Rice University
About Rice University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas. It has one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios among top research universities and is known for its engineering, business, architecture, and science programs. Rice offers generous financial aid and a unique residential college system.
Founded
1912
Location
Houston, Texas
Students
8,948
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
8%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
94.6%
Above national average
Tuition
$64,144
Per year
Avg Net Price
$13,370
After financial aid
SAT Average
1553
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$89,718
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 8 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 4
With a 8% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1553, Rice University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1553/ 1600
ACT Scores
35/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
94.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
97.4%
4-Year Grad
87%
6-Year Grad
92%
Teaching Quality
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
83.8%
$/Student
$47.8K
Class Size
Small
87% of students graduate on time, and with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$64,144
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,100
Books & Supplies
$1,440
Total Cost of Attendance
$79,788
After Financial Aid
$13,370
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$5,827
Receive Grants
17%
Take Loans
6.5%
Don't let the $64,144 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $13,370 after financial aid, a 79% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $5,827.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Rice University fund their education.
While in School
17%
Get Grants
Free money
6.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$65,041
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$11,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$117/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $11,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Rice University.
Gender
49.6%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,776
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,172
Graduates
14.5%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (50% women, 50% men). 12.8% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,776
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Beautiful campus with live oaks and green spaces
- +Houston offers incredible food diversity
- +Residential college system builds strong bonds
- +No Greek life keeps social scene inclusive
Cons
- -Houston sprawl means a car helps off campus
- -Hot and humid climate most of the year
- -Small student body limits course variety
- -Campus can feel like a bubble from the city
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Rice University fields 9 varsity teams with 485 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
485
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
286
Men
199
Women
6
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Rice Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$89,718
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer and Information Sciences, General
$131K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$79K
88 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
—
70 grads
Psychology, General
$41K
66 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$83K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
—
57 grads
Graduates start at $80K six years out, climb to $75K by year eight, and reach $90K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rice University
What is the acceptance rate at Rice University?▾
How much does Rice University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Rice University?▾
How much do Rice University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.