Quick Summary
Since 1912, Rice University has been one of United States's prominent privates, based in Houston. Ranked #141 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 8565 students including 25% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Materials Science, Architecture, Space Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 8.7%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Elite academic reputation, small-school feel with large-school resources, and the unique residential college system.
Subject Strengths
Materials ScienceArchitectureSpace ScienceNanotechnologyMusicEngineeringEconomics
Founded1912
TypePrivate
Total Students8565
Intl Students25%
Faculty Ratio6:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size300 acres
Affiliated HospitalsTexas Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#141
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#62
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
50+ undergraduate majors, 40+ graduate programs, 25+ doctoral programs
Programs
Bioengineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, History, Physics and Astronomy, Applied Physics
PhD Programs
MBA@Rice, Master of Computer Science, Master of Data Science, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation
Online Programs
Baker Institute for Public Policy, Smalley-Curl Institute, Ken Kennedy Institute, Rice 360° Institute for Global Health
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate8.7%
IELTS7.0
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.9
GREOptional for many programs (verify by department)
GMATRequired for MBA (waivers available)
SAT1500-1560
ACT34-35
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 1 (Regular Decision), November 1 (Early Decision)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Rice values collaborative spirits; use the 'Rice Box' supplement to show personality. Highlight interdisciplinary interests and community engagement.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$62,874/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$20,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$58,140/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$83,374/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$51,000
Financial AidThe Rice Investment (full tuition for families earning up to $140k), need-blind admission for domestic students.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 50+ undergraduate majors, 40+ graduate programs, 25+ doctoral programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Cognitive Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Music | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$82,500
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with NASA, Texas Medical Center, and Houston's Energy Corridor.
Industry Connections
NASAChevronExxonMobilDeloitteTexas Instruments
Notable Alumni
Peggy Whitson (Astronaut), Howard Hughes (Aviator), Glenn Youngkin (Governor), Robert Curl (Nobel Laureate)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Rice Stadium, Tudor Fieldhouse, Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation Center, George R. Brown Tennis Center
Student Clubs
200+ Student Organizations, Residential College Governments
Library Resources
Fondren Library, Brown Fine Arts Library, Business Information Center
Exchange Programs
Yes, Rice Study Abroad offers programs in over 60 countries.
Summer Programs
Rice Summer Sessions, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)