The mission of Rice University, shaped largely by its founder and the first president, is to provide an unsurpassed undergraduate education in science, engineering, the arts, humanities, and social sciences; to produce internationally distinguished scholarship and research and excellent graduate education in carefully focused areas; to ensure that such an education remains affordable; to maintain the distinctive character of a community of learning that is relatively small in scale; and to serve the continuing educational needs of the larger community.
< CollapseWilliam Marsh Rice University (commonly called Rice University and opened in 1912 as The William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement of Letters, Science and Art) is a private, comprehensive research university located in Houston, Texas, United States, near the Museum District and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. Rice is particularly noted for its elite undergraduate division, as well as its strength in the applied sciences. The university has been a pioneer in the fields of nanotechnology, artificial heart research, structural chemical analysis, and space science.
At the undergraduate level, Rice placed at 17th in the 2008 U.S. News & World Report rankings of doctoral granting institutions. Further, in the Princeton Review's 2007 rankings, Rice was ranked first for "Best Quality of Life" and third for “Best Overall Academic Experience for Undergraduates” as well as among the top 20 schools where students “Never Stop Studying.” The same publication also placed it as first in the nation for “Lots of Race / Class Interaction.” In the 2008 edition of the Princeton Review, Rice was ranked as the #1 "Best Value" Private College.
Undergraduate admission is highly selective with only 22% of its applicants for the Class of 2011 being offered a place. Of the 727 who enrolled, 76% were in their high school's top 5% with 19% of the total class being valedictorians. Verbal SAT scores for this class were between 660 and 760 (for the 25th and 75th percentiles of this class respectively), while SAT math scores were between 670 and 780 (again, for the 25th and 75th percentiles of the class) . The middle 50% of ACT scores ranges from 30-34 on a scale of 0-36. Approximately twenty percent of undergraduates are National Merit Scholars, and Rice has often enrolled the highest percentage of National Merit Finalists in its freshman class among American universities. Rice has also recently ranked first for the percentage of its students receiving National Science Fellowships.
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| Percent of Students International: | 13% |
| On-Campus Housing Available: | Yes |
| Percent of Students Living On-Campus: | 41% |
| Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: | No |
| Member of: | NAA, NCAA |
| Sports Include: |
Football (Conference USA) Basketball (Conference USA) Baseball (Conference USA) Track (Conference USA) |
| Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) | Expenses | ||
Published Tuition and Fees: |
$ 23,746 | ||
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 21,203 | ||
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 436 | ||
| Financial Aid | Avg. Amount Received | % of Students Receiving Aid | |
Federal Grants: |
$ 2,427 | 13% | |
State and Local Grants: |
$ 3,084 | 23% | |
Institutional Grants: |
$ 10,870 | 71% | |
Student Loans: |
$ 4,147 | 33% | |
Any Aid: |
85% |
| Acceptance Rate: | 25% (Most Selective) |
| Test Scores | |
| SAT Scores: | |
| % of Students Submitting SAT Scores: | 97% |
| Bottom 25th Percentile: | Verbal: 660, Math: 670 |
| Top 75th Percentile: | Verbal: 760, Math: 780 |
| Application Fee: | $ 50.00 |
| Formal Demonstration of Competencies: | Recommended |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent: | Recommended |
| High School GPA: | Recommended |
| High School Rank: | Recommended |
| High School Record: | Required |
| Recommendations: | Required |
| TOEFL: | Required |
| Test Scores: | Required |
College Advice
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Question:
So do you think it's a scam?
So, Rice University keeps sending me stuff and I don't know if I can get in there and I'm thinking they're just sending me stuff so that I'll apply and they'll get the money for the application.
I have a 4.4 GPA I'm 36/ 523 I'm in full IB (IB is a step above AP and full IB means that along with other things you complete 150 service hours) I'm in National Honors Society, and Beta Club. I'm leading a conference for all the IB schools in TX in September. I've done 30 hour famine twice. I was in Elementary Teaching Internship. I helped with elementary summer school this past summer. I've also helped at the library and tutored people. Oh and I got a 1970 on the SAT. So do you think I could get into Rice?
16 months ago
Best Answer
You have a decent chance but your SAT scores are on the low side of what they accept. If you want to go there, apply.
