Rice vs UCLA
How Rice and UCLA stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Rice | UCLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 8% | 8.7% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1510-1580 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | TX | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $83,393 | $35,529 |
| Average cost after aid | $20,587 | $18,000 |
| Supplemental essays | 3 | 4 |
- Rice is harder to get into than UCLA (8% versus 8.7%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UCLA is usually the cheaper option ($18,000 versus $20,587 per year on average).
- On testing, Rice is test-optional while UCLA is test-blind.
- UCLA asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 3), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Rice vs UCLA FAQ
Is Rice or UCLA harder to get into?
Rice is harder to get into, admitting about 8% of applicants versus 8.7% at UCLA.
Is Rice or UCLA cheaper?
After financial aid, UCLA is usually cheaper, about $18,000 per year on average versus $20,587 at Rice.
See your real chances at Rice and UCLA.
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