Rice University
Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8.0%, average net price of $13,370, and a national rank of #6 (Grade A+), with a 94.6% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $79,751 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Rice University is a private nonprofit university in Houston, TX. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 143.3%, roughly 93.4 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Rice University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Rice University graduates 94.6% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Rice University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $79,788 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Rice University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $79,751
- 10-Year Median Earnings $79,751
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $9,716
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.2%
- Employment Rate 87.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Rice University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Rice University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Rice University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Rice University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Rice University graduates report median earnings of $79,751 six years after enrollment, +83% above the national median. The 143.3% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-770
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 94.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
How to Get Into Rice University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Rice University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 8.0%, Rice University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 8.0% acceptance rate, Rice University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1570 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Rice University undergraduates. Computer and Information Sciences, General, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Economics draw the most students.
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 10.4%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.5%
- Economics 7.1%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 5.9%
- Psychology, General 4.2%
- Cognitive Science 3.7%
See more majors
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine 3.2%
- Mechanical Engineering 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $213,603
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $139,102
- 3. Chemical Engineering $117,477
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $105,734
- 5. Economics $104,828
- 6. Civil Engineering $94,796
- 7. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $89,863
- 8. Political Science and Government $87,237
- 9. History $85,817
- 10. Cognitive Science $71,816
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $176,396
- 2. International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degree) $82,320
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $65,805
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree) $65,091
- 5. Music (Master's Degree) $36,730
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $213,603—197% more than Cognitive Science ($71,816). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $176,396 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Rice University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 125 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 102 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 86 graduates)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Music (Master's Degree, 57 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (50 programs)▼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Psychology, General
- Cognitive Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Public Policy Analysis
- Statistics
- Music
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Architecture
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Civil Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Philosophy
- Applied Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Physics
- Area Studies
- Nanotechnology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Operations Research
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Architectural History and Criticism
Online Master's Degrees (45 programs)▼
- Music
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Statistics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Physics
- Economics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Psychology, General
- Nanotechnology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Systems Science and Theory
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Engineering Physics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- History
- Architecture
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Civil Engineering
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Anthropology
- Operations Research
- Human Computer Interaction
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Applied Statistics
Online Doctoral Degrees (32 programs)▼
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Statistics
- Nanotechnology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Psychology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- History
- Economics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Civil Engineering
- Anthropology
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 25.6%
- Asian 29.1%
- Hispanic 16.7%
- Black 7.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Rice University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Rice University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Rice University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Rice University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Rice University has a diverse student body, with 25.6% identifying as White. About 17.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Rice University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Rice University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Rice University stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a exceptional 143.3% return on investment though 491 institutions deliver higher returns at lower costs.
The institution achieves 87.0% four-year and 94.6% six-year completion ratesand maintains 97.4% first-year retention. However, the $13,370 annual net price reflects moderate affordability. Post-graduation median earnings of $79,751 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Rice University Worth It?
Ranking #6 of 6119, Rice University delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Rice University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $6,685 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 491 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Rice University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 97.4% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $13,370 annual investment against 491 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 94.6% six-year graduation rate sits 32.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 97.4% first-year retention is 20.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 143.3% return on investment is 93.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $79,751 run about 83% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,370 is roughly $4,056 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 97.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.8% employment rate within three years sits 19.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Houston, TX, Rice University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A+ from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #6 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A+, Support A, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 94.6% of students to graduate within six years. The reported ROI is 143.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,370 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $79,788.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $66,418 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,716 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $79,751 at the median. That sits about 83% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 87.8%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 143.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
8.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Rice University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rice University's acceptance rate?
Rice University's acceptance rate is 8.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Rice University cost?
At Rice University, the average net price after aid is $13,370. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Rice University's ranking?
Rice University ranks #6 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Rice University's graduation rate?
At Rice University, the six-year graduation rate is 94.6%.
What are Rice University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Rice University report median earnings of $79,751 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Houston, TX 77005-1827
- Website www.rice.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$7.70B