Rice University
Houston, Texas 77005-1827
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Rice University is a private institution in Houston with particular strength in biology and engineering. With an average SAT of 1553, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.6K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
96% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $89,718 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,640.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1891, Rice decided to charter a free-tuition educational institute in Houston, bearing his name, to be created upon his death, earmarking most of his estate towards funding the project.
- •On the morning of September 23, 1900, Rice, age 84, was found dead by his valet, Charles F.
- •Patrick was found guilty of conspiring to steal Rice's fortune and he was convicted of murder in 1901 (he was pardoned in 1912 due to conflicting medical testimony).
- •6 million in 1904 (equivalent to $125 million in 2024), towards the founding of what was to be called the Rice Institute, later to become Rice University.
- •In 1908, Lovett accepted the challenge, and was formally inaugurated as the institute's first president on October 12, 1912.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1553
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
94.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
6.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$9,716
Programs (131)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
98%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
35
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from TX state average + large city premium