Rice University vs UC Berkeley

Rice University vs UC Berkeley

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UC Berkeley and Rice University are both respected research universities in the United States, but UC Berkeley has a higher international profile. UC Berkeley ranks 17th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 and Rice University ranks 119th. In the US News Global Rankings 2026, UC Berkeley ranks 17th and Rice ranks 219th. The respective global rank for the whole institution has UC Berkeley in the top 10 (8th globally), and Rice University ranks 112th. UC is known worldwide for research strength in a broad range of areas, for example, in various fields of engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and business. Rice is uniquely prominent in areas of engineering, natural sciences, business, and applied research, excelling at pairing intense study with a small-campus experience.

General Information

UC Berkeley was established in 1868 and is a large, public research university situated in Berkeley, California, and a flagship of the University of California system. It enrolls more than 40,000 students and provides a vast range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs as well as an internationally acclaimed research infrastructure.

Rice University, which is based in Houston, Texas, is a private research university with an emphasis on strong research, student-faculty interaction, and smaller class sizes. It enrolls approximately 8,000 students and offers an intimate academic experience with a concentration on science, engineering, business, and social sciences.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions to both schools are extremely competitive. Rice University accepts only 7.9% of applicants, so it is one of the more selective private schools in the U.S., looking for students with excellent academic records, leadership potential, and excellent research potential. UC Berkeley is slightly less selective, with an acceptance rate of 14.5%, but still extremely competitive, particularly for sought-after majors such as computer science, engineering, and economics. Each of the universities makes holistic assessments based on academic record, personal statements, extracurricular activities, and standardized test performance.

Research Impact & Facilities

UC Berkeley is globally renowned for its extensive research output, cutting-edge laboratories, and influential research centers, excelling in fields such as artificial intelligence, environmental science, and public policy. Its status as a public Ivy enables access to vast research funding and world-class faculty.

Rice University is also research-focused, with a special emphasis on nanotechnology, material science, biomedical engineering, and business entrepreneurship. It stresses hands-on research experience, close one-on-one contacts with personnel, and application-oriented projects, backed by superb research facilities, on a small scale compared to those at Berkeley.

Cost & Financial Aid

Rice University, being a private university, tends to have higher tuition rates than UC Berkeley, particularly for in-state students. Rice, though, provides open need-based and merit-based financial aid packages to support students in mitigating costs, and it is thus a viable choice for high-achieving students. UC Berkeley, as a public institution, offers lower tuition to in-state students and fair financial aid, albeit out-of-state and international students pay a great deal more.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UC Berkeley graduates enjoy an expansive, influential worldwide alumni base and flourish in areas of technology, academia, law, business, and public service. Its prestige tends to open doors to top employers and elite graduate schools.

Rice University graduates perform well, especially in engineering, business, research, and healthcare fields. Strong focus on undergraduate research and industry partnerships within the university enables students to gain substantial employment and higher education opportunities. Having a smaller group of alumni members creates close ties but has significant influence, particularly in Texas and related fields.