Rice University : Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Rice University operates a single, integrated campus. Spread across 300 acres, the campus features tree-lined walkways, modern research facilities, and historic buildings that have been preserved. Its layout encourages interaction between disciplines, with direct access to Houston’s Museum District and the Texas Medical Center.

Key Campus Highlights:

• Academic Quad: At the center of academic life, the quad includes Lovett Hall (Rice’s oldest building), Fondren Library, and several core departments. Green commons and Mediterranean-style architecture define this part of the campus.
• BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC): This 10-story facility near the Texas Medical Center houses labs, classrooms, and a 287-seat auditorium. It supports cross-institutional research in biosciences, chemistry, and engineering.
• Residential Colleges: Rice’s 11 residential colleges serve as living-learning hubs. Each college has its dining, traditions, events, and faculty advisors, creating close student communities that shape campus life.
• Moody Center for the Arts: A 50,000 sq ft interdisciplinary venue for exhibitions, performances, and creative studios. It connects the arts with design, Information Technology, and public programming.
• Engineering and Computing Complex: Led by the George R. Brown School of Engineering, this corridor supports work in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The nearby Ralph S. O’Connor Building expands research in materials science and data science.
• Athletics and Recreation: Division I facilities include Rice Stadium, Tudor Fieldhouse, and Reckling Park. The Gibbs Recreation Center supports fitness, wellness, and club sports, striking a balance between academic and athletic priorities.

The character of Rice’s campus supports its academic mission, but how does this translate into global recognition? Let's see how the university ranks across key international lists.

Rice University rankings continue to gain ground globally, rising from #145 to #119 in the QS World University Rankings between 2024 and 2026. It also held consistent spots in U.S. News and THE rankings through 2025. 

Below is a snapshot of Rice’s latest placements across major global ranking agencies:

Institutional rankings provide a broad view, but a closer examination of subject-specific placements reveals where Rice excels academically. Here's how its top departments perform.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

Rice University courses rankings vary across disciplines, with Engineering ranked #89 (THE) and Computer Science placed within the 101–125 band. While core sciences and psychology occupy mid-tier positions, Civil Engineering holds a stronger QS ranking. A subject-specific view of the 2025 rankings is detailed below:

Strong course rankings often attract competitive applicants. If you're planning to apply, understanding Rice’s admissions process is the logical next step.

Rice University admissions maintains a highly competitive admissions process, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of just 8%. While test scores are optional, programs expect a minimum TOEFL of 100, and applications are evaluated for academic readiness, personal alignment, and supporting credentials.

Let’s outline the key requirements in detail.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to Rice must submit a complete package of academic records, recommendation letters, and purpose statements. 

Graduate programs often require resumes and portfolios, while all international applicants must show financial readiness and proof of English proficiency.

Below are the foundational admission qualifications by category.

Academic Qualification

Rice accepts a range of national and international qualifications. Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, while graduate programs require a recognized bachelor’s degree. 

In addition, Rice does not enforce a minimum age threshold for either level of study. Key academic criteria are outlined below.

Language Proficiency

A high level of English proficiency is essential at Rice, with both undergraduate and graduate applicants expected to meet or exceed thresholds such as a TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS band score of 7.0. Duolingo is also accepted. Here’s a breakdown of the test scores required by level of study.

Competitive Exams

Rice is test-optional for undergraduate admissions, though SAT/ACT scores may strengthen applications. Graduate applicants generally aren’t required to submit GRE scores, while GMAT scores apply only to select business tracks. 

For placement, AP and IB scores are accepted. The table below lists relevant exam expectations.

Note: These are the average scores expected for a competitive application to Rice University.

Completing academic and exam requirements is just the beginning for international applicants. Securing a U.S. visa is the next essential step.

Visa Requirements

International students must complete U.S. F-1 or J-1 visa procedures, including submitting the DS-160 and providing proof of at least one year’s tuition and living expenses coverage. A SEVIS fee of $350 (INR 30K) and a valid passport are essential.

Here’s a complete list of documents required to secure a study visa in the USA after admission.

To ensure all documents and approvals are in order, applicants must also be aware of when to apply. Here’s a full timeline of Rice’s application cycles.

Application Deadline and Intakes

Rice University’s admissions calendar features four prominent intakes, with early decision and transfer deadlines aligned for both domestic and international applicants. The next active deadline is November 1, 2025, for Early Decision I. The whole intake schedule is outlined below:

With application logistics covered, the next step is knowing what programs are available. Rice’s offerings span traditional and emerging disciplines. Here’s a look.