Oh but when colleges recruit applicants that they would never accept, they don't do it for the application fee, they do it so they can reject you and increase their selectivity as to increase there ranking.
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Question:
Is Rice really THAT selective?!?
Hello!!! This year I'm a senior in high school and I'm really worried about getting in to the university I want. Ever since I began my college search I knew that I wanted to go to Rice University here in Houston, TX. From what I've heard this school is EXTREMELY selective. I'm not the smartest kid in school neither am I in top ten percent or am I in any advanced classes... well except for this year I am in a few. I do pretty good on my on level classes. So I'm probably a little bit above average. Also I've been in a few extra curricular activities and work... Now my only hope are my SAT scores!!! I'm really worried because I have high hopes of getting accepted and so does my family and friends and I just dont want to disappoint them! Now you can see why I'm worried! So my question is.... Is Rice as selective as they say? Do I even have a chance?
16 months ago
Best Answer
I'm sorry, but Rice is very selective, and a little bit above average is just nowhere near enough for them. According to their College Board statistics, 87% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their class, and 95% in the top 25%. They only admit 24% of those who apply. The middle 50% of their students have SAT scores as follows: Critical Reading 650-760, Math 680-780, and Writing, 640-740.
Let's say that you do really well on your SATs. The problem you have is what that says about you. It basically says that you are smart, but an underachiever, which doesn't bode well for your performance in college.
Rice looks for character/personal qualities, class rank, essay, extracurricular activities, recommendations, rigor of your secondary school record, SAT, talent/ability, and GPA..
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What SAT score do you need and GPA score?
17 months ago
Best Answer
A friend of mine's daughter is starting there next week. She told me that you need a minimum 2250 SAT; I'm not sure about the GPA.
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Question:
Rice University?
those of you who have attended Rice already, or plan onto attending Rice, how does the interview? any particular questions I need to have in mind? how big of a role does your SAT scores play in the decision making process? Volunteering and extra cirrucular activities a plus? I am trying to find out some information that is not available on their website. Thank you to all that answer.
17 months ago
Best Answer
I have a friend at Rice. SAT scores play a HUGE role and extracurricular activities.
They like people that can make a 2400 or so and still managed to be in almost EVERY club, group, etc at school
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Question:
How do you get in Rice University?
17 months ago
Best Answer
Rice is a really tough school to get into. If you're really serious about Rice, apply early decision/ action.
But of course you need at least upper-600/700 per subject on your SATs, at least top 10% of your class, extra-curricular, etc.
My husband's dad got his phd from Rice. My husband scored better than the criterias I mentioned above. My husband got into a couple of Ivy Leagues, but he was really hoping to get into Rice, which he didn't, despite his dad being a former student there.
Good luck!
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someone told me that if i keep a GPA of 3.0 or higher, then i could go to Rice for my graduate's and they'd pay for room and board AND public transportation. PLUS i'd fit their minority quota--i'm black and cuban. is this true?
17 months ago
Best Answer
This doesn't sound right; Rice is a very prestigious school, and I can't imagine that it would be anywhere near that easy to get in, let alone pay for everything for you.
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Question:
Rice, WashU, Northwestern, UChicago?
Rice, WashU in StL, Northwestern, UChicago
Right now I'm looking at those schools as my "reach" schools. Has anyone who has gone to any one of them tell me the pros and cons of what it is like. Also, what was your high school background like?
If you want, tell me some similar colleges to these.
Thanks.
19 months ago
Best Answer
The only school that I am familiar with is Rice University. I never applied to Rice but my classmates did and horrible experiences with the admission process. However, I know a couple of architects who graduate from Rice and enjoyed their experience at the school and are very successful in their fields.
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Basically, I've been a UT fan since birth. Both my parents are UT alumni and I've always had an attachment to the school. I recently got accepted to the college of communication at UT and the social sciences college at Rice University and I'm torn. The cost isn't an issue. I know Rice is probably a better undergraduate education, but I'm a die hard Longhorn fan. My question is, if you had to choose between the school you're a fan of and their higher ranked private counterpart, what would you do? Will a degree from Rice take me that much further than a degree from UT? I like the idea of attending Rice because I think it would be an interesting environment. Ultimately I'd like to attend grad school and I know Rice offers better grad school placement than UT can. I don't know I'm torn. Thanks for your input.
