Overview
Rice University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Houston, Texas. The school accepts 8.7% of applicants and enrolls 4,562 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 8.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,530
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,490–1,570
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 35
- Total Enrollment
- 4,562
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Rice admissions officers care more about your fit with the residential college system than your laundry list of achievements. The university assigns every student to one of eleven residential colleges that become your home base for four years, creating tight-knit communities within the larger campus. Your essays should show you understand this culture and can contribute to a small community environment.
Unlike other elite schools, Rice has no Greek life because the residential colleges fulfill that social function. Don't write about wanting to join a fraternity or sorority. Instead, reference specific college traditions like Beer Bike (an annual race involving cycling and chugging) or the culture of friendly competition between colleges. Mentioning these shows you've done your homework beyond surface-level research.
The school's collaborative academic culture extends to grade deflation being virtually nonexistent and curves that help rather than hurt students. Your application should emphasize teamwork over cutthroat competition. Write about times you helped classmates succeed rather than times you outperformed them.
Rice has separate schools within the university, and you apply directly to specific programs like the School of Engineering or the School of Architecture. Your intended major matters more here than at liberal arts colleges. Don't apply to one school while writing essays about interests that clearly align with another school's focus.
The Honor Code runs deeper at Rice than typical academic integrity policies. Students take unproctored exams and self-schedule finals during exam week. Your application should demonstrate trustworthiness and personal responsibility, not just academic achievement.
Don't write generically about Houston's diversity or job opportunities. Instead, mention specific ways you'd engage with the city, like internships at the Texas Medical Center (the world's largest) or cultural offerings in the Museum District adjacent to campus.
Rice's supplement questions change annually but consistently probe for authentic interest. Generic responses about academic excellence won't work. You need specific knowledge about programs, professors, or campus culture that you could only gain through thorough research.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $12,640/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $58,128
- Students Receiving Aid
- 16%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $89,718/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 97.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rice University require standardized test scores for admission?
Rice University requires either SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
What are the early admission options at Rice University?
Rice offers Early Decision I (deadline November 1) and Early Decision II (deadline January 1). Both are binding programs that require you to attend if accepted.
Can you transfer to Rice University as a sophomore or junior?
Rice accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must have completed at least one full year of college coursework before enrolling.
Does Rice University use the Common Application for admissions?
Rice uses the Common Application along with required supplemental essays. The school also requires the Rice Box, a creative response question unique to Rice.