Rice University
Rice University is a private non-profit institution located in Houston, TX, offering 79 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 95.69%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion. Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of attendance, with the average net price after aid at $12,640.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $58,128
- 2024 Average Net Price: $12,640 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 7.88% Highly Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 4,562 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 95.69%
- Average SAT Score: 1553
Costs
Tuition Costs
$58,128
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Rice University was $58,128.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$12,640
2024 Value
In 2024 Rice University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $12,640.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$50,560 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$12,640 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$232,512 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Rice University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
16.07% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
6.25% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Rice University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.88% Acceptance Rate
This institution is extremely selective, accepting fewer than 1 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1553
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.9 - 4.0
Estimated Median GPA: 4.00
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Rice University in 2024 is 4,562 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
89.36% 100% Completion Time
95.69% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 89.36% of students graduating from Rice University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Rice University.
Return on Investment
$11,000 Median Student Debt
$89,718 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
12.26% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
1674.49% Return on Investment
1.2 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Rice University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
Business Administration and Management, Other: 604 completions
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services: 349 completions
General Biological Sciences: 107 completions
CIP 14.4701: 93 completions
Area Studies: 85 completions
Mechanical Engineering: 83 completions
General Psychology: 68 completions
CIP 27.0501: 65 completions
CIP 40.0501: 63 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 2,765 completions
Most popular programs at Rice University.
Employment Outcomes
$79,751 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$78,690 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$89,718 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Rice University graduates.
About
Rice University is a private non-profit institution located in Houston, TX, offering 79 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 4,562 students. It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 7.88%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1553. The institution maintains a 95.69% graduation rate. Approximately 16.07% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Houston, TX 77005-1827
Region: Southwest
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 95.69% graduation rate, Rice University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Rice University graduates report median earnings of $89,718 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 79 distinct degree programs, Rice University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.