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Rice University

· Houston

Rice University

Private School
Country
Houston
City
8880
Total Students
Private
Status
About the University

Rice University overview

William Marsh Rice University ('Rice University') is a private research university located in Houston, Texas, in the United States.

Set on approximately 120 hectares of tree-lined grounds, Rice University operated as the William M. Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art from 1912 until 1960, when it was granted university status.

Over the years, Rice has become one of the most selective and prestigious universities in the United States, known for its challenging academic programs, low student-to-faculty ratio, and strong emphasis on undergraduate research.

Rice has made significant contributions to a variety of fields, most notably science and engineering, and has played a key role in advancing nanotechnology, space science, and artificial heart research.

Rice gained national recognition in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech at the university's football stadium, reinforcing the nation's commitment to space exploration.

The institution is also home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy, a leading think tank that influences global and national policy.

With one faculty member for every 6 undergraduate students, Rice University has adopted the "Residential College" system — in which academic activities take place in a community setting shared by students and faculty — and currently provides higher education to more than 8,000 students across 11 colleges.

About the University

About Rice University

William Marsh Rice University ('Rice University') is a private research university located in Houston, Texas, in the United States.

Set on approximately 120 hectares of tree-lined grounds, Rice University operated as the William M. Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art from 1912 until 1960, when it was granted university status.

Over the years, Rice has become one of the most selective and prestigious universities in the United States, known for its challenging academic programs, low student-to-faculty ratio, and strong emphasis on undergraduate research.

Rice has made significant contributions to a variety of fields, most notably science and engineering, and has played a key role in advancing nanotechnology, space science, and artificial heart research.

Rice gained national recognition in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech at the university's football stadium, reinforcing the nation's commitment to space exploration.

The institution is also home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy, a leading think tank that influences global and national policy.

With one faculty member for every 6 undergraduate students, Rice University has adopted the "Residential College" system — in which academic activities take place in a community setting shared by students and faculty — and currently provides higher education to more than 8,000 students across 11 colleges.

City
Houston
Type
Private
Number of Students
8880
#103
Times Universities
#119
QS World
#17
National Ranking
66
Quality Score
#101
Shanghai List
Faculties & Programs

Rice University faculties and programs

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Scholarship Opportunities

Rice University scholarships and financial aid

Rice University provides various forms of aid and funding for students with international status. Prospective students applying to Rice University must indicate in the financial statement they submit at the time of application whether they wish to apply for aid programs. Otherwise, it will not be possible for students to apply for financial aid programs in subsequent years.

Students who wish to apply for financial aid and funding must, in the financial statement submitted at the time of application:

  • Indicate whether they wish to request financial aid,
  • Submit all bank account statements or declarations supporting the total current funds available toward the cost of attendance (Tax Returns and income verification documents do not serve as supporting documents),
  • Submit all letters and documents supporting any current scholarship funds available toward the cost of attendance,
  • If the total currently available funds are below $74,500, provide a statement explaining how they plan to cover the cost of attendance

All supporting financial documents must be in English and all currency amounts must be written in U.S. dollars.

The Rice University Office of Admission also awards merit scholarships to students who demonstrate academic and personal distinction.

Rice University Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

IB Diploma
37
Min. score
ACT
35
Min. score
GRE
316
Min. score
Diploma Note
90
Min. score
SAT
1530
Min. score
GMAT
705
Min. score
IELTS
7
Min. score
TOEFL
100
Min. score
A-Level
2
Min. score
University GPA
3.9
Min. score
Duolingo
120
Min. score
Application Process

How to get into Rice University

Prospective students wishing to apply to Rice University's undergraduate programs must meet the following requirements.

  • ACT/SAT Test Score
  • High School Diploma
  • Applications must be submitted through the Coalition Application or Common Application along with the Rice Writing Supplement.
  • Non-refundable $75 Application Fee
  • Official English High School Transcript (or Certified English Translation)
  • Letters of Recommendation (3 total: 1 from the applicant's school counselor and 2 from two different teachers)
  • English Proficiency Certificate (an English Proficiency Certificate obtained by scoring on academically recognized exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEFL iBT)
  • International Student Financial Statement
  • Architecture Portfolio (for students applying to the architecture program only)

Students wishing to apply to postgraduate programs offered by Rice University must meet the following requirements.

  • 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Official English transcript from the previously attended higher education institution (or Certified English Translation)
  • $85 Application Fee
  • English Proficiency Certificate (an English Proficiency Certificate obtained by scoring on academically recognized exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test)
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Academic Writing Sample
  • Portfolio
  • Statement of Purpose
  • A GRE/GMAT score may be required based on the specific requirements of the program applied to.

Application Deadlines

OCAK2027
Application deadline
OCAK2027
Application deadline

* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Rice University application process.

Campus

Take a closer look at Rice University

Rice University's campus is situated along South Main Street in the Houston Museum District in Houston, Texas, in the United States, spread across approximately 120 tree-lined hectares.

The campus is divided by five boulevards: Greenbriar Street, Rice Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Main Street, and University Boulevard.

All of Rice University's academic and administrative buildings are located on campus.

Only the Bioscience Research Collaborative building, graduate student housing, and the Wiess President's House are located off campus.

Within the campus there are four major courtyards: the Academic Quadrangle, the Central Quadrangle, the West Quadrangle, and the Engineering Quadrangle.

Transportation within the campus is handled via a small road network connecting the buildings.

Campus Life

Approximately three-quarters of the student population studying at Rice University lives on campus.

Rice University has adopted the Residential College system, where housing is provided in eleven different college buildings that form an integral part of university life.

Within Rice University's campus, in addition to parking lots, recreational areas and facilities, concert halls, theater spaces, and a student center, there are 5 advanced laboratories dedicated to various departments, institutes, 6 dining halls, the Fondren Library — which holds more than 141,000 publications and over 2.8 million print volumes — the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center where students can engage in a variety of activities, the Rice University Student Association, sports fields, fitness centers, and more than 300 student organizations in which students can participate.

Living

Rice University cost of living

Rice University Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standardized test score requirements of Rice University?
Rice University is a highly selective institution and test score requirements vary based on programs. However, average test scores are; SAT: 1530, ACT: 35, and average English language test scores are; IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 100, and Duolingo English Test: 130.

Rice University Location

Houston

Rice University Contact

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Rice University

Take a Closer Look
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How to Get Into Rice University

01

In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.

02

By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.

03

The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.

Why Rice University?

Located in Houston, , Rice University is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.
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