, Rice University is more affordable at $6,152 net price vs $22,894. Students at Rice University graduate with less debt ($12,000 vs $22,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Rice University has a higher yield rate (46.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Rice University has a higher median SAT (1550 vs 1470).
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Rice University is more affordable at $4,443 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $37,997 vs $42,730.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Northeastern University Oakland enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (46%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,413
- 2 Business/Commerce, General$63,111
- 3 Economics$60,046
- 4 Health and Medical Administrative Services$38,289
- 5 Biology, General$38,108
Rice University
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$129,481
- 2 Mathematics$97,071
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$89,530
- 4 Chemical Engineering$83,915
- 5 Economics$72,884
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Fine and Studio Arts
- 2 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- 3 English Language and Literature, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Sociology
Rice University
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Mechanical Engineering
- 4 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Northeastern University Oakland
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$62,000
- School typePublic
Rice University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$50,310
- Est. total cost/year$65,607
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 26% international enrollment, Rice University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Northeastern University Oakland or Rice University?
Rice University is more selective with a 7.9% acceptance rate, compared to 16.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northeastern University Oakland or Rice University?
Rice University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $77,683 compared to $58,594. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northeastern University Oakland or Rice University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rice University has a lower net price at $6,152 per year vs $22,894. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Northeastern University Oakland vs Rice University?
Rice University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.2%, compared to 65.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Northeastern University Oakland or Rice University?
Rice University has a larger international student population at 26% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Northeastern University Oakland and Rice University?
At Northeastern University Oakland, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $89,413 within two years. At Rice University, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $129,481. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.