CAMPUS · HOUSTON, TX · PRIVATE

Rice University

7.9%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Rice University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

7.9%

of 31,059 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$89,718

across all majors

Rice University at a Glance

7.9%

Acceptance Rate

1535

Average SAT

Average ACT

9,185

Total Enrollment

$89,718

Median Salary (10yr)

$11,000

Median Debt

16.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Rice University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	730	770	750
SAT Math	770	800	785
SAT Total	1500	1570	1535
ACT Composite	34	36	35

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	31,059
Students Admitted	2,447
Students Enrolled	1,125
Yield Rate	46.0%

Rice University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#18	2025
QS World University Rankings	#77	2025
ARWU (Shanghai)	#74	2024

Rice University Overview

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.

Full Name	Rice University
Location	Houston, TX 77005-1827
Type	Private
Website	rice.edu/
Total Enrollment	9,185
Undergrad Enrollment	4,712
Female Students	48.6%

How Much Do APs Matter at Rice University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Rice University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Rice University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Rice University officially says matters in admission decisions.

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

Best AP Classes to Take for Rice University

Based on Rice University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Biological Sciences (15% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Engineering (14% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Chemistry

For Computer Science (13% of students)

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus BC

For Social Sciences (11% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP Government
AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

For Mathematics/Statistics (8% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science A

AP Strategy for Rice University Applicants

Take as many APs as you can handle well

At a school this selective, 7-12 AP courses is typical for admitted students. Quality matters more than quantity.

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

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

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.