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Rice University

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

Rice University award
Rice University award
US ranking
position: 312
Tuition & fees per year: $63,431
Acceptance rate: 8.00%
Median alumni salary: $71,544
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1530 SAT, 35 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does Rice University offer in terms of athletics?

Rice University provides a range of athletic opportunities through its participation in NCAA Division I sports, competing primarily in Conference USA. The university supports both men's and women's varsity teams across various disciplines, fostering a competitive environment for student-athletes. Sports programs include basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, track and field, and swimming, among others. The athletics department emphasizes balancing academic rigor with athletic commitment, encouraging students to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

What student groups and Associations are available at Rice University?

Rice University hosts a balanced student population with a total of 4,683 students, comprising 2,352 men and 2,331 women. While specific details about individual student groups and associations are not available, the university's nearly equal gender distribution suggests diverse opportunities for student engagement across various social organizations.

Who studies at Rice University?

Rice University attracts a diverse student body with varied backgrounds and characteristics. Among students enrolled, the majority of undergraduates fall within the age range of 18 to 21, with 2,101 aged 18-19 and 2,135 aged 20-21. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant numbers between 22 and 39 years old, highlighting a graduate population largely focused on mid-career learners.

The university's freshmen cohort numbers 1,121, which is about average compared to similar institutions, while the transfer student population is smaller, with only 41 transfers recorded. Overall, the total enrolled student population is considered average in size.

Diversity at Rice University reflects a broad mix of ethnic backgrounds. The Asian student population is notably high, with 1,390 students placing it in the top 30% nationally. Hispanic and African American populations number 797 and 377 respectively, both regarded as average compared to other universities. The white student cohort, numbering 1,221, is somewhat below the national median, while other groups such as Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races contribute to the university's overall multicultural environment.

Regarding residency, in-state students represent a relatively low share, comprising only 35% of the student body, placing Rice University in the lower 15% nationally for this metric. Out-of-state students form a considerable part of the community, making up 48%, which is within the top 20% bracket across comparable institutions. International diversity is especially remarkable, with students coming from 16 different foreign countries, a figure that ranks in the top 5% of universities nationwide.

The proportion of U. S. students is balanced, at 83% of the total population, which is around the national average. Meanwhile, the number of students whose residency status is unknown remains minimal. This wide-ranging profile indicates Rice University is a place where both domestic and international students, from varied ethnic and age groups, find a supportive academic setting.

How does student life look like at Rice University?

Rice University offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of cultural and artistic opportunities. Students can participate in campus theater productions, join the campus band or chorus, and engage with the campus radio station. Additionally, there is a campus newspaper that provides a platform for student journalism. Notably, Rice University does not have a campus television station.

In terms of campus demographics, the university maintains an average total enrollment of 8,961 students, with a relatively balanced mix of full-time degree-seeking men and women, numbering 586 and 561 respectively. The student-to-faculty ratio is notably low at 5: 1, suggesting a favorable environment for personalized academic interactions.

Athletics play a role in student life, as Rice University is a member of the NCAA, involved in intercollegiate sports competition. This affiliation supports a community spirit and activities surrounding collegiate sports events.

The staff composition reflects a strong full-time faculty presence, with 818 full-time staff members, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for full-time staffing levels. The part-time staff numbers are more average.

While specific information on health services, legal support, or psychological counseling is not detailed, the range of extracurricular options hints at a campus environment supportive of diverse student interests and engagement.

What libraries are available to students at Rice University?

Rice University features the Fondren Library as its primary library. The university has only this single library, placing it in the lower range among peer institutions in terms of the number of library facilities. Despite the limited number of branches, the collection within Fondren Library is extensive and notably strong.

Students benefit from access to over 2.3 million books, a volume that ranks Rice University in the top 5% nationally for size of book collections. Additionally, the university's subscription holdings are exceptional, with nearly 400,000 subscriptions available, also positioning Rice among the highest-ranked institutions for subscription counts.

The library supports both physical facilities and digital access, ensuring that students have multiple ways to engage with resources. Trained staff are available to assist, and established hours provide reliable access. Furthermore, there is access to shared collections, expanding the breadth of materials students can utilize.

Rice University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

8961

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1147

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

818 full time, 185 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Rice University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Fondren Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Rice University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Rice University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Rice University Location & Map

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