Rice vs UT Austin

[Anonymous]

Which is the best school in Texas?

[Anonymous]

On an overall national level, Rice for sure. However, there are a few specific programs at UT Austin that are among the best in the country, better than Rice, such as engineering. Also, UT Austin is a reaaally big deal in Texas so if you know you want to stay in TX, a UT degree is probably your best bet. Most kids at Rice aren’t even from Texas and those kids generally have no real desire or intention to stay in Houston or the state after college.

[Anonymous]

Rice by a mile.

[Anonymous]

Rice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On an overall national level, Rice for sure. However, there are a few specific programs at UT Austin that are among the best in the country, better than Rice, such as engineering. Also, UT Austin is a reaaally big deal in Texas so if you know you want to stay in TX, a UT degree is probably your best bet. Most kids at Rice aren’t even from Texas and those kids generally have no real desire or intention to stay in Houston or the state after college.

A lot of assumptions here from someone who doesn't really know what they're talking about.

True, UT has a large engineering program but I wouldn't say it's head and shoulders better than Rice. And don't forget about Texas A&M, which has a pretty fair engineering department of its own.

About 35% of Rice students (and about 50% of the non-international students) are from Texas. When we toured last year, of the 12 or so tour guides working that day, I'd say half (at least) were from Houston, including our tour guide. I was surprised Rice didn't draw more from out-of-state.

[Anonymous]

UT and Rice are both highly regarded. UT is huge though so very different experience

[Anonymous]

It really depends on what student is planning to do after graduating. If he/she is planning to stay in Texas, a degree from UT gives them far more contacts than Rice. And Texas is nothing if not an "old-boy's club" state.

However, Rice is a very good, top school (I believe ranked #2 in the south after Vanderbilt). I wonder, if the student isn't going to stay in Texas, are they better served having a degree from Rice?

[Anonymous]

If you are looking for Alum strength and hope to stay in Texas, then Texas A&M is your best bet. The UT alums aren't nearly as helpful as Texas A&M alums who are generally very good about helping other Aggies.

Both UT and Rice have loony crazy left leaning students and administration. Another thing I really don't like with the two schools

Having said that, if you are looking at CS, Engineering or Business, I would give UT a decisive edge because you get as much or more after having paid a lot less. Those are the three areas where UT really shines in terms of how well its graduates do.

[Anonymous]

If you are premed, Rice definitely because of the grade inflation and better resources for premed students. UT will be harder slog. Can be done but not as easily as in Rice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are looking for Alum strength and hope to stay in Texas, then Texas A&M is your best bet. The UT alums aren't nearly as helpful as Texas A&M alums who are generally very good about helping other Aggies.

Both UT and Rice have loony crazy left leaning students and administration. Another thing I really don't like with the two schools

Having said that, if you are looking at CS, Engineering or Business, I would give UT a decisive edge because you get as much or more after having paid a lot less. Those are the three areas where UT really shines in terms of how well its graduates do.

Agreed, re: A&M, but that wasn't a choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are looking for Alum strength and hope to stay in Texas, then Texas A&M is your best bet. The UT alums aren't nearly as helpful as Texas A&M alums who are generally very good about helping other Aggies.

Both UT and Rice have loony crazy left leaning students and administration. Another thing I really don't like with the two schools

Having said that, if you are looking at CS, Engineering or Business, I would give UT a decisive edge because you get as much or more after having paid a lot less. Those are the three areas where UT really shines in terms of how well its graduates do.

UT and A&M both have strong alumni networks, both in-state and nationally.

Signed,

An A&M grad

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UT and Rice are both highly regarded. UT is huge though so very different experience

+1

Academics are great at both. The right decision really depends on the kind of college experience you’re looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are premed, Rice definitely because of the grade inflation and better resources for premed students. UT will be harder slog. Can be done but not as easily as in Rice

There’s no grade inflation at Rice

[Anonymous]

They are both great, and very, VERY different from each other. Find the best fit for kid, based on interests, personality, finances, etc. Successful, happy people graduate from both institutions.

[Anonymous]

I went to UT, it was great, and certainly has closed no doors for me! Happy to answer any specific questions.