Rice University is one of the best institutions for higher education in the nation. According to US News & World Report, Rice University has ranked 17th among the best national colleges. In turn, this has made Rice University one of the most selective schools. The Rice University admission requirements standards are outstandingly high.
No doubt, students are eager to find out how they can get accepted into this top school. In this article, we dive into the acceptance rate, admission requirements, and application procedure of Rice University. Keep reading to discover how to prepare yourself and ace your college application.
Is Rice University Easy to Get Into?
No, Rice University isn’t easy to get into. It has one of the lowest acceptance rates for US freshman and transfer students. With an acceptance rate of nine percent for undergraduate programs, the private university is among the toughest American institutions to get into for higher education.
What Is Rice University’s Acceptance Rate?
The College Scorecard section of the US Department of Education reports that Rice University only has an 11 percent acceptance rate. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) puts the acceptance rate at nine percent. The Rice Thresher, a student newspaper of Rice University, reported that the school will have its lowest ever acceptance rate at 8.56 percent in 2022.
What Is Rice University’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
Rice has a remarkably low acceptance rate for transfer students as a highly competitive university for scholars. Its transfer acceptance rate is only 11.4 percent, which is a little higher than its acceptance rate for first-year students. Hopeful transfer students need to prepare themselves exceedingly well for the admission process at Rice University.
What Is Rice University’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate
Rice University has an 18 percent acceptance rate for Early Decision, according to its Office of Admission. As the official website shows, the university admitted only 478 students from an overall 2,635 Early Decision applicants for 2025 classes.
Even the early birds looking to enter the university will go through the same challenging admission process and competition. However, students who choose this route are nearly two times more likely to gain entry into the school compared to regular applicants.
Rice University Admissions: An Overview
- Number of Applicants at Rice University per year: 29,544
- Rice University Acceptance Rate: 9%
Rice University is among the top 50 most competitive universities for graduate and undergraduate programs. The selection and committee-based evaluation (CBE) process for Rice University are remarkably strict.
With only a nine percent acceptance rate, Rice University has set high bars for its enrollment. Students are recommended to submit SAT or ACT scores and must satisfy a minimum general GPA of 3.20 for undergraduate admission.
Who Gets Into Rice University?
Rice University enrolls various students from different regions of the United States and the world. It has a great balance between students from Texas, US citizens outside of Texas, and international students. According to the school’s website, Rice University aims to create one of the most diverse student populations by taking a “holistic, team-based approach to reviewing applications”.
The ratio between male and female enrollment is almost equal, with US News & World Report stating a 52 percent male and 48 percent female student population during the last admission period. According to Data USA, around 33.4 percent of students are White, 19.6 percent are Asian, 11.9 percent are Hispanic or Latino, and 6.36 percent are Black.
Rice University Enrollment by Ethnicity
- White: 33.4%
- Asian: 19.6%
- Hispanic or Latino: 11.9%
- Black: 6.36%
- Two or more races: 3.5%
Rice University Acceptance Rate by Major
Rice University has a selective enrollment for all of its majors. Its top majors include Information Science, Economics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. As the university is ranked within the top 20 national universities in the US, getting into these undergraduate programs is tougher than you could imagine.
Acceptance Rate by Major at Rice University
Rice University Application Deadline: When Is Rice University’s Application Due?
The application deadline for the domestic students at Rice University is generally November 1 for Early Decision students. Students must apply in September if they are submitting SAT or ACT scores. The application deadline for regular admission is December 1 for the SAT and ACT score applicable compatibility. The same dates apply to international students.
Rice University Application Deadlines
- Early Decision Deadline: November 1
- Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Application Fee: $75
- Common App: Yes
What Are the Major Reasons to Go to Rice University?
Rice University is among the STEM powerhouse in the United States and is highly regarded as one of the top universities in the US Southern states. Besides its rankings and Southern charm, Rice University offers a diversified community, excellent dorm capacity, and great extracurricular activities. Keep reading for more information.
Excellent Academics
The best reason to get into Rice University is its exceptional academic record. The private university has ranked sixth for Best Undergraduate Teaching by US News & World Report. With a highly competitive admission process, the institution offers a brilliant melting pot for the best merits in the US and worldwide.
Its focus on STEM subjects with special attention to science and engineering is remarkable. It enjoys greater fame for its research and contribution to clinical and artificial hearts, structural chemistry, and space science. Its Baylor Medical Scholars Program is a much-cherished program for medical students.
