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A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A+
  2. Value
    A+
  3. Diversity
    A
  4. Campus
    A+
  5. Athletics
    A
  6. Party Scene
    A
  7. Professors
    A+
  8. Location
    A
  9. Dorms
    A+
  10. Campus Food
    A+
  11. Student Life
    A+
  12. Safety
    C+
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Rice University is ...
Private not-for-profit
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FBS
Athletic Conference
Conference USA
Address
6100 S Main St
Houston, TX 77005
Website
rice.edu
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Rice University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
15%
Application Deadline
January 1
SAT Range
1410-1570
ACT Range
32-35
Application Fee
$75
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Recommended
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
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Will You Get In?

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Cost

Net Price
$22,061/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $5,398/ year
  • $30-48k
    $6,293/ year
  • $49-75k
    $10,080/ year
  • $76-110k
    $22,435/ year
  • $110k+
    $38,701/ year

Academics

Professors
A+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
6:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
93%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.67 responses
72%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.81 responses
52%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.81 responses
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Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Economics
    104 Graduates
  • Psychology
    87 Graduates
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
    77 Graduates
  • Chemical Engineering
    69 Graduates
  • Mathematics & Statistics
    67 Graduates
  • Computer and Information Studies
    65 Graduates
  • Mechanical Engineering
    59 Graduates
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
    44 Graduates
  • Architecture
    42 Graduates
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
    40 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
3,836Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
0%
Pell Grant
15%
Varsity Athletes
9%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 46 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    37%
  • Work hard, Play hard
    17%
  • Overbearing
    13%
  • Active
    7%
  • Apathetic
    7%
  • Nerdy
    7%
  • Stressed
    7%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
100%
Poll
95%
of students say they don't have Greek life.61 responses
Poll
63%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.104 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 50 responses
Report
  • Work Hard. Play slightly less hard.
    42%
  • Work hard, play hard
    20%
  • High-pressure
    16%
  • Wonderful
    12%
  • Competitive
    4%
  • Work hard and enjoy it
    4%
  • STEM heavy
    2%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$64,300/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
93%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
91%
National
83%
89%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.38 responses
Colleges like Rice University
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Rice University Reviews

993 reviews
All Categories
Rice is incredible. The people are so friendly and collaborative, and the residential college system gives you an automatic support system and built-in friends/family. While people are smart, the atmosphere is close-knit and not cutthroat, which I've come to realize is hugely important when I hear my friends at other top universities talk about the pressure and competition they suffer through. The academics aren't easy- especially the STEM programs, which are structured to be some of the most rigorous in the country, but that's why we have such a good reputation and ease with post-graduation placements. Compared to other colleges, there's a lot of freedom with social life/partying and distribution requirements. Overall, the campus is beautiful and quality of life (dorms/food/area) very high. I love Rice and wouldn't go anywhere else!
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Rice University caters to a specific type of student. Students are academically limited by sparse major/minor options and limited class offerings per semester. If you know without a doubt that you'd like to be an engineer or doctor, Rice could be a good fit for you. Beyond those, you may prefer a university with more options - or less of a negative stigma toward non-STEM majors. Rice does a great job of guiding you through your undergraduate career, but this may come off as patronizing for more independent students. The college system is a good support base, but in practice limits social life to your residential college. The stereotype of students staying "behind the hedges" is largely based on fact - students don't typically venture beyond Rice Village (a small plaza next to campus). While they may advertise themselves as a creative, "unconventional" university, Rice doesn't cater to a creative student, and you definitely feel the effects of such a small undergraduate population.
Rice University has been the perfect school for me. Not only are the academics stellar (small class sizes once you get into your major, deep relationships with faculty who care about teaching), but the social atmosphere of the residential colleges is unbeatable. If you're looking for a campus that's proud of its diversity and inclusiveness, while having top-notch academics in every field, choose Rice! You won't regret it.