Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Rice University is a private institution in Houston with particular strength in biology and engineering. With an average SAT of 1553, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.6K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
96% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $89,718 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,640.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Rice University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1553
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
93.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$9,716
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
35
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (131)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
98%
- •98% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1891, Rice decided to charter a free-tuition educational institute in Houston, bearing his name, to be created upon his death, earmarking most of his estate towards funding the project.
- •On the morning of September 23, 1900, Rice, age 84, was found dead by his valet, Charles F.
- •Patrick was found guilty of conspiring to steal Rice's fortune and he was convicted of murder in 1901 (he was pardoned in 1912 due to conflicting medical testimony).
- •6 million in 1904 (equivalent to $125 million in 2024), towards the founding of what was to be called the Rice Institute, later to become Rice University.
- •In 1908, Lovett accepted the challenge, and was formally inaugurated as the institute's first president on October 12, 1912.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average