Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Rice University logo

Rice University

Houston, TX·Private nonprofit·4,562 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $91,600 within 10 years; exceptional 96% graduation rate.

8%
Accept
4,562
Students
$12,640
Net Price
96%
Grad Rate
$91,600
Earnings
10 yr
$9,716
Debt

About This School

Rice University is a private nonprofit institution located in Houston, Texas with approximately 4,562 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 8%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,640 per year. The graduation rate is 96%, and the typical graduate earns $91,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

William Marsh Rice University, commonly referred to as Rice University, is a private research university in Houston, Texas, United States. Established in 1912, the university spans 300 acres.

This is a strong option for high-achieving students who want a rigorous research university experience without the financial burden — median debt at graduation is just $9,716, and average net price runs about $12,640/year, which is remarkable for a private institution of this caliber. The 96% graduation rate and 98% freshman retention signal that students who get in tend to thrive and stay, not just survive the first year. The catch is obvious: an 8% acceptance rate makes this a long shot for most applicants, so treat it as a reach and build your list accordingly.

Founded
1891
Setting
Large city
Mascot
Sammy the Owl

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences17%
Engineering17%
Computer Science15%
Social Sciences10%
Mathematics8%
Psychology5%
Physical Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Robert WilsonHoward HughesJoyce Carol OatesRobert CurlLouis E. BrusPeggy WhitsonAnnise ParkerDennis SullivanCandace BushnellAlberto GonzalesShannon WalkerJanice E. Voss

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1553
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile800

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite35

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$58,128
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,128
Avg Net Price
$12,640
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$9,716

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$74,110

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
96%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
98%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$91,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$9,716
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$9,716
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$68,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$91,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 9.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White26%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian30%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,562 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Rice University

6100 S Main St

Houston, TX 77005-1827

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.