Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX with 9,185 students. With a 7.9% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science. Graduates earn a median of $89,718 ten years after enrollment.
With an acceptance rate of 7.9%, Rice University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
Rice University Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Rice University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Rice. Families earning $30-48k pay around $563 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $48,466. 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Rice enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $11,000 is very manageable relative to the $79,751 median salary six years out.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$5,827
$23,308
$30-48k
$563
$2,252
$48-75k
$3,217
$12,868
$75-110k
$17,755
$71,020
$110k+
$48,466
$193,864
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$15,900
Total Cost of Attendance
$79,788
Popular Majors at Rice University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Biological Sciences
15.4%
Engineering
14.2%
Computer Science
13.2%
Social Sciences
11.1%
Mathematics/Statistics
8.3%
Psychology
5.3%
Parks/Recreation
4.3%
Multidisciplinary
3.9%
Visual/Performing Arts
3.8%
Physical Sciences
3.0%
Architecture
2.9%
Foreign Languages
2.5%
Public Administration
2.5%
English/Literature
2.4%
Student Demographics
White
28.2%
Black/African American
8.3%
Hispanic/Latino
15.6%
Asian
28.6%
International
12.8%
How to Get Into Rice University
Rice is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1535+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Rice wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
1535
Target SAT Score
35
Target ACT Score
7.9%
Acceptance Rate
31,059
Total Applicants
What Rice University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Very Important
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Very Important
Extracurricular Activities
Very Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Very Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Important
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Rice University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Rice University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Decision
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 4
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Rice University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Rice University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
16.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$11,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$79,751
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice University
What is Rice's acceptance rate?
Rice has an acceptance rate of 7.9%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Rice?
The middle 50% SAT range at Rice is 1500-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 34-36. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Rice?
The most popular majors at Rice by degrees awarded are: Biological Sciences (15.4%), Engineering (14.2%), Computer Science (13.2%), Social Sciences (11.1%), Mathematics/Statistics (8.3%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Rice graduates earn?
Rice graduates earn a median salary of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Rice worth the cost?
With median earnings of $89,718 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $11,000, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Rice a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Rice?
Rice accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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