Rice University vs Chamberlain University-Texas: which has better ROI?
Rice University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,480 in 1.3 years versus 2.9 years at Chamberlain University-Texas, on median earnings of $89,718 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rice University | Chamberlain University-Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,370 | $32,209 |
| Total net cost | $53,480 | $128,836 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $89,718 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 1.3 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $773,680 | $752,064 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rice University or Chamberlain University-Texas?
Rice University, at $13,370 a year after aid versus $32,209 — a gap of $18,839 a year, or $75,356 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rice University or Chamberlain University-Texas graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Texas graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $2,687 more than the $89,718 at Rice University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Rice University or Chamberlain University-Texas?
Rice University: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-Texas, a difference of $9,919. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
95% of students finish at Rice University, against 25% at Chamberlain University-Texas. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.