ACCEPTANCE RATE
7.9%
More selective than 96% of listed universities.
Rice University, a private nonprofit institution located in Houston, Texas, emphasizes innovative research and academic excellence across various disciplines.

THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
Rice University, founded in 1912, is a renowned private nonprofit institution located in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. With a diverse student body of approximately 8,556 students, Rice is committed to providing an exceptional education that fosters critical thinking and innovation. The university's focus on interdisciplinary research allows students to engage with pressing global challenges, making a positive impact through their work.
The campus environment at Rice is characterized by a strong sense of community, collaboration, and creativity. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including new academic buildings and spaces dedicated to the arts, science, and technology. Beyond academics, Houston's dynamic urban setting enhances student life, offering a rich array of cultural, social, and recreational opportunities that complement the rigorous academic experience.
GETTING IN
Rice University has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 7.9%. Last year, over 31,000 applications were submitted, showcasing the competitive nature of admissions.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
7.9%
More selective than 96% of listed universities.
SAT RANGE (MID 50%)
1,500–1,570
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Early Decision Nov 1
Undergraduate application fee $75.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$58,128/yr
Out-of-state: $58,128/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$20,587/yr
Average grant or scholarship aid $50,264.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Rice University is renowned for its strong academic character, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and innovative problem-solving. The institution emphasizes excellence in fields such as nanoscale science, computing, and health sciences, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
6:1
61.6% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
96%
▲ 3 pts since 2016
First-year retention
98%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
69
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
CAMPUS LIFE
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.

University-controlled housing capacity
3,477
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
city 300 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$89,718
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
87.8%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
90.6%
90.6% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
Where students live around Rice University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with Rice University.