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What if...
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LEARN What if a boundless passion for knowledge was met with an endless supply
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ENDEAVOR AFFORD APPLY EXPLORE Academics & Academic Support
Financial Aid & Merit Scholarships
Study Abroad, Research & Internships
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Application Process & Deadlines
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PULLING TOGET What if getting ahead meant
At Rice, we dream bigger and reach higher. We find academic — and ultimately professional — success by pulling together and lifting up those around us. Collaboration, not competition,
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is what drives us.
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Defying convention for over 100 years
We celebrate the unconventional approaches and unique perspectives that drive innovative thinking — the kind of thinking that permeates every facet of your academic life at Rice, starting with how and what you study. To broaden your education beyond your School of Study, we replace a prescriptive core curriculum with flexible distribution requirements, giving you the freedom to select the courses that interest you most. As you might expect, that exploration results in some unconventional major and minor pairings, as well as some very interesting double majors!
STUDENT-TAUGHT CLASSES Philosophy of Coffee was one of the longest-running student-taught courses at Rice. Supported by the Center for Teaching Excellence, other courses range from Zero to Fortune 500 to The Cheesemonger’s Guidebook.
SUPPORT NETWORK There’s no shortage of academic advising and support at Rice. For starters, the Office of Student Success Initiatives oversees a number of programs on campus to ease the transition to college life. In addition, you’ll have multiple faculty and peer academic advisors in your residential college.
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ENDEAVOR
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ENDEAVOR
What if selecting a major meant not having to choose just one
At Rice, we believe that focusing your studies on specific areas of interest should not be an exercise in elimination, but rather an opportunity to pursue, and possibly even combine, multiple passions. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Architectural Studies Architecture
THE VIRANI UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Business* • Finance Concentration • Management Concentration • Marketing Concentration
GEORGE R. BROWN SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING Artificial Intelligence Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Computational Applied Mathematics & Operations Research Computer Science Electrical & Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering Materials Science & NanoEngineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research* Statistics*
SHEPHERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC Music Composition Music Music History Music Theory Performance • Bassoon • Cello • Clarinet • Double Bass • Flute • Harp • Horn • Oboe • Organ • Percussion • Piano • Trombone • Trumpet • Tuba • Viola • Violin Orchestral Conducting
MUSIC
ENGINEERING & COMPUUTING
BUSINESS
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ARCHITECTURE
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• Vocal
ADDITIONAL MINORS
6:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
#8
IN BEST UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
62%
OF COURSES HAVE FEWER THAN 20 STUDENTS
African & African American Studies Biochemistry & Cell Biology Behavioral Medicine and Health Resilience Cinema & Media Studies Classical Civilizations
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES & ARTS
WIESS SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations
Astronomy*
Anthropology*
Astrophysics
Cognitive Sciences
Biosciences
Economics
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Chemical Physics
Global Affairs
Energy & Water Sustainability
Chemistry
Linguistics
Engineering Design
English*
Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences*
Entrepreneurship
European Studies
Environmental Science
French Studies*
Mathematics*
Managerial Economics & Organizational Sciences
German Studies*
Neuroscience*
Mathematical Economic Analysis
History*
Physics*
Political Science
Greek Language & Literature
Latin American & Latinx Studies*
Public Health Sciences
Psychology
Jewish Studies
Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology
Social Policy Analysis
Latin Language & Literature
Sociology*
Medical Humanities
Sport Analytics
Museums & Cultural Heritage
Sport Management
Naval Science
Art Art History* Asian Studies* Classical Studies
Media Studies Medieval & Early Modern Studies* Philosophy*
Creative Writing Data Science Digital Health
Environmental Studies Financial Computation & Modeling Global Health Technologies
Religion*
Politics, Law & Social Thought
Spanish & Portuguese*
Science & Technology Studies
Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality*
Theatre
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Pre-health
CERTIFICATES Civic Leadership Engineering Leadership Languages & Intercultural Communication Texas Standard Teaching Certificate Public Science Communication *Also available as a minor
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SOCIAL SCIENCES
Pre-law
NATURAL SCIENCES
HUMANITIES & ARTS
Pre-grad
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AFFORD
What if a prestigious school looked for ways to
OPEN DOORS
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instead of close them
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The Rice Investment Determining the right school comes down to several factors — often, the biggest one is affordability. Rice offers need-blind admission for domestic students and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
FAMILY INCOME RANGE
FAMILY INCOME RANGE
BELOW $100K
$100K–200K
FULL TUITION, FEES & LIVING EXPENSES
FULL TUITION
GRANT
GRANT
Families with significant assets above what is typical for their income level may not qualify for The Rice Investment, but Rice is still committed to funding 100% of demonstrated need.
A family’s assets might include cash and savings, investments, home equity, business net worth, other real estate and any other assets. We exclude qualifying retirement accounts.
WE BELIEVE TALENT DESERVES OPPORTUNITY From your first walk through the Sallyport to your final exit at graduation, your friendships, learn from supportive mentors, and gain hands-on experience through research, internships and rewarding careers. Our admission process seeks bright, motivated students who will thrive in and contribute to our community.
