Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Rice University has a 7.9% acceptance rate. Rice University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Houston, TX, with a median SAT of 1550 and a median ACT of 35. The average net price is $13,370 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

7.9%

31,059 applicants

SAT Median

1550

Combined score

ACT Median

35

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$13,370

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Rice University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Rice University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)150015501570
ACT (composite, 1–36)343536

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

95.2%

Retention Rate

97.4%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,718

Student Body

4,776

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Rice University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$5,827
$30,001 – $48,000$563
$48,001 – $75,000$3,217
$75,001 – $110,000$17,755
$110,000+$48,466

Top Majors at Rice University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Engineering186
Biological & Biomedical Sciences174
Computer & Information Sciences163
Social Sciences88
Mathematics & Statistics64
Business, Management & Marketing53
Physical Sciences45
Visual & Performing Arts43
Architecture38
Psychology38

Financial Aid at Rice University

About Rice University

Official website: https://www.rice.edu/

Admissions: https://futureowls.rice.edu/home.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions About Rice University

What is the acceptance rate at Rice University?

Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. it received about 31,059 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1550; the average net price is $13,370 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Rice University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Rice University?

Getting into Rice University is highly competitive — it admits 8% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1550. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Rice University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Rice University?

Admitted students at Rice University typically have a median SAT around 1550 and a median ACT around 35. With a 8% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Rice University is located in Houston, TX. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Rice University?

The average net price at Rice University is $13,370 per year after grants and scholarships. about 66% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $53,526 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Rice University?

Rice University has a graduation rate of 95%. its first-year retention rate is 97%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $89,718. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Rice University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Rice University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Rice University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1550. With a 8% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Rice University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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