19 months ago
Best Answer
It sounds like you already know the answer! UT is obviously in your heart and you've been dreaming about it since you were little. Rice is probably a better choice academically, but you should consider your happiness as well. What will ultimately determine your placement in grad school is YOU! Get good grades, do your best, be happy with yourself and you will succeed no matter what. Listen to yourself...you'll know the answer.
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Can someone give me advice on how to get into Rice?
I would really like details from people who have actually been selected on how this works. I'm in 10th grade, I take a rigouous schedule, manage with a 90 avg., take extracurricular activities, and volunteer a lot at a hospital (70 hrs. last summer). I wouldn't say that I'm particularily execptional at anything, but am I doing ok for getting into Rice?
I really want to be a doctor. What should I do to get into the Rice/ Baylor College of Medicine program? Any advice?
Btw.. i'm from Atlanta, not Texas...is that a detriment?
19 months ago
Best Answer
I'm from Houston, and applied, though I didn't get in. One of my friends did, though.
First, being out of state is a good thing. Rice is the most overlooked Ivy because of it's location. You will be fine there.
Since Rice is an Ivy, you need a stellar resume to get in. It appears your grades are ok, but they will take a much harder look at your extracurriculars. Keep volunteering, and assume leadership positions in the clubs you are in. Also, prep for the all important SAT, because a bad score there could break you (a good one won't make you, though). Finally, research the heck out of the school and make sure you know your stuff and the reasons you want to go there. They interview their candidates (at least they used to), so a good interview could win you a spot over someone more qualified.
As far as grad school, that's a little ways off. Just concentrate on getting in from Rice and take it from there.
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Question:
Top business schools in Texas?
I will graduate from high school soon and I am trying to find an affordable university in Texas, preferably in Dallas, with a good business program.
What do you guys think of business programs at UTD(University of Texas @ Dallas)?
Texas A&M sounds nice, but I don't wanna live in a boring town like College Station.
UT also sounds nice but I have heard that it is ridiculously hard to get accepted into their business program.
Would go to Rice if it wasn't so expensive.
Baylor is in boring town. Not so good business program.
I think I'll just have to move out of state :( !
P.S. Don't say SMU please. I would go there if it wasn't for all the bad things I have heard about it. (I am NOT rich and I am NOT white=bad combination to attend SMU)
Thank you in advance.
*To the first person that answered: Because I live in Texas. And my family also lives here.
19 months ago
Best Answer
As a fellow Texan myself, the University of Texas-Austin as well as Rice University are two of the top Tier schools for business and are extremely competitive. For UT-Austin you should be in Top 5% or 10% and for Rice also along with a good SAT score (2100+) and a good record of extracurriculars.
Your comments about SMU are biased and they are not true...
University of Houston-Main Campus is a VERY underrated business school and is cheap and as good as some of the top 50 business schools in the US.
Good Luck!
PS: Try Abilene Christian University or Texas Tech which is a good school, cheap, easy to get into, and has a good business program.
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20 months ago
Best Answer
Rice University is a private college and generally considered one of the best universities in the country.
The best university for you is the school to which you can earn admission and feel a sense of belonging.
University of Houston is a large public research university and is the other main school in Houston.
Good luck.
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I've been accepted to Rice University's 2 year MBA and Notre Dame's 1 Year MBA...Which is more respected throughout the USA?
It isn't an Executive MBA...it's a one year for students who already have a BBA degree...It takes the first year business requirements and wraps it into 3 month Summer courses...then you join the rest of the 2 years in the second yr of school
21 months ago
Best Answer
Is Notre Dames MBA an Executive MBA. If it is I would go to Rice. Executive MBA doesn't get into the same detail. Both school are good schools however. Notre Dame overall may be more presigous, but I would look at other factors beyond prestige to make my decision, i.e. location, the curriculum, areas of curriculum emphasis based on your talents and interests, the faculty's achievements, research coming out of the program, and your gut.
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Question:
Rice University?
I am looking for information reguarding Rice Univerity. Does anyone know the exact SAT requirements? Do you have to take a subject test to apply?