Unique and Diversified Student Community
Rice University has one of the largest international student communities. Its blend of Texas, non-Texas, and international students helps to create a diverse networking system for students. Students can exchange, share, and develop a better cultural understanding. Its 11 housing facilities randomly allocate the living rooms to students, allowing students to meet people from all walks of life.
Outstanding Extracurricular Activities
A university isn’t only about classes and labs. It should provide students with everything they need to develop culturally, intellectually, physically, and mentally. Rice University excels in brilliant extracurricular activities.
For sports lovers, its baseball team is famous as the Rice Owl team. They have ranked first and D1 in the national college sports competitions. You may also closely work with the Impact Rice Retreat (IRR), Rice Outdoor Club, and Shepherd School of Music, depending on your preference and skills.
Tips for Applying to Rice University
Rice University is one of the best STEM-focused institutions in the US, with rigorous research and continuous academic development. With an unthinkable competition, you should prepare for the application system and the required compatibility requirements. It includes a high GPA, excellent SAT or ACT scores, a successful interview, and an exceptional letter of purpose.
Get the Highest Possible GPA
Although Rice University doesn’t explicitly discuss its GPA requirement, you can confidently assume it’s high as it’s one of the criteria for admission into this highly selective school. According to the Academic Index set by Rice University, a Higher GPA is one of the most crucial competency factors for applicants.
Aim for a 36 ACT and 1570 SAT score
According to the Office of Admission, the average SAT score for the 75th percentile at Rice University is 1560. The ACT score for the 75th percentile of applicants is 35. You should aim for these ACT and SAT scores or higher to increase your chances of admission. The admission office will count the top scores for applicants’ SAT and ACT marks.
Apply for Early Decision
The acceptance rate for the Early Decision program is almost two times higher than that of regular decision at Rice University. Its Early Decision acceptance is around 18 to 20 percent each year compared to nine to 11 percent acceptance for the regular applicants.
Engaging Essay
You must submit an engaging, practical, and inspirational essay once you meet the standard admission requirements. It is vital since the character trait of the applicants is among very important considerations for Rice University. It is also beneficial to send in letters of recommendation.
Your essay should be between 700 to 800 words. The first 150 words should focus on why you wish to gain admission. Then, explain the top reasons and features of Rice University that you like. Finally, explain what changes your degree can bring to society and how you want to contribute to the university’s student community. It should highlight your personal qualities.
Extracurricular Activities
One or two extracurricular activities during high-school graduation will be useful for admission into Rice University. It can be national sports or merit-based programs, awards, or social service. Also, leadership experience in reputed clubs will hold great influence.
Rice University Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist
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If you’re interested in applying for a first-year program at Rice University, you will need to prepare a series of documents, review the application requirements, and prepare for a possible interview. We have created a checklist for application to help you ace your school application.
Very Important
- GPA class rank
- Course rigor
- SAT and ACT scores
- Essay
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
- Character
Considered
- Interview performance
- First-generation and legacy
- State residency
- Geographic residence
- Racial and ethnic status
- Volunteer work
- Applicant interest
- Work experience
Not considered
- Religious affiliation
Rice University SAT Requirements
Below we show you the SAT scores required to get accepted into Rice University. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while a 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting SAT Scores: 46%
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 720 (25th percentile); 770 (75th percentile)
- SAT Math: 770 (25th percentile); 800 (75th percentile)
Rice University ACT Requirements
As one of the most competitive universities, Rice University also has a high ACT standard. Almost 54 percent of applicants submit their ACT scores, which is a very important admission consideration for Rice University.
- Students Submitting ACT Scores: 29%
- ACT Composite: 34 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
- ACT English: 35 (25th percentile); 36 (75th percentile)
- ACT Math: 32 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
Acing Your Rice University Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT and ACT?
When you want higher ACT and SAT scores, there’s no respite from working hard. However, to make the most of your time, you need to be strategic and work with a vision. We highlight three study strategies below.
Analyze and focus on your weakness
Identify your weak subjects in which you are continuously scoring low. It isn’t time-efficient to spend copious amounts of time on subjects in which you have already succeeded. Ideally, start your preparation with a mock SAT and ACT. It helps you see your weaknesses better.
