Rice University Rankings 2026

Rice University is known as a highly respected institution both in U.S. and globally, with strong academic performance across multiple fields.  

It is ranked #17 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report and is also included in Forbes’ list of “New Ivies,” highlighting its growing reputation. 

On a global level, the Rice University QS ranking places it at =119 worldwide, showing its solid position among top universities. 

In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at Rice University rankings, track recent trends, and see how it performs across different subjects. 

Rice University in QS, THE, and U.S. News Rankings 

The Rice University ranking shows strong performance across major global ranking systems, reflecting its academic quality, research output, and global reputation. 

In 2026, Rice University is ranked #17 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report. On a global level, Rice University QS ranking places it at #119 worldwide, while Times Higher Education (THE) positions it within the top 150 universities globally. 

Here’s a quick look at how Rice University rankings have changed over the years: 

For Rice University, the stability of trends is observed within U.S. News ranking system, however, some changes can be observed in QS rankings, whereas THE rankings show stability. 

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Course-Wise Rankings of Rice University 

Although the overall ranking depicts the global standing of Rice University, it is subject to rankings that can show better performance. 

Rice ranks well in engineering and chemical engineering in 2026, with stable rankings in various business and data-related disciplines. 

The following sections will discuss how Rice University ranks among other universities in various subjects: 

QS Subject Wise Rankings of Rice University 

The Rice University ranking in QS subject rankings highlights its strengths mainly in engineering and technical fields, while other disciplines show mid-range global performance. 

Here’s an overview of its QS subject rankings for 2026: 

Performance of Rice University is high in the field of engineering, particularly in chemical engineering, with other disciplines having relatively average global standings. 

THE Subject Wise Rankings of Rice University 

Rice University shows a balanced performance across THE subject rankings, with stronger results in physical sciences and engineering, while other subjects fall in mid-range global positions. 

Here’s an overview of its subject rankings for 2026: 

Rice performs relatively better in physical sciences and engineering, while maintaining moderate global positions across other academic areas, offering a balanced academic profile. 

U.S. News Subject Wise Rankings of Rice University 

According to the rankings made by U.S. News, it is obvious that Rice University performs inconsistently in various disciplines because the university ranks well in some disciplines such as chemistry, materials science, and physics, whereas it ranks moderately in others. 

Here’s an overview of its subject rankings for 2026: 

Rice University performs better in chemistry, materials science, and physics-related fields, while other subjects have mid-range global rankings, giving it a focused but balanced academic profile. 

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Rice University: Excellence and Achievements 

Rice University manages over $900 million in annual research funding and holds the highest Carnegie R1 classification for research activity, highlighting its strong global academic impact.  

It is widely recognized for its contributions to science, innovation, and student experience across multiple disciplines. 

Here’s a closer look at the key awards and recognitions received by Rice University. 

Research Excellence and Scientific Recognition 

Rice University has gained significant recognition for its contributions to scientific discovery and advanced research, especially in chemistry, nanotechnology, and engineering-related fields. 

Here’s a look at some major research awards and scientific recognitions received by Rice University: 

These recognitions reflect Rice’s strength in scientific research, innovation, and global academic contributions. 

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Recognition 

Rice University has also received recognition for its strong focus on innovation, startups, and research commercialization, especially in science and technology-driven industries. 

Here’s a closer look at its innovation and impact-based recognitions: 

These awards highlight Rice University’s focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world applications of research. 

Student Experience, Diversity, and Academic Environment 

Rice University is also recognized for its strong campus environment, student support, and inclusive academic culture, supported by national-level recognition. 

Here’s a look at key recognitions related to student experience and academic environment: 

These recognitions show Rice’s emphasis on student experience, support systems, and campus life quality. 

Read More: Admissions at Rice University  

Miscellaneous Rankings of Rice University 

Apart from QS, THE, and U.S. News, the Rice University ranking is also reflected across other global platforms that evaluate research performance, academic output, and student experience. 

Here’s a closer look at some additional rankings of Rice University: 

These rankings show that Rice University performs strongly in student experience and overall academic quality, while maintaining a steady global position based on research output and academic performance. 

Rice University: Rankings vs Acceptance Rate 

The Rice University ranking places it among the top universities in U.S. and globally, with strong positions such as #119 in QS, =103 in THE, and #17 in U.S. News National Universities. 

Nonetheless, Rice University is also quite selective, admitting only about 8% of applicants. This makes getting into the university rather competitive, particularly for popular majors such as engineering, business, and science. 

Course / Program vs Ranking and Acceptance Trend 

Rice University combines strong global rankings with very selective admissions, making it a top choice for students with strong academic profiles aiming for research-driven and high-quality education. 

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