Campus Identity
Rice University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Houston, TX. Approximately 4,776 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 8% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 46 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 40/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
Rice University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Houston, TX. Approximately 4,776 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 8% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 46 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 40/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Athletics
NCAA D1
American Athletic
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Urban setting
Beach Access
46 miles
Galveston, TX
Weather
Hot Climate
66°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Missouri
Nearest Beach
Galveston, TX
Ocean access within 46.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Houston, TX
Station: HOUSTON PORT · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $52,070 |
| Fees | $1,150 |
| Room & Board | $18,100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $71,320 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields of Study
137 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rice University located?
Rice University is located in Houston, TX. The main campus address is 6100 S Main St, Houston, TX. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Rice University?
Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%, making it extremely selective. Out of 32,473 applicants, 2,597 were admitted in the most recent year. 4,776 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Rice University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Rice University scored between 34 and 35 on the ACT, with a median of 35. About 22% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Rice University?
For the 2023–24 academic year, Rice University charges $52,070/year in tuition. Including room and board ($18,100/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $53,220/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use Rice University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Rice University?
The undergraduate application fee at Rice University is $75. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Rice University have college sports?
Yes — Rice University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the American Athletic. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Rice University the right fit for me?
Whether Rice University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (8% admit rate), cost ($52,070/year out-of-state), campus culture in Houston, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Rice University against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Rice University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- American Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Hot · 66°F avg
- App Fee
- $75
- On Campus Safety Score
- 40/100
- Nearest Airport
- Houston, TX (HOU) · 9 mialso EFD (17 mi), SGR (17 mi)
Location
Houston, TX