Speed up your test time
Most will fail to meet the time requirement during their SAT and ACT tests. Knowing all the answers will be useless if you cannot answer all the questions in time. You must increase your reading and writing speed to complete the questions on time. You should balance accuracy and speed for a better result. There’s no point in writing wrong answers quickly.
Seat for practice tests
One of the best ways to identify your strength and weakness in the SAT and ACT exams is to sit for practice tests. Sitting for several mock tests will help you manage your time and know where to focus. The chances of you scoring higher in the main exam will improve.
Rice University GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?
Rice University doesn’t include a minimum GPA requirement for the admission process. However, they consider it very important for good standing. If you have a lower GPA score, you need to compensate for it with better SAT or ACT scores. Many students suggest at least a GPA of 3.5 or above is necessary to secure enrollment at Rice University.
Rice University Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend Rice University?
According to NCES, the cost of tuition at Rice University is $52,895 per year. This tuition fee data is taken from the 2021-2022 academic year. The data also shows that tuition fees have increased by 3.5 percent each year.
Common Majors at Rice University
Rice University is mainly oriented toward STEM degree programs. Naturally, its science and engineering programs are widely accepted as the top majors of Rice University. The institution also has a brilliant major in Economics that is among the top 50 economics degrees in the US, according to US World & News Report.
Computer and Information Sciences
Rice University offers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in computer and information sciences. PhD students learn computational thinking, computer science projects, and digital logic design in four years. The department only accepts a small number of students, allowing accepted students to collaborate and seek support from their peers and professors.
Best Jobs for Computer and Information Sciences Graduates
- Software Engineer and Computer Programmer
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Computer Network Architect
Biochemistry
The biochemistry major at Rice University is among the top three most popular programs at the school. The school’s Department of Bioscience offers a bioscience major with concentrations in biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, ecology and evolutionary biology, and integrative biology.
Best Jobs for Biochemistry Graduates
- Physician Associate
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Petroleum Engineer
Economics
The Department of Economics at Rice University is located in the School of Social Sciences. You will get applied, theoretical and practical knowledge on different branches of classical and modern economics with the program. The school has launched the Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics (RISE) which has emphasized microeconomics, econometrics, and data analysis.
Best Jobs for Economic Graduates
- Actuaries
- Mathematicians and Statisticians
- Financial Analysts
Rice University Attendance Outcomes
With its brilliant academic records, outstanding ranking factors, and impressive support, Rice University offers great student outcomes. You can get different lucrative jobs after you graduate from the university.
Below, we will show you the top jobs you can get after graduating from Rice University. The list is based on the alumni and their salary range in the top five major programs of the institutions. The following tables will give you a complete guideline on the best available jobs for Rice University graduates.
Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended Rice University
| Position | Median Salary | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Software developer | $110,140 | 22% |
| Other manager | $159,010 | 11% |
| Miscellaneous engineer, including nuclear engineer | $120,380 | -8% |
| Civil engineer | $88,050 | 8% |
| Postsecondary teacher | $79,640 | 12% |
Rice University Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs
| Position | Median Salary | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Securities, commodities, & financial services sales agents | $62,910 | 4% |
| Surgeons | $208,000 | 3% |
| Other financial specialists | $81,410 | 5% |
| Physicians and physician assistant | $121,530 | 31% |
| Cardiovascular technologists and technicians | $75,380 | 14% |
Should I Apply to Rice University?
Yes, you should apply to Rice University. The university not only offers brilliant academic outputs but also exceptional career growth. Also, its science and engineering program is truly one of the best in the world. Its economics major ranks among the top 50 economic degree programs in the US. It has a brilliant dorm facility, amazing versatility, and a diversified student community.
If Rice University is your go-to option, make sure you have very high GPA, SAT, and ACT scores. Review the application requirements and be sure to provide the best quality work you can. If you want to join the workforce with a prestigious reputation, apply to Rice University.
Rice University Acceptance Rate FAQ
Although Rice University’s official page does not state how many students get put on the waitlist, it does state that up to 150 waitlisted students may receive offers, depending on how many students apply and how many students reject their offers.
No, Rice University is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League consists of eight schools, which include Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.
Harvard University is tougher to get into than Rice University. Harvard University only has a six percent acceptance rate and requires higher SAT scores. However, Rice University’s acceptance rate isn’t much higher at just nine percent.
Yes, Rice University has a very nice campus. In fact, the campus was ranked as the fourth most beautiful college campus in the country in 2018 due to its architecture and surrounding landscape.
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