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four years at Rice will connect you to valuable opportunities. You’ll build lasting
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AFFORD What if choosing Rice
could be more about fit
than finances
88% OF RICE STUDENTS GRADUATE DEBT-FREE
Rice offers generous need-based aid and merit awards. We’re committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all students. That means if there is a gap between what an admitted student’s family is able to pay and our total cost of attendance, we cover the gap.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD RATES
2026–2027 Cost of Attendance Tuition
$71,140
Fees
$984
Living Expenses
$20,530
Books
$1,540
Personal Expenses
$3,115
Total
$97,309
Average First-Year Aid Package
$75,643
Average Responsibility for Families Receiving Aid
$16,819
54% OF ALL INCOMING FIRSTYEAR STUDENTS RECEIVE GRANT AID
#5 IN BEST VALUE SCHOOLS
100% OF DEMONSTRATED NEED MET FOR ALL STUDENTS
33% Scan the QR code to calculate your costs.
OF RICE GRADUATES PURSUE AN ADVANCED DEGREE
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$90,000 08
THE MEDIAN INCOME FOR A NEW RICE GRADUATE
APPLY What if one prestigious university cared as
much about your story as your stats
We’re looking for voracious lovers of life, independent thinkers with an unquenchable curiosity about the world who will bring different life experiences and unique perspectives to our campus. With the goal of enrolling a diverse class of the most talented students from across the country and around the world, we take a team-based approach to reviewing applications. APPLICATION DEADLINES
Early Decision I November 1 - Application November 15 - FAFSA & CSS Profile Early Decision II January 4 - Application January 4 - FAFSA & CSS Profile Shepherd School of Music December 1 - Application
OVERALL ADMISSION RATE
91% ENROLLED STUDENTS IN THE TOP TENTH OF HIGH SCHOOL CLASS
Regular Decision January 4 - Application February 1 - FAFSA and CSS Profile We review every applicant for a merit award; no separate application is required.
RICE.EDU/APPLY
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8%
February 1 - FAFSA and CSS Profile
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EXPLORE
LARGEST
MEDICAL COMPLEX IN THE WORLD
INTERNSHIPS Rice Owls benefit from a wide range of on-campus recruiting events, internship resources and programs that foster strong industry partnerships. Students have interned with organizations including Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Accenture, Chevron, Amazon and Southwest Airlines.
What if your Rice education extended beyond the hedges James Turrell, The Light Inside, Permanent Installation at MFAH, 1999
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STUDY ABROAD more than 55 countries. Opportunities
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for-credit trips all over the world.
Rice offers 250+ study-abroad programs in include research-based, service-related and
Shirazeh Houshiary, Seif, 2020
Tackling real-world challenges
Our Houston location is a hub for industries including finance, sports management, consulting, medicine, entrepreneurship and energy. Rice students intern everywhere from NASA to the mayor’s office, as well as conduct collaborative research with professionals in the worldrenowned Texas Medical Center.
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RESEARCH More than half of Rice students participate in research, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. As a Tier-1 research institution with
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LARGEST CONCENTRATION OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES IN THE COUNTRY
100+ research centers, institutes and groups, Rice consistently produces groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges.
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What if attending Rice meant studying in a scientifically-driven business hub with rich opportunities in everything from the performing arts to the largest medical complex in the world.
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LIVE
What if going to school in Texas meant living in one of the largest, most culturally diverse and culinary trendsetting cities in the nation? With over 145 languages spoken here, Houston is an epicenter for history, culture, cuisine, science and industry.
THE MUSEUM DISTRICT Just steps away from campus, the Houston Museum District’s 21 museums and institutions explore subjects ranging from natural science to the African American experience.
#1
MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE METROPOLITAN AREA IN THE U.S.
4TH
LARGEST CITY IN THE NATION
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PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS
13,000+ RESTAURANTS Houston boasts an incredibly diverse cuisine from all over the world, including many unique restaurants in Rice Village
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culinary culture that features authentic
just minutes away from campus. 11
SPACES What if geeking out in a TIGHT-KNIT community of scholars meant living large in Houston Nestled in the vibrant museum district of the nation’s fourth largest city, our 300-acre, tree-lined campus is conveniently located next to more restaurants, galleries, shops, coffee shops, music venues, theaters, museums and attractions than you could possibly explore in your four years here.
Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University, Inaugurated in 2017
James Turrell “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace at Rice University, Rice Public Art Collection. Photo: Paul Hester, courtesy of the Moody Center for the Arts.
AN INSPIRED SETTING Permanent and site-specific works
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of art are scattered throughout the
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university’s libraries, common areas and expansive outdoor spaces.
OSHMAN ENGINEERING DESIGN KITCHEN (OEDK) Modeling real-world working groups, interdisciplinary teams conceive, design and test prototypes to solve unique engineering design challenges.
RICE HOLISTIC GARDEN The Rice Holistic Garden is a space on campus where students, faculty and members of the Rice community can plant, nurture and pick their own produce. The Garden also hosts several plant sales a year.
