Posted on November 9, 2025 | 11 min read
Wondering how your Rice Purity Score compares to others your age? Average scores vary significantly between high school students, college freshmen, upperclassmen, and graduates. Understanding these differences can help you contextualize your own score.
This comprehensive guide breaks down average scores by age group and explains why these differences exist.
Overall Average Rice Purity Score
Before diving into specific age groups, let's look at the overall average:
General Average Score
Overall Average: 60-70
This encompasses all test-takers across different ages, backgrounds, and demographics. However, this broad average doesn't tell the whole story—age makes a significant difference.
High School Students Average Scores
Freshmen & Sophomores (Ages 14-16)
Average Score: 85-92
Why So High?
- Limited life experience due to young age
- More parental supervision
- Just beginning to explore social independence
- Many haven't started dating seriously yet
- Limited exposure to parties or substances
Typical Experiences at This Age:
- First crushes or hand-holding
- Small friend group gatherings
- School dances
- Beginning to stay out later
- First experiences away from parents
Score Distribution:
- 90-100: Very common (40%)
- 80-89: Common (35%)
- 70-79: Occasional (20%)
- Below 70: Rare (5%)
Juniors & Seniors (Ages 16-18)
Average Score: 75-85
The Drop Explained:
- More social freedom and independence
- Driving and mobility
- Dating becomes more common
- First exposure to parties
- Some experimentation with alcohol
- More intimate relationships
Typical Experiences at This Age:
- Multiple relationships or dating experiences
- Regular party attendance
- Increased physical intimacy
- Breaking curfews
- Trying alcohol (in some cases)
- Greater independence from parents
Score Distribution:
- 85-100: Common (30%)
- 75-84: Most common (40%)
- 65-74: Fairly common (20%)
- Below 65: Less common (10%)
College Students Average Scores
College Freshmen (Ages 18-19)
Average Score: 70-80
The Freshman Drop:
- Sudden independence from parents
- Living away from home for first time
- Exposure to party culture
- Meeting people from diverse backgrounds
- No parental supervision
- Peer influence increases
First Year Experiences:
- College parties and social events
- Increased drinking (at many campuses)
- Dating in college environment
- Staying out all night
- More physical intimacy
- Testing boundaries
The "Freshman Effect":
Many students see their scores drop by 10-15 points during freshman year as they navigate newfound freedom and social opportunities.
Score Distribution:
- 80-100: Common (25%)
- 70-79: Most common (35%)
- 60-69: Common (25%)
- Below 60: Less common (15%)
College Sophomores (Ages 19-20)
Average Score: 65-75
Settling Into College Life:
- More comfortable with independence
- Established friend groups
- Regular social routines
- More relationship experience
- Less novelty in experiences
Common Sophomore Experiences:
- Regular party scene involvement
- Multiple relationships
- Living in apartments/off-campus
- More mature social life
- Continued experimentation
Score Distribution:
- 75-100: Less common (20%)
- 65-74: Most common (35%)
- 55-64: Common (30%)
- Below 55: Growing percentage (15%)
College Juniors & Seniors (Ages 20-22)
Average Score: 55-70
Accumulated Experiences:
- 3-4 years of independence
- Multiple relationships and experiences
- Broader range of social situations
- Turning 21 and legal drinking
- More mature perspective on experiences
Upperclassman Life:
- Extensive party experience
- Multiple serious relationships
- Living independently
- Legal access to alcohol (21+)
- Varied life experiences
- Some may be settling down
Score Distribution:
- 70-100: Uncommon (15%)
- 60-69: Common (30%)
- 50-59: Common (30%)
- Below 50: Increasingly common (25%)
Post-College Average Scores
Recent Graduates (Ages 22-25)
Average Score: 45-60
Post-College Experiences:
- Full adulthood independence
- Living and working independently
- Mature relationship experiences
- Years of accumulated experiences
- More varied life situations
Life Changes:
- Career focus may replace party scene
- More serious relationships
- Adult responsibilities
- Diverse life experiences
- Some settling down, others still exploring
Mid-to-Late Twenties (Ages 25-30)
Average Score: 40-55
Accumulated Life Experience:
- Decade+ of independence
- Multiple relationships and experiences
- Diverse life situations
- Adult experiences and responsibilities
Common Characteristics:
By this age, most people have experienced much of what the test covers through natural life progression. Scores vary widely based on individual life paths, but generally trend lower simply due to time and experience.
Why Scores Decrease with Age
The natural progression toward lower scores isn't about becoming "worse" or more reckless. It's simply about accumulating life experiences:
Natural Progression Factors:
- Time: More years = more opportunities for experiences
- Independence: Adults have more freedom to make choices
- Social Opportunities: More situations where experiences can occur
- Relationship Progression: Relationships naturally become more intimate over time
- Life Transitions: College, first job, moving out all bring new experiences
- Maturation: Comfort with trying new things increases
Comparing Scores: High School vs. College
| Factor | High School Average | College Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Average | 75-85 | 60-70 |
| Most Common Range | 80-90 | 55-70 |
| Social Freedom | Moderate (parental oversight) | High (independent) |
| Living Situation | With parents | Independent/dorms |
| Party Access | Limited | Extensive |
| Relationship Depth | Generally less mature | More mature experiences |
Gender Differences in Average Scores
Research and informal surveys suggest minor differences:
- Overall: Very similar averages between genders
- High School: Girls often score slightly higher (1-3 points)
- College: Scores converge and become nearly identical
- Individual Variation: Much greater than gender differences
The takeaway: Gender doesn't significantly impact scores. Individual personality, values, and circumstances matter far more.
Geographic and Cultural Variations
Location and culture can influence average scores:
Urban vs. Rural
- Urban Areas: Tend toward slightly lower scores (more opportunities)
- Rural Areas: Often slightly higher scores (less access to certain experiences)
- Difference: Usually only 5-10 points
Cultural Backgrounds
- Conservative Communities: Higher average scores
- Liberal Communities: Lower average scores
- Religious Influence: Strong correlation with higher scores
- Family Values: Impact varies significantly by individual
What If Your Score Is Different From Average?
If your score doesn't match the average for your age group, don't worry! Here's why:
Being Different Is Normal:
- Wide Variation: "Average" is just the middle—many people are above or below
- Personal Journey: Everyone's path is unique
- Values Matter: Your choices reflect your values, which may differ from peers
- Opportunities Vary: Not everyone has the same access to experiences
- No Rush: You don't need to "catch up" to any average
Score Progression Example
Here's how a typical person's score might progress:
- Age 15 (High School Sophomore): Score 92
- Age 17 (High School Senior): Score 81
- Age 19 (College Freshman): Score 72
- Age 21 (College Junior): Score 63
- Age 23 (Recent Graduate): Score 56
- Age 26 (Young Professional): Score 48
This is just one example—individual paths vary tremendously!
Final Thoughts
Understanding average scores by age group helps contextualize your own results, but remember:
- Averages are just statistical midpoints—many people fall above and below
Whether you're above, below, or right at the average for your age group, you're exactly where you should be on your own unique path.
Ready to See Where You Fall?
Take the test and compare your score to the averages for your age group!
Take the Rice Purity Test