21 months ago
Best Answer
Rice examines each application holistically, so they look at more than just SAT scores and GPA. See this page for more information on how they review each application:
http://www.futureowls.rice.edu/futureowls/Philosophy_and_Evaluation1.asp?SnID=608881819
That said, to have a viable chance at admittance to Rice, you need at least a 1300 (on the old 1600 scale) SAT score. A 1400 would be beneficial, and of course anything above that is great. BUT, Rice has become so selective that even applicants with near perfect SAT scores are not admitted. So really work hard on all aspects of your application.
And yes, it is required that you take two SAT Subject Tests. Shoot for scores of 650 or above.
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I'm number 28 in my class of about 350..maybe--lets say 300, and my GPA is about a 3.6, it will most likely be a 3.7 or 3.8 at the end of this school year. I just want to know right now how hard it is to get into Rice because I know the deadline for applications are coming up like in a week--less than a week actually. I just want to know my chances of getting in. Oh, and I'm going to be taking my SAT in about 2 or 3 weeks.. Please, I really want to get in this school, but I would also like to know my chances of getting in.
I live like near the Galleria in Houston
24 months ago
Best Answer
first thing I have to ask, do you live in Houston or surrounding areas?
Rice seems to have this weird thing where they dont like the most qualified applicants from Houston and the suburbs, but will take some lesser qualified applicants from outside the region. This is to encourage diversity in the student body. Many people say Rice's admission process is very confusing in that, even if you are a great student and have a great application, you may get rejected. Many of my friends did. All I can say is do great on the essay, I mean DO GREAT. I spent 4 weeks on my college essays. I dont go to Rice though. I applied early but got admission elsewhere so I had to "withdraw" my application. When you do your application, you must remember one thing: You are trying to sell yourself to this college and you need to play up your positive points and play down your negatives. Make THEM want you, show them how you will change the student body at Rice. Good luck and enjoy Rice Village, although I hate that part of town....lol
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I am moving from Boston to Houston next month. I am starting at Rice and have never been to Texas before (crazy, I know). Any pertinent info?
Well, I don't have to worry about dorms, I am going to be a grad student and will be living about a mile from Rice in the Montrose area... so no dorm for me!
29 months ago
Best Answer
Ive lived here all my life and am ready to leave.the first thing you may have a hard time with is the humidity. Its hot . all the time.the other thing is the fact that Houston has never had any zoning laws so the slums are everywhere. If you use crack though it makes it easy to buy it.the second is our lack of public transportation and only having one freeway that runs east to west so its gridlocked most of the time.On the plus side if you need someone to do yard work we have lots of illegals. Its one of the best places to earn $10.00 per hour with a masters degree.And If you decide to move out you"ll make lots of friends that hate it also
WELCOME TO HOUSTON
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I'm taking on a major in both biochemistry and in political science. Current GPA= 3.813
32 months ago
Best Answer
First of all there is a lot more to it than your grades and scores. Your scores are high enough for them to look at you, but they look for individuals that can offer more than just to looking good on paper. What is your major? Are your references average or outstanding? Are they going to say that you always got the right answer or that you were concerned with something beyond just getting the right answer? Are you involved in clubs? Volunteering? Are there aspects of your life where things didn't come easy but you were strong enough to fight your way through? They look at the whole package!!
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I have heard it is good but expensive. What do you think?
32 months ago
Best Answer
It is amongst the top universities in the U.S. If you can get in, it is highly recommendable, since you will be sought after no matter what you do with a Rice degree.
As for the expense, it is still one of the top bargain schools in the country, offering and education and reputation parallel to the ivies, Duke or Stanford, but for about half or less that tuition. Costs of living in Houston are also lower if you live off campus.
If you compare tuition to state schools with in-state tuition, sure it is more expensive, but consider that Rice has an excellent financial aid office that helps students (I was one of those) from non-wealthy families to find ample aid including grants, scholarships and low interest loans.
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Question:
RICE University?
Does someone know or are farmillar with RICE University.If so please give me some details.I am intrasted in going and becoming a forensic scientist.
33 months ago
Best Answer
I graduated from Rice a few years ago and had a great experience. Some things to consider:
1) Rice is a small school (<3000 undergrads last I checked). Be sure you want to go to a small school.
2) Rice is more known for its engineering and science programs than its liberal arts programs.
3) In terms of bang-for-your-buck and value for the tuition you pay, Rice is a great deal.
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