Everything You Need to Know About Applying to Rice University

Rice University is a research institution in Houston, Texas, known for combining academic rigor with a supportive campus environment. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct access to faculty, and strong programs across engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Rice emphasizes undergraduate research and real-world learning, with many students participating in faculty-led projects and internships both on and off campus. Through its holistic Component-Based Evaluation (CBE) admissions process, Rice seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving their communities.

Class of 2028 Overview

Rice’s admissions process is highly selective. The most recent application cycle (2023–2024) yielded:

Total Applicants: 32,473
Admitted Students: 2,597
Acceptance Rate: 8.0%
Students Enrolled: 1,148

Standardized Test Scores (25th–75th Percentile of Enrolled Students):

SAT Composite: 1510–1560
ACT Composite: 34–35

Class Demographics

Gender Breakdown:

Male: 51%
Female: 49%

Geographic Distribution:

Texas: 38%
Other U.S. States: 49%
International Students: 14%

Domestic Student Ethnicity (Federal Reporting):

Asian American: 34%
White: 30%
Hispanic/Latino: 19%
African American/Black: 7%
Multiracial: 7%
Other: 4%

Application Plans and Deadlines

Rice offers multiple application plans. Each option has specific deadlines and decision timelines:

Plan	Application Deadline	Notification	Reply Deadline
Early Decision I	November 1	Mid-December	January 4
Early Decision II	January 4	Mid-February	March 1
Regular Decision	January 4	April 1	May 1

Required Application Materials

Common Application with Rice writing supplement
$75 nonrefundable application fee (waivers available)
Official high school transcript
Two teacher recommendations + school counselor recommendation
Architecture applicants must submit a portfolio
Optional standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
Optional interview (virtual, conducted by alumni or current students)
Optional “Box” image submission
Optional Glimpse video or InitialView interview for international applicants

Academic Expectations and Course Requirements

Rice evaluates students on intellectual vitality and academic preparedness. At a minimum, applicants must complete the following:

Subject Area	Required Credits
English	4
Social Studies	2
Mathematics	3
Laboratory Sciences	2
Foreign Language	2
Additional coursework	3
Total	16

Applicants to engineering or science programs should complete coursework in chemistry, physics, and precalculus or trigonometry. Students may substitute a second year of chemistry or biology for physics if needed.

Testing Policy

Rice has adopted a test-optional policy for the current admissions cycle. Applicants may choose to submit SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or AICE scores. When provided, the admissions committee superscores SAT and ACT results.

Essay sections of standardized tests are not considered.
Self-reported scores are accepted, official scores are required after admission.
Rice’s SAT code: 6609; ACT code: 4152

Interviews

While optional, interviews provide an opportunity to share your interests, ask questions, and learn more about student life. Interviews are virtual and must be requested after submitting the application. Students may also submit an optional 60 to 90 second video through Glimpse. International students are encouraged to participate in InitialView interviews.

Tuition, Fees & Expenses (Academic Year 2025–2026)

The cost of attendance varies slightly based on entry year and enrollment status. Below is a breakdown for students entering in Fall 2024 or later:

Expense Category	Per Semester	Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition	$33,270	$66,540
Part-Time Tuition (per credit)	$2,773	Max $33,270
Student Activity Fee	$60	$120
Recreation Center Fee	$70	$140
Health & Wellness Support Fee	$348.50	$697
On-Campus Room	$6,575	$13,150
On-Campus Meals	$3,200	$6,400

Additional One-Time Fees:

Orientation Week Activity Fee (first-years): $360
Orientation Room & Board: $540
International Orientation Fee (iPrep): $395

Note: Health insurance is required unless waived. Visit Rice’s Student Health Insurance website for more details.

Students seeking part-time enrollment must obtain approval from the Office of Academic Advising and adjust their schedule accordingly in the first two weeks of the semester. A $175 part-time enrollment fee applies.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

With more than 45 research centers, institutes, and consortia, and $125 million in research funding annually, Rice University provides exceptional opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research across disciplines. In fact, over half of Rice undergraduates participate in research during their time on campus.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

This summer program is designed for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation and low-income students. No prior research experience is required. Fellows receive $3,000 for approximately 150 hours of faculty-mentored research, alongside workshops and advising sessions.

Sustaining Excellence in Research (SER) Scholars Program

Targeted toward first- and second-year STEM students, this program provides academic support, peer mentoring, and placements in Rice or Texas Medical Center labs. Participants earn $10/hour for up to 150 hours of research and attend monthly professional development workshops.

Century Scholars

This two-year program matches select first-year students with faculty mentors for long-term research collaboration. In addition to guided research, scholars receive a merit scholarship and research stipend.

Rice Undergraduate Scholars Program (RUSP)

Open to seniors planning a year-long thesis or independent study project, RUSP provides academic credit, weekly seminars on graduate research careers, and funding for research materials or conferences.

Conference Funding

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) provides grants to cover costs associated with presenting or attending academic conferences. Students can receive up to $500 for presenting research and up to $100 for general attendance.

UNIV 301

This zero-credit course allows students to formalize a supervised research experience, on or off campus, which will be recorded on their transcript. Students and faculty advisors agree on performance expectations at the start of the term.

Rice University offers a distinctive college experience that balances academic excellence with meaningful research and community engagement. Its holistic admissions process is designed to identify students who are not only academically prepared, but who also bring a sense of purpose, leadership, and thoughtful contribution to the university community.

At Ivy Talent Education, we help students understand what top schools are really looking for and guide them through every step of the application journey. From shaping your college list to editing essays and preparing for interviews, our team offers the insight and support you need to apply with confidence. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you take the next step toward your academic goals.