Overview of Rice University

Rice University is a private research institution situated in Houston, Texas. The institution boasts a multi-billion-dollar endowment, a 6-to-1 student/faculty ratio, and a median class size of 15. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via many clubs and organizations.  In athletics, the Rice Owls play in the NCAA Division I Conference USA (C-USA).

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 7,124 (3,992 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 52 percent male/48 percent female
• 98 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $49,112
• Books: $1,200
• Room and Board: $14,140
• Other Expenses: $2,650
• Total Cost: $67,102

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 69 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 58 percent
  • Loans: 15 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $35,406
  • Loans: $4,892

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Computer and Information Sciences, General; Chemical Engineering; Economics, General; Kinesiology and Exercise Science; and Mechanical Engineering

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 97 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 86 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 95 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Rice University Admissions

Rice University has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Rice University had an acceptance rate of 11%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 11 gained admission, making Rice’s admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 60% of admitted students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Rice’s students score within the top 7% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to Rice scored between 700 and 760 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 700 and 25% scored over 760. 50% of students scored between 750 and 800 on the math part, while 25% scored under 750, and 25% scored a perfect 800. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1560 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Rice University.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 54% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most Rice University’s students score within the top 2% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students received a cumulative ACT score between 33 and 35, while 25% scored over 35, and 25% scored under 33.

GPA

Rice University does not provide data about students’ high school GPAs.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Rice University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Rice University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Boston College, Boston University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Neuman University, Widener University, Texas A&M, University of North Texas

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Rice University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, New York University, University of Michigan

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Rice University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

Yale University, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Harvard University, MIT, Emory University

Applying to Rice University

Application Deadline: January 1

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://admission.rice.edu/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://admission.rice.edu/apply

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://gradadmissions.rice.edu/apply/?sr=4969e59f-c48d-4f16-8b64-c9ccea9a780a