Illinois Tech vs Rice University

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Rice University stand out as two exceptional institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. IIT, located in the vibrant city of Chicago, boasts a strong focus on STEM disciplines, while Rice, situated in the heart of Houston, excels in a wide range of academic fields, including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. With acceptance rates of 69% and 15%, respectively, both universities attract a highly selective pool of students. IIT's student body is predominantly male (63%), while Rice has a more balanced gender ratio (52% male, 48% female). Dive into the comprehensive comparison table to explore further distinctions between these prestigious universities, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal fit for your academic aspirations.

	Illinois Institute of Technology	Rice University
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Houston, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	66.1%	9.5%
Application fees	$75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1230 - 1410	1490 - 1570
ACT range	26 - 32	34 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	46.0%
Students submitting ACT score	20.0%	29.0%
Total number of applicants	6,521	29,544
Total number of admissions given out	4,311	2,802
Admitted students who chose to enroll	505	1,226
Yield rate	11.7%	43.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$67,790	$71,745
Average net price	$26,789	$18,521
Tuition	$48,670	$52,070
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,842 Meal plan: $7,204	Room/dormitory: $10,100 Meal plan: $4,700
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $40,370	61.0% Average amount $51,036
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $5,078	9.0% Average amount $4,982
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $16,758	2.0% Average amount $24,340

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,998 Men 67.5% Women 32.5%	4,247 Men 51.5% Women 48.5%
Graduate students	3,488 Men 59.8% Women 40.2%	4,038 Men 63.9% Women 36.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	56.1%
International students	37.5%	25.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,722	3,533
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Texas California New York Florida Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Business Architecture	Business Engineering Computer and Information Science Social Sciences Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	6:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.4%	92.3%
Dropout rate	26.0%	6.9%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,573 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $122,231 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,214 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $98,163 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,905 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $92,129 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,681 Year 2: $65,131 Year 3: $79,844 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,164 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $79,429 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,411 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $78,363 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,589 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $77,051 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,945 Year 2: $66,169 Year 3: $76,694 Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $74,733 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,314 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,785	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $122,770 Year 2: $129,481 Year 3: $145,256 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $128,659 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $134,258 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,801 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $92,763 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $87,989 Year 2: $72,884 Year 3: $81,590 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,400 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $76,594 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,840 Year 3: $61,295 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $59,421 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,232 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $52,284 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,009 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $46,363 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,474 Year 2: $30,119 Year 3: $45,615

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Illinois Tech and Rice University?

Illinois Tech, located in Chicago, is known for its strong focus on technology, engineering, and architecture, with a curriculum emphasizing hands-on experience and innovation. Rice University, situated in Houston, is a comprehensive research university with strengths across various disciplines, including engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, and is known for its small class sizes and strong sense of community.
Which university is better for engineering programs?

Both Illinois Tech and Rice University have excellent engineering programs. Illinois Tech's focus is heavily geared towards engineering and technology, offering a wide range of specialized engineering disciplines and strong industry connections in Chicago. Rice also has a highly regarded engineering school, known for its research opportunities and interdisciplinary approach, particularly in areas like bioengineering and nanotechnology. The 'better' choice depends on your specific engineering interests and preferred learning environment.
How do the campus environments compare?

Illinois Tech has a more urban campus located in Chicago, offering students access to a vibrant city environment and numerous internship opportunities. Rice University boasts a beautiful, tree-lined campus in Houston, creating a more traditional and close-knit college atmosphere. Rice's residential college system fosters a strong sense of community, while Illinois Tech's location provides direct access to a major metropolitan area.
What are the typical class sizes at each university?

Rice University is known for its small class sizes, with a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. Illinois Tech also strives for a supportive learning environment, but class sizes may be slightly larger, particularly in introductory courses. However, Illinois Tech often incorporates hands-on lab experiences and project-based learning to enhance student engagement.
How do the research opportunities compare?

Both universities offer significant research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Rice University is a major research institution with funding across various fields, providing ample opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research. Illinois Tech also has strong research programs, particularly in areas related to technology and engineering, and encourages students to engage in research projects early in their academic careers.
What is the cost of attendance at Illinois Tech versus Rice?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on financial aid and scholarships. Generally, Rice University and Illinois Tech have similar tuition costs. However, it's important to consider the overall cost of living, which may differ between Chicago and Houston. Both universities offer financial aid packages to help students afford their education, so it's best to compare the specific aid offers you receive from each institution.
Which university is better for architecture programs?

Illinois Tech has a highly regarded College of Architecture, known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on modern design principles, influenced by the legacy of Mies van der Rohe. Rice University does not have a dedicated architecture program in the same way as Illinois Tech. Therefore, if architecture is your primary focus, Illinois Tech would likely be the stronger choice.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both Illinois Tech and Rice University offer comprehensive career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. Illinois Tech's location in Chicago provides access to a wide range of companies in various industries, particularly in technology and engineering. Rice University's location in Houston, a major energy and healthcare hub, offers opportunities in those sectors, as well as others. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can assist students in their career searches.
What is the student life like at each university?

Illinois Tech's student life is influenced by its urban location, offering students access to Chicago's cultural attractions and entertainment options. Student organizations and activities cater to a diverse range of interests. Rice University's residential college system fosters a strong sense of community and tradition, with numerous student-led events and activities on campus. The overall atmosphere at Rice is often described as more collaborative and less competitive than at some other top universities.
How do the admission requirements compare?

Both Illinois Tech and Rice University are highly selective institutions with rigorous admission requirements. They both look for students with strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and demonstrated leadership potential. Rice University may place a slightly greater emphasis on holistic review, considering factors such as essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. It's important to research the specific admission requirements for each university and tailor your application accordingly.

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