<p>I've been admitted to a bunch of places, and it's come down to either Rice or Northwestern. I plan to major in engineering, although I'm not sure what kind. I expect financial aid packages from both to be around the same. Both are roughly equidistant from where I live. I have not been able to visit either one due to financial circumstances.</p>
<p>If you were in my position, what would be your choice? I don't intend to base my decision upon the results of this thread, but I feel that some users here may be more familiar with the schools than I am. Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>In case it matters: I was also accepted to USC, Rochester, RPI, and Case Western Reserve. However, Rice and NU are my top choices now. If any of the other schools strikes your fancy instead, do tell. </p>
<p>My parents seem to like Rice a lot since it’s smaller and doesn’t have frats.</p>
<p>Northwestern is likely a bit more prestigious in general.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that Rice is more intellectual, though, and it has quite a good reputation for science and engineering, likely better than that of Northwestern.</p>
<p>I’d say it’s a tossup. They’re both excellent universities.</p>
<p>Well, I’m incredibly biased (NU Class of 2016), but there are a couple of reasons behind my decision. First–and I know it’s trite–Northwestern’s name recognition is exceptionally better than Rice’s, although the latter’s is certainly improving. Second, at Northwestern, you literally have Chicago in your backyard (about 12 miles away). There are free shuttles that head to the downtown campus hourly, and there’s also a Purple Line that will take you to the city (via train, if that wasn’t made clear). Next, Rice is far too “Texas-based” for me. Northwestern has far more diversity in its student body. That may be something you like or dislike, but for me, diversity is a must. And, finally, I think that, should you decide against engineering, Northwestern will offer better all-around academic options.</p>
<p>Of course, this is solely opinion-based. Do what’s best for you! And congratulations on getting into two fantastic schools! You really can’t go wrong with your decision. :)</p>
<p>It depends what you want to do after. They are both excellent schools, but excel as regional schools. I graduated from Rice ions ago and moved to Chicago. Very few people had heard of Rice. </p>
<p>When I lived in Texas, I never heard of Northwestern.</p>
<p>Now that I have a junior daughter, I am encouraging her to look at both. We just did the tour of Northwestern today. School was beautiful and the people were great. There were only a few of us from the Chicagoland area with the bulk from around the world. I think that speaks volumes for their reputation.</p>
<p>If you plan to go immediately to grad schools, they are the same. It will matter more of the field you are pursuing.</p>
<p>Good luck. Both are well rounded schools and you should be fine either way.</p>
<p>Below is a comparison of various rankings and metrics. Bold indicates which school came out ahead. Italics indicate a relatively significant spread. I’ve taken most of the rankings from [50</a> Top Colleges](<a href=“http://50topcolleges.com/]50”>http://50topcolleges.com/).</p>
<p>By most of these measures, the two schools are quite close. </p>
<p>Northwestern USNWR (National Universities): #12
USNWR (Undergrad Engineering): #13
Forbes: #18
Revealed Preference: #23
State University: #21
Washington Monthly: #65
WSJ - Feeder Schools: #21
Newsweek “25 Brainiac Schools”: (not listed)
Newsweek “25 Most Desirable Schools”: (not listed)
S:F Ratio: 7:1 (USNWR)
Endowment Per Student: $418,202 (Wikipedia, 2006)
Bachelor’s to PhD Rank: #20 (Wash Monthly)
Starting Median Salary: $49,900 (Payscale)
Mid-Career Median Salary: $88,300 (Payscale)
Out of State: 75% (50topcolleges.com)
Gender Balance: 48M / 52F (50topcolleges.com)</p>
<p>Rice
USNWR (National Universities): #17
USNWR (Undergrad Engineering): #17
Forbes: #25 Revealed Preference: #17 State University: #6 Washington Monthly: #25
WSJ - Feeder Schools: #20
Newsweek “25 Brainiac Schools”: #24
Newsweek “25 Most Desirable Schools”: #24
S:F Ratio: 6:1 (USNWR) Endowment Per Student: $1,557,600 (Wikipedia, 2006)
Bachelor’s to PhD Rank: #3 (Wash Monthly)
Starting Median Salary: $51,100 (Payscale)
Mid-Career Median Salary: $97,400 (Payscale)
Out of State: 45% (50topcolleges.com)
Gender Balance: 52M / 48F (50topcolleges.com)</p>
<p>First of all, I am a bit offended by the perception that Rice is not diverse. Houston is the second most diverse city in the nation, and Rice certainly proves this as compared to Northwestern:
<a href=“http://www%5B/url%5D”>http://www</a>. college p r o w l e r .com/rice-university/diversity/
<a href=“http://www%5B/url%5D”>http://www</a>. college p r o w l e r .com/northwestern-university/diversity
(^ take the spaces out)</p>
<p>Houston is almost like a city filled with many smaller cities; each neighborhood has a different feel, from the artsy Montrose with eclectic shopping and gay pride parades to River Oaks, which is much more upscale. Because of the diversity, Houston boasts great recreation, restaurants, etc. and the great thing is it is literally right outside of the ivy-covered bricks of Rice, not 45 minutes away as with Northwestern. </p>
<p>I hope you come to Houston next year! If nothing, we do boast Southern Hospitality. The people here are way nice, and that really means something on your first year away. :)</p>
<p>both schools are pretty close so go with what you are comfortable with, have you visited either schools? Personally, I’d say Northwestern but I can see why if you choose Rice.</p>
<p>I am the parent of a Rice grad and lived in Texas for many years. I would go with Rice. It offers an exceptional college experience on all levels. The only thing missing is great athletics (except baseball), even though it IS D1. The campus is gorgeous and the area around Rice is really nice. Lots of great restaurants (inexpensive, too) and very easy to get to cultural events in Houston. Houston is VERY diverse and not at all conservative the way many people think. Northwestern is wonderful, too, and Chicago is also a great city.
I think Rice is the perfect size, the climate is great (flipflops in February) and the residential college system is a real draw.</p>