University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) vs Rice University

When it comes to higher education, University of Pennsylvania and Rice University stand out as two of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. Both offer a world-class education, but there are some key differences between the two that prospective students should consider. From acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates, this side-by-side comparison will help you understand the unique strengths and characteristics of each university. Dive into the comparison table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting you on the path to success in your chosen field.

	Rice University	University of Pennsylvania
Overview
Location	Houston, Texas	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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	97.0%	98.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	9.5%	5.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $90
SAT range	1490 - 1570	1480 - 1570
ACT range	34 - 35	33 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	46.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	29.0%	30.0%
Total number of applicants	29,544	56,332
Total number of admissions given out	2,802	3,304
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,226	2,418
Yield rate	43.8%	73.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$71,745	$80,496
Average net price	$18,521	$14,578
Tuition	$52,070	$54,652
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,100 Meal plan: $4,700	Room/dormitory: $11,358 Meal plan: $5,946
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	61.0% Average amount $51,036	52.0% Average amount $50,778
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,982	9.0% Average amount $5,030
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $24,340	2.0% Average amount $27,160

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,247 Men 51.5% Women 48.5%	11,292 Men 44.7% Women 55.3%
Graduate students	4,038 Men 63.9% Women 36.1%	16,746 Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	56.1%	82.7%
International students	25.5%	22.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,533	6,400
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas California New York Florida Illinois	Pennsylvania New York California New Jersey Florida

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

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.3%	96.2%
Dropout rate	6.9%	2.8%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $189,905 Year 2: $201,334 Year 3: $249,574 International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $162,528 Year 2: $182,280 Year 3: $234,875 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,404 Year 2: $198,043 Year 3: $227,605 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $119,383 Year 2: $169,894 Year 3: $224,847 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $186,571 Year 2: $177,119 Year 3: $218,410 Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $245,155 Year 3: $214,930 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $177,203 Year 2: $202,922 Year 3: $214,927 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $169,238 Year 2: $174,994 Year 3: $208,033 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $102,195 Year 2: $138,932 Year 3: $197,810 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $179,063 Year 2: $175,674 Year 3: $186,790

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in academic focus between the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and Rice University?

UPenn offers a broader range of programs, including a strong emphasis on professional schools like law, medicine, and business, alongside its renowned undergraduate programs. Rice University, while also excellent, is generally considered to have a more focused approach, particularly excelling in engineering, architecture, and the sciences. UPenn's curriculum is often described as more interdisciplinary, while Rice's can be more specialized.
How does the campus environment differ between UPenn and Rice?

UPenn is located in a vibrant urban setting in Philadelphia, offering students access to a rich cultural and historical environment. The campus itself is integrated into the city. Rice University boasts a more self-contained, residential campus in Houston, Texas, known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces, creating a more intimate and close-knit community feel.
What are the strengths of UPenn's undergraduate programs?

UPenn is particularly strong in its undergraduate business program (Wharton School), its nursing school, and its liberal arts programs. It also offers a wide array of dual-degree programs, allowing students to combine different fields of study. The university's location in Philadelphia provides numerous internship and research opportunities.
What are the strengths of Rice University's undergraduate programs?

Rice University is highly regarded for its engineering, architecture, and natural science programs. Its undergraduate programs are known for their rigorous academics, small class sizes, and strong faculty-student relationships. Rice also offers a strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UPenn and Rice?

Both UPenn and Rice University are expensive institutions. However, both universities offer substantial financial aid packages to eligible students. It's recommended to compare the net cost (after financial aid) for each institution based on your individual financial circumstances. Rice is often considered slightly more affordable due to its larger endowment and commitment to need-based aid.
What is the student life like at UPenn?

Student life at UPenn is characterized by a diverse and active community. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, organizations, and social events. The university's location in Philadelphia provides numerous opportunities for cultural exploration, dining, and entertainment. The campus is very active, with a strong emphasis on Greek life and athletics.
What is the student life like at Rice University?

Rice University fosters a strong sense of community through its residential college system. Students live in one of eleven residential colleges, which serve as social hubs and provide a supportive environment. Student life is active, with a focus on intramural sports, clubs, and campus events. The campus is known for its friendly and collaborative atmosphere.
How selective are UPenn and Rice University in their admissions processes?

Both UPenn and Rice University are highly selective institutions. They both have very low acceptance rates and seek students with exceptional academic records, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated leadership potential. Admission to either university is extremely competitive.
What are the career prospects for graduates of UPenn?

UPenn graduates have excellent career prospects, with strong opportunities in finance, consulting, law, medicine, and various other fields. The university's strong alumni network and its location in a major city provide graduates with access to a wide range of career opportunities. UPenn's professional schools also contribute to strong career outcomes.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Rice University?

Rice University graduates are highly sought after by employers in engineering, science, architecture, and other fields. The university's strong reputation and its location in Houston, a major hub for energy, technology, and healthcare, provide graduates with excellent career opportunities. Rice's graduates are also well-prepared for graduate studies.
How does the research focus differ between UPenn and Rice?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions. UPenn has a broader research scope, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, business, and the humanities. Rice University has a strong research focus in engineering, natural sciences, and architecture, with a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Which university is better for a student interested in a pre-med track?

Both UPenn and Rice University offer excellent pre-med programs. UPenn, with its renowned medical school, provides a particularly strong advantage, offering extensive research opportunities and direct access to medical professionals. Rice also has a strong pre-med program, with a focus on rigorous science curricula and research opportunities. The best choice depends on the student's specific interests and preferences.
How does the alumni network compare between UPenn and Rice?

UPenn has a large and well-established alumni network, spanning across various industries and geographic locations. This network provides valuable resources for career development and networking opportunities. Rice University also has a strong and supportive alumni network, though it is smaller in size. The Rice alumni network is known for its close-knit community and willingness to help fellow graduates.

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