Rice University Overview

Rice University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Houston, TX. It has an enrollment of 4,240 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 9.48%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $17,805. Tuition is $52,895.00 without financial aid.

Rice University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Rice University, 97.07% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Rice University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1.

Rice University Website

Rice University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 9.48%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1534.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 35.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Rice University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $17,805.

The average tuition is:

• $5,578, when family income is less than $30,000

• $5,959, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $6,320, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $18,315, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $46,926, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 7.21% of students received a federal student loan and 15.97% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $52,895.00 without financial aid.

Rice University Net Price Calculator

Rice University Majors/Salaries

Rice University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Rice University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $129,481
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $83,915
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,957
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,219
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,696
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,421
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $97,071
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $79,450
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,119
• Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,512
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,884
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,231
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $28,598
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $89,530
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $127,993
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,840

Rice University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Rice University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.05%
• Asian: 28.37%
• Black: 7.95%
• Hispanic: 15.57%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.09%
• Non-resident alien: 12.36%
• Two or more races: 4.83%
• Unknown: 1.13%
• White: 29.65%

At Rice University, 0.40% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Rice University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Rice University?

Rice University prides itself on its strong sense of school spirit. The university has many traditions that help promote this spirit, such as the annual Beer Bike race and the weekly public gathering known as Thursday Night Fever. At Rice, students also attend sporting events, participate in club activities, and take part in various student-led initiatives that aim to build camaraderie and foster supportive networks. Overall, it is safe to say that Rice is a very spirited school and the students love to show their Rice pride.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Rice University?

Rice University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for its students. Some of the most popular extracurriculars at Rice University include: 1. Student clubs and organizations: There are more than 300 student-led clubs and organizations at Rice University, covering various interests such as academics, arts and culture, community service, sports, environmentalism, and more. 2. Athletics: Rice University is a Division I school that competes in the Conference USA. Students can participate in a range of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball. 3. Performing arts: Rice University has various performing arts groups, including theater, dance, and music organizations. Students can participate in music ensembles, stage productions, and more. 4. Research: Rice University has an active research culture and offers opportunities for students to engage in research projects with faculty members. 5. Community service: Rice University has an active community service program that enables students to engage with the local community through various volunteer programs and service projects. 6. Entrepreneurship and innovation: The Rice Center for Entrepreneurship offers various programs and resources to help students start their own businesses and promote innovation.

How are the food choices at Rice University?

Rice University has a wide variety of food choices on campus. They have several dining options including multiple student-run coffee shops, restaurants, and food trucks. The university also has a large dining hall, which offers buffet-style meals with a variety of options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Additionally, Rice University has a farmers market on campus, where students can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as locally-made food items. Overall, Rice University is known for providing healthy and delicious food options to its students.

Is there Greek life at Rice University?

Yes, Rice University has Greek life on its campus. There are 11 fraternities and 9 sororities on campus. Additionally, Rice has a formalized Greek Council that serves as an umbrella organization for all Greek organizations. However, it is important to note that joining a Greek organization is not mandatory at Rice, and there are plenty of other ways for students to get involved on campus.

What is Rice University known for?

Rice University is a well-regarded private research university located in Houston, Texas. It is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and business, as well as for its unique residential college system which fosters close-knit and supportive communities among students and faculty. Additionally, Rice is known for its interdisciplinary research centers, including the Baker Institute for Public Policy, the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and the Rice Space Institute. It is consistently ranked among the top 20 national universities in the United States by various college ranking publications.

What are the most popular school clubs at Rice University?

Rice University has a wide variety of student-run organizations, including academic, athletic, cultural, service, and special-interest clubs. Some of the most popular school clubs at Rice University include: 1. Rice Program Council: It is responsible for planning and organizing various social events and activities throughout the year. 2. Rice Student Association: It is responsible for representing Rice undergraduate students and advocating for their interests to the university administration. 3. Rice Thresher: It is a student-run newspaper that covers news, events, and issues on and around the Rice campus. 4. Rice Student Volunteer Program: It is a community service organization that coordinates volunteer opportunities for Rice students. 5. Rice Women’s Volleyball: It is one of the most successful sports teams at Rice and competes in the NCAA Division I. 6. Rice Public Speaking Club: It is a club that helps students improve their public speaking skills through practice and competitions. 7. Rice Film Society: It is a club that screens films selected by its members and hosts film-related events and discussions. 8. Rice Dance Theatre: It is a student-run dance company that performs a variety of dance styles. 9. Rice Bikes: It is a bicycle-sharing program that provides free bicycles for Rice students to use on campus. 10. Rice Men’s Ultimate Frisbee: It is a club that engages in some of the recreational activities on Rice’s campus.

Is the campus at Rice University safe?

Yes, the campus at Rice University is generally considered safe. The university has its own police department that provides a variety of safety and security services, including emergency response, crime prevention programs, and safety escorts. Rice University also has a comprehensive campus safety program that includes a network of emergency phones, a campus-wide alert system, and 24-hour on-campus security personnel. Additionally, the university is located in a relatively low-crime area in Houston, Texas, and has a high level of security measures in place to ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.