Rice University offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate and professional degrees, within schools such as Engineering, Business, Architecture, Music, and Social Sciences.

A notable number of these carry STEM designations, making international students eligible for 24-month STEM OPT extensions.

Here’s a closer look at the key programs and courses:

• MBA (Full‑Time & Professional) – Jones Graduate School of Business: STEM-designated, with core business courses and over 100 electives in areas like finance, energy, healthcare management, and analytics. Includes global consulting and CPT options.
• M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering & M.S. in Computer Science: Includes graduate tracks like data science, neuroengineering, photonics, and Machine Learning, research options through professional (MCS, MDS) or thesis-based programs.
• Bachelor of Architecture: A six-year NAAB-accredited degree focused on urbanism, design‑build, and digital fabrication, with a required paid internship component.
• B.S. in Computer Science (Engineering): Focus areas include algorithms, systems programming, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and HCI. Available as both B.A. and B.S., with flexibility in electives and strong industry ties.
• B.Mus. in Performance (Shepherd School of Music): Offers conservatory-style training in instruments, composition, opera, and ensemble performance in top-tier venues like Brockman Hall.

Different courses also come with different financial commitments. Here's how program-wise tuition is structured at Rice.

Program Fees at Rice University

Annual tuition at Rice varies by program type, with undergraduate degrees like B.E./B. Tech priced at $66,540 (INR 56.7L), while specialized master’s degree tracks like MS in Engineering Management fall between $35,000 and $62,000 (INR 29.8L to INR 52.8L) . Here’s a snapshot of program-wise tuition for the 2025 academic year:

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Tuition is just one part of the overall cost. Let’s now look at the broader financial picture for international students.

Rice’s tuition structure reflects the diversity of its academic offerings. Graduate coursework in fields such as Arts and Sciences shows a wide range, MA degrees average $38,700 (INR 33L), while MBAs are priced around $55,000 (INR 47L). 

Below is a detailed cost of studying in the USA at Rice University across major programs:

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Beyond academics, students must also plan for day-to-day expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what it typically costs to live near Rice.

Cost of Living

Living expenses in the USA near Rice University typically range from $17,400 to $26,900 (INR 15L to INR 23.1L) per year, with accommodation and meals alone accounting for up to $18,000 (INR 15.4L). Costs vary by housing type, personal habits, and utility usage.

Here's a detailed breakdown of estimated annual expenses for international students:

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

To ease this financial load, Rice and external organizations offer multiple scholarships. Let’s now take a look at the key funding options.

Rice offers both institutional and external funding opportunities for students who demonstrate academic merit. Awards range from partial tuition offsets to full support, depending on eligibility and educational background. Below are the available internal and external scholarships:

Internal Scholarships

Some of Rice’s merit-based scholarships for studying in the USA are awarded to specific departments and students who achieve certain milestones. For example, engineering undergraduates entering their third year may qualify for up to $2,000 (INR 1.7L) through the Fluor Daniel Scholarship.

The full list of internally offered awards is as follows:

Outside Rice, students can also tap into global funding programs. These options may help fill any remaining financial gaps.

External Scholarships

Students may also access competitive funding from national and international organizations. Specific awards, such as the AAUW scholarship, offer up to $50,000 (INR 43L) to graduate women who meet academic and language criteria. 

Here’s a breakdown of major external scholarships available to Rice applicants:

Cost and funding only make sense in the context of outcomes. Rice’s placement record shows how students fare after graduation.

Rice University students consistently achieve strong career options after graduation across various sectors, including finance, consulting, energy, technology, and engineering.

The university reports a 4-year graduation rate of 87% and a 6-year rate of 92%, placing it among the most successful institutions nationally for undergraduate completion. Here’s a closer look at the placement highlights:

• For the Class of 2024, the Jones Graduate School of Business reported a median starting salary of $150,000 (INR 1.3Cr), with 100% of MBA students securing internships.
• 71% of MBA students received full-time offers directly through Rice’s employer network.
• Over 175 employers actively recruited from Rice Business in 2024.
• Undergraduate business majors in the USA earned an average salary of $93,000 (INR 79L), with 92% securing a position within six months of graduation.
• The Center for Career Development provides strong placement support, offering resume clinics, mock interviews, and career expos across various disciplines.

