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Rice University

Houston, TX·Private·~8% acceptance

Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX. With an acceptance rate of about 8%, it is among the most selective schools in the United States. Students pay an average net price of about $13,370 per year after financial aid. About 95% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$13,370/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $79,788
Aid cuts ~$66,418/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 1
EA
RD
Jan 4

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)34–35
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
95%
graduation rate
97%
freshman retention
$79,751
median earnings, 6yr
$89,718
median earnings, 10yr
How Rice reads an application

What Rice values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Class rankTest scoresApplication essaysRecommendationsExtracurricularsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualities
Also considered
InterviewFirst-generation statusGeographic residenceState residencyVolunteer workWork experienceDemonstrated interest

From Rice’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Rice requires

Required
Course rigorRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Grades (GPA)Class rankCollege-prep programTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)

From federal IPEDS data — what Rice requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Rice University's acceptance rate?
Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.
How much does Rice University cost?
At Rice University, the average net price after aid is about $13,370 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $79,788 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Rice University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 on the SAT and 34–35 on the ACT.
What are Rice University's application deadlines?
Rice University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Jan 4. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Rice University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Rice University rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), Class rank, Test scores, Application essays, Recommendations, Extracurriculars, Talent / ability, and Character / personal qualities as "very important" in admissions decisions. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Rice University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Rice University, side by side with your other schools.