STUDENT-RUN BUSINESSES
Rice Bikes and the Rice Coffeehouse.
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Rice boasts student-run businesses that are 100% managed and staffed by students, including
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SPACES
What if workspaces actually INSPIRED better work From maker bars and labs to a data-driven think tank like the Baker Institute, dedicated workspaces dot all corners of the Rice campus. At any given hour, these spaces are filled with industrious students collaborating on projects, conducting research or designing and 3-D printing custom accessories for their dorm rooms.
THE WOODSON RESEARCH CENTER The Woodson Research Center collects, organizes and preserves archives, rare books and special collections. The WRC is home to an authentic star-wheel copper-plate rolling “William Blake” press replica, which was built using wood from the 1700s.
DIGITAL MEDIA COMMONS (DMC)
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In Fondren Library, students have access to essential tools for creating a wide variety of digital projects, plus the hands-on training and assistance they 08
need to master these skills.
CLUBS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
CONNECTIONS
300+
What if exploring your passions meant FINDING YOUR FAMILY From your first day on campus, you’ll start building a strong, familial bond with other students in your residential college. From diverse cultural and interest-based student groups to collaborative classes and athletics, you’ll build deep, lasting connections during your four years at Rice.
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30+
CLUB AND INTRAMURAL SPORTS
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NCAA® DIVISION I ATHLETIC TEAMS
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CULTURE(S)
The multifaceted Rice experience At Rice University, students are part of a rich and vibrant community that promotes collaboration, academic excellence and respect for each other as foundational values. Rice’s uniquely accepting culture celebrates distinct perspectives in our classrooms and within our residential colleges as a meaningful part of the student experience. CLASS OF 2029
Ethnicity
Geography
HISPANIC OR LATINO TEXAS ASIAN AMERICAN
AMERICAN INDIAN, ALASKAN NATIVE, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, OR PACIFIC ISLANDER
14%
35%
FOREIGN NATIONALS
<1%
52%
13% 22%
35%
7%
3%
AFRICAN AMERICAN OR BLACK
INTERNATIONAL
5% CAUCASIAN OR WHITE
UNKNOWN
13%
OUTSIDE OF TEXAS
MULTI-RACIAL
WHAT IF HIGHER LEARNING ALSO MEANT HIGHER MINDED
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The academic experience at Rice would be greatly diminished without the deeply rooted
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culture of care touching every aspect of campus life. Students going out of their way to help each other is the norm rather than the exception. Community service and global outreach are just a few ways in which Rice students extend this care beyond the hedges. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of Rice’s culture.
You feel it the moment you step foot on
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campus: that steady hum of excitement, camaraderie and purpose. An enduring bond born of a shared mindset, strengthened by mutual passions and cemented through traditions.
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Once you “enter Rice” through the
SALLYPORT as a first-year student, tradition holds that you should avoid passing back through the famed Sallyport arch in the opposite direction until you exit as a Rice graduate. 2
O-WEEK , run by Student Success Initiatives and student coordinators, is a week-long orientation extravaganza that starts with a hearty Rice welcome and lots of helping hands to get first-
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TRADITIONS
year students settled into life at Rice.
Whether cheering on an athletic team or posing for a picture on campus, the
OWL HAND SIGN is used whenever
a Rice student wants to show their Rice pride. Simply entwine your thumbs and let your inner Owl fly! 4
Over the years, good-spirited pranks, known at Rice as “JACKS” have lounge furniture to announcing a fictitious university president
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on national news.
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What if long-standing institutional
included everything from relocating
were actually fun and meaningful
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THE RICE ARCHI MARKET is a monthly marketplace featuring pop-up shops where students can sell their creations.
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RADIO FREE SID is a time-honored Friday tradition that starts and ends with blasting AC/DC’s “Back in Black” from the top of the tallest building on campus.
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One of Rice’s earliest traditions is the student-enforced HONOR CODE, which has been around as long as the university itself.
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Every spring, we throw the WORLD’S LARGEST annual water balloon fight.
Meet your Rice family Your life at Rice begins with your first rite of passage — finding out which residential college you’re in. Day one doesn’t start with moving into a dorm building; it starts with joining a family. Because you are randomly assigned to one of twelve residential colleges where you’ll stay throughout your time on campus, our student body’s diversity creates a rich tapestry of traditions, culture and community. Your residential college acts as more than just your home base — it’s the hub of campus life and a big part of your Rice identity!
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES Each residential college has its own student government, intramural teams, cheers and traditions... lots and lots of traditions! Your advising network also starts here with the support of peer advisors, magisters and RAs within your residential college.
DINING In each of the Rice serveries, professional chefs and their teams dish up some of the best campus cuisine in the country. Our chefs are also happy to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request.
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ONG
COMMUNITY
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TRULY BELO
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What if from your first moments on campus, you know you
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COMMUNITIES CULTURE(S) CONNECTIONS SPACES Residential Colleges & Traditions
Culture of Care, Collaboration, Diversity
Dedicated Campus Spaces & Adventures in Houston
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Student Groups & Athletics
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LIVE What if going away to college felt like coming home
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What if...