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Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. The school was founded in 1912 and focuses on research and the education of undergraduate students. Known for creating innovative collaboration opportunities that work towards the betterment of the world, the school is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities. It is also the second most internationally diverse university in the United States.


Overview of Rice University


A leading research university, RU stands for responsibility, integrity, community, and excellence. It has a reputation for fostering an environment in which students and faculty can discover, create, and innovate. Together, they rise to every challenge and work to solve real-world problems that have a measurable global impact. During a recent academic year, the school boasted approximately $133 million in annual externally funded research expenditures and 71% of undergraduates participate in some form of research while enrolled.

As of fall 2019, enrollment included 3,978 undergraduate and 3,192 graduate degree-seeking students. The institution is primarily residential, consisting of 11 close-knit and diverse communities. Over 70% of undergraduate students live on campus.

Rice University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has the ability to award degrees and diplomas to undergraduate, masters, and doctoral graduates. Several academic programs are accredited separately by the following agencies: Texas Education Agency (TEA), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 6:1
Graduation Rate 95%
Year Founded 1912

Student Enrollment


Total Students7,124

Undergraduate
3,992
Graduate
3,132

Undergraduate Student

Male 2,076
2,076
Female 1,916
1,916

Graduate Student

Male 1,629
1,629
Female 1,503
1,503

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Admissions


APPLICATIONS20,923

Male 11,040
Female 9,883

ACCEPTANCE2,302

Male 1,214
Female 1,087

Acceptance Rate11%

Male 11%
Female 11%

Enrollment 944

Male 396
Female 377
Admissions
Application Fee $75
High School GPA Considered But Not Required
High School Rank Considered But Not Required
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations Required
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline January 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The estimated expenses for in-state, full-time, freshmen undergraduate students at Rice University were $61,350 during a recent academic year. This total includes tuition, fees, room, and board. As this is a private school, the cost is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. It’s important to note that this total may not include additional expenses such as books, supplies, and transportation.

The estimated cost for graduate students vary depending on the type of degree program sought. Yearly rates can range from $20,000 for the professional master’s program in religion to $60,940 for the MBA program.

Rice University is dedicated to rewarding talent with opportunity. To this end, the school offers need-blind admission and does not consider financials at all when reviewing applications. Financial aid is still certainly need-based, which means assistance is provided based on each student’s situation. Students receiving aid under The Rice Investment Grant who have a family income of $65,000 or less will have full tuition, fees, room, and board covered.

Average net price 2017-2018
Net Price $23,202
Average Total Aid $39,956
Students Receiving Financial Aid 69%
Room & Board $14,140

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $49,112
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $49,112
  • Books and Supplies - $1,200
  • Room & Board - $14,140
  • Other - $2,650

Academics


A leading interdisciplinary research institution, Rice University offers over 50 undergraduate majors across six divisions of study: architecture, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences. Students can also choose from a variety of minors, interdisciplinary, and pre-professional programs that are designed to complement the comprehensive curriculum. There are also a variety of majors available through the university’s graduate schools: School of Architecture, Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, George R. Brown School of Engineering, School of Humanities, Shepherd School of Music, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, and School of Social Sciences.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. The university employs 694 full-time and 192 part-time instructional faculty, 97% of whom have a doctorate or terminal degree in their field. By maintaining a median undergraduate class size of 14, professors can place their focus on teaching.

Rice University also had a 96.8% retention rate for full-time, first-time, degree-seeking freshmen pursing bachelor’s degrees in 2014. With a national average of 68%, this means the institution has one of the highest retention rates in the country. This statistic is particularly important as it indicates the overall satisfaction of the student population.

Additionally, the university’s most recent four-year graduation rate was 80%. This refers to the proportion of first-time degree-seeking students who completed graduation requirements within a specified period of time. It is worth noting that the six-year graduation rate was 90.5%. This means most students can finish their degree within four years, but that some may require more time. These are excellent graduation rates no matter how you look at it.

Student Population Total


Student Population 7,124

Undergraduate
3,992
Graduate
3,132
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Engineering Majors 225 Total Graduates / 22%
Mechanical Engineering 67 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 53 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 44 Graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 39 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 22 Graduates
All Social Science Majors 121 Total Graduates / 12%
Economics, General 54 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 26 Graduates
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 24 Graduates
Sociology 12 Graduates
Anthropology 5 Graduates
All Computer Information Science Majors 120 Total Graduates / 12%
Computer and Information Sciences, General 120 Graduates
All Biological & Biomedical Majors 100 Total Graduates / 10%
Biochemistry 60 Graduates
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 20 Graduates
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 20 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies 94 Total Graduates / 9%
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 55 Graduates
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 39 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 36%

Outcome & Salary


The majority of full-time undergraduate students attending Rice University continue past their freshman year and go on to complete degrees within a four- to six-year period. According to data compiled by RU, most 2018-2019 graduates found jobs. While 25% of those who graduated were still seeking employment 6 months to a year after graduation, 67% gained employment in a regular organization. No salary information was available.

The top employers hiring Rice University graduates included:

  • Accenture
  • Deloitte
  • Teach for America
  • Microsoft
  • Capital One
  • Google
  • Facebook
  • Baylor College of Medicine

The top industries hiring Rice University graduates included:

  • Internet and Software
  • Management Consulting
  • Oil and Gas
  • Computer and Mathematical Occupations
  • Business and Financial Operations
  • Healthcare
  • Architecture an Engineering Occupations
Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $71,000
College Grads Average Salary $82,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $129,500
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $820,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $2,115,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $92,808
10 Year Projected ROI $727,192
20 Year Projected ROI $2,022,192
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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