Rice’s academic strength, small student-to-faculty ratio, and proximity to the Texas Medical Center and Houston’s major corporate sectors contribute to strong employment outcomes across all schools.

To understand the scope of career success, it's useful to look at who’s hiring Rice graduates. Here are the top recruiters.

Top recruiters

Rice University graduates, both undergraduate and graduate, are recruited by top-tier employers across diverse industries. This reflects the university’s strong academic reputation, close employer partnerships, and focus on career development. Some of the top recruiters for Rice graduates include:

• McKinsey & Company: Recruits MBA and economics graduates for strategy and operations roles across central U.S. offices, with intense activity in Houston and Dallas.
• J.P. Morgan: Selects business, finance, and statistics majors for roles in investment banking, equity research, and asset management.
• Amazon: Hires from Rice’s computer science and business programs for positions in software engineering, product management, and operations.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Targets MBA and quantitative undergraduates for consulting analyst positions, with several placements through Rice’s case prep initiatives.
• Dell Technologies: Offers roles in product development, software engineering, and supply chain analytics to engineering and MBA students.
• NASA: Engages aerospace and electrical engineering students through internships, co-ops, and postgraduate research programs tied to Rice’s strong ties in Houston.
• Bain & Company: Frequently hires MBA and high-performing undergraduates from Rice for consulting positions, often through on-campus events and interview rounds.

Beyond academics and careers, a university experience is shaped by life outside the classroom. Rice’s student community reflects this balance.

Student life at Rice revolves around an immersive, student-led culture shaped by its unique residential college system. With approximately 4,500 undergraduates, the campus is intentionally designed to promote collaboration, support, and inclusion across both academic and social settings.

From student-led publications to cultural festivals and NCAA sports, Rice balances intellectual challenge with personal growth. Here’s a closer look at how student life takes shape across campus:

• Clubs & Organizations: Rice hosts over 300 student organizations across various academic, cultural, performance, faith, public service, and social justice categories.
  • Popular groups include the Rice Program Council, the Student Association, Rice Eclipse (a rocketry organization), Women in STEM, and international student associations.
  • Student-run media at Rice University includes the award-winning Rice Thresher newspaper, KTRU-LP radio station, Campanile yearbook, and several magazines and journals.
• Residential Colleges & Leadership: All undergraduates are randomly assigned to one of 11 residential colleges, which serve as hubs for dining, governance, mentorship, and campus traditions, replacing the traditional Greek life.
  • Each college hosts intramurals, community events, and peer leadership programs that promote student voice and identity throughout the entire student experience, from the first year through graduation.
• Sports, Recreation, and Wellness: Rice competes in 14 NCAA Division I varsity sports, including baseball, football, and track and field.
• The Gibbs Recreation & Wellness Center offers a variety of facilities, including a gym, swimming, group fitness classes, and wellness services.
• Club and intramural sports range from rugby and sailing to ultimate frisbee and martial arts.
• Student Support & Campus Services: Rice supports student development through various offices, including Student Activities, which manages leadership training and event funding, and the Student Success Initiatives Office.
  • Health services are centralized in the Rice Wellness Center, offering counseling, support for mental health, and peer-based resources.
  • Career support includes creating a standout resume, internship placements, and connections with recruiters through the Center for Career Development and the Fondren Library’s research assistance.

The results of Rice’s academic and community ecosystem are best reflected in its alumni. Many have gone on to lead, innovate, and have a global influence.

Rice University’s alumni network includes over 62,500 known living graduates, spanning fields from aerospace and literature to law and venture capital. Their collective impact includes Nobel prizes, historic firsts in government, and billion-dollar enterprises. 

A closer look at some of Rice’s most influential alumni follows:

How does Rice compare when placed alongside other U.S. universities with different profiles and priorities? Let’s explore a side-by-side evaluation.

Rice, Emory, and Vanderbilt University share similar profiles as selective, research-driven universities in the U.S., but their metrics differ in terms of tuition, salary outcomes, and course volume. Annual tuition ranges from $57,210 to $63,694 (INR 48.8L to INR 54.3L), with average graduate salaries exceeding $68,000 (INR 58L) at all three institutions.

Below is a parameter-wise comparison across core academic and career indicators:

Each university offers its mix of academic strengths, financial aid options, and career outcomes. Prospective students should weigh these parameters against their personal goals, program interests, and location preferences when making a decision.