
6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005-1827, USA


Rice University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a recognized regional accrediting body. This accreditation confirms that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in its educational programs, faculty qualifications, and student services. For prospective students, attending an accredited institution like Rice University assures that their degrees will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions, which can be crucial for career advancement or further study.
Additionally, certain academic programs at Rice University receive specialized accreditation relevant to their fields. This indicates adherence to professional standards and can enhance the value of specific degrees. These accreditations are important for students considering careers in those disciplines, as they often impact certification and licensure opportunities post-graduation.
Rice University maintains a selective admission process, accepting approximately 8% of applicants, which places its acceptance rate among the lowest nationally. Prospective students must provide a completed secondary school record along with required recommendations to establish their academic preparation and character. While standardized test scores are not explicitly detailed for all applicants, submission of TOEFL scores is mandatory for those whose first language is not English, and other test scores are recommended.
The university does not offer open admission, nor does it accept dual credit or college credits from outside institutions; however, Advanced Placement credits are recognized. Applicants with a General Educational Development (GED) certificate meet the minimum high school completion requirement.
Admission to Rice is highly competitive, with the average enrolled student demonstrating exceptional academic ability. The mean SAT score of admitted students is 1530, reflecting very high performance levels in math and writing sections, both scoring in the top 5 percentile nationally. Similarly, the mean ACT score of enrolled students is 35, also placing them among the nation's top 5%. These statistics underscore the rigorous academic standards expected at Rice University.
The application fee for undergraduate admission to Rice University is set to cover processing costs and varies in amount depending on the applicant's status and application method. Prospective students should anticipate submitting this fee alongside their application materials.
Rice University offers fee waivers to help reduce financial barriers for applicants who demonstrate economic need. These waivers are intended for students who might otherwise be unable to afford the application fee, ensuring greater access to the university's admissions process.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver must follow specific guidelines provided by the university, which usually involve submitting a formal request or providing documentation of financial hardship. The availability of waivers reflects Rice University's commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse candidates.
Rice University offers its students access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) opportunities through both on-campus programs and arrangements with cooperating host institutions. Prospective students interested in pursuing ROTC training can participate directly at Rice University if an ROTC branch unit is established on the campus.
Additionally, for branches not available directly on campus, Rice University collaborates with nearby host institutions that maintain official ROTC units. This cooperative setup allows students to join ROTC programs affiliated with those institutions while enrolled at Rice.
Rice University allows transfer applications for the fall and spring terms, providing flexibility for students seeking to join outside the traditional freshman entry. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can help students progress toward their degrees without retaking previously completed courses.
Rice University offers a diverse range of study abroad opportunities tailored to enhance the academic and cultural experiences of its students. Programs are designed to integrate seamlessly with students' degree plans, allowing them to earn academic credit while immersing themselves in different environments worldwide. Options include semester-long exchanges at partner institutions, faculty-led short-term programs during breaks, and summer research opportunities abroad. These programs cover a broad array of disciplines, accommodating varied fields of study.
One notable aspect of Rice University's study abroad offerings is the emphasis on global engagement combined with academic rigor. The university collaborates with numerous international universities, enabling students to participate in established exchange programs that provide both cultural immersion and access to specialized courses not available on campus. Additionally, short-term study programs often focus on specific themes or regions, providing intense learning experiences within a shorter timeframe that can fit into busy academic schedules.
Financial support and advising services are typically available to assist students in planning their international education experience. The university encourages prospective participants to consult with study abroad advisors early to ensure program choices align with their academic goals and graduation requirements. Through these structured opportunities, Rice University aims to cultivate global awareness and interdisciplinary learning among its student body.
Median composite SAT score
1530Median composite ACT score
35Percent of students submitting ACT scores
22%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
48%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring