Rice University Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

Rice University maintains one of the most selective acceptance rates in the nation at just 8% for the 2026 admission cycle, making it among the most competitive universities to enter. With a total cost of attendance of $64,144 annually for both in-state and out-of-state students, Rice offers substantial financial aid support, bringing the average net price down to $13,370. Graduates earn a median of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across disciplines.

Acceptance Snapshot

Rice University’s 2026 acceptance rate stands at 8%, reflecting its position as one of the most highly selective private research universities in the United States. This extraordinarily competitive admission landscape means that for every 100 applications received, fewer than 9 applicants gain admission to the university.

The 8% acceptance rate places Rice among elite institutions nationally. This level of selectivity indicates that Rice evaluates applicants on multiple dimensions beyond test scores and GPA—including essays, extracurricular achievements, demonstrated interest, and personal qualities that align with Rice’s collaborative residential college system.

Data as of April 2026

SAT & ACT Scores

While specific 25th-75th percentile test score ranges for the 2026 cycle were not available in the current dataset, prospective students should note that Rice’s highly selective 8% acceptance rate typically correlates with applicant pools where admitted students present exceptionally strong standardized test performance.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit Rice’s official admissions website or contact the Office of Admission directly for current-year SAT and ACT score distributions, as these figures are updated annually and represent a key component of Rice’s holistic admissions review process.

Tuition & Costs

Rice University charges $64,144 in annual tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, as the university does not differentiate tuition by residency status. This comprehensive figure includes tuition and mandatory fees.

When accounting for room, board, and other costs of attendance, students should budget accordingly. However, Rice’s robust financial aid program significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for many families. The average net price of $13,370 demonstrates the university’s commitment to making a Rice education affordable through institutional grant aid.

Financial Aid Overview

Rice University is recognized for its generous financial aid commitment. The average net price of $13,370 represents what students pay after accounting for grants and scholarships, a substantial reduction from the sticker price of $64,144.

This affordability is achieved through Rice’s need-blind admissions policy and commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The university’s endowment supports significant institutional aid, ensuring that admitted students from families across all income levels can afford to attend.

Students graduating from Rice carry a median debt of $11,000, among the lowest in the nation for private research universities, reflecting both the generous grant aid provided and the university’s emphasis on keeping student borrowing to a minimum.

Graduation Rates

Rice University reports a 95.19% completion rate, meaning that 95 out of every 100 students who enroll complete their degree within the standard timeframe. This exceptional graduation rate significantly exceeds the national average and reflects Rice’s strong student support systems, residential college model, and academic resources.

The high completion rate is a testament to Rice’s commitment to student success, from first-year advising through senior capstone experiences. The university’s small student body of 4,776 undergraduates enables close faculty-student relationships and personalized academic planning.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Rice University graduates earn a median of $89,718 ten years after initial enrollment, positioning the university among institutions with strong long-term career outcomes. This figure reflects earnings across all majors and career paths and represents the earning potential of the typical Rice graduate a decade into their career.

This median earnings figure underscores the value of a Rice degree in the labor market and the university’s success in preparing graduates for meaningful, well-compensated careers across sectors including engineering, business, science, and the humanities.

Popular Majors

The most popular majors at Rice University reflect the university’s strengths in STEM disciplines, business, and liberal arts. While specific degree-award data for the most recent cycle was not available in the current dataset, Rice’s academic programs consistently draw significant enrollment in:

• Engineering (particularly Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering)
• Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Economics
• Physics
• Mathematics
• English and Creative Writing
• Psychology
• Architecture

For detailed information on degree production by major and specific program rankings, prospective students should consult Rice’s institutional research office or academic department websites.

Demographics

Rice University serves a diverse student body of 4,776 undergraduates. The university has made significant strides in recent years toward increasing racial and ethnic diversity among its student population, reflecting both broader demographic trends in college-going and Rice’s intentional recruitment and support efforts.

For current demographic breakdowns by race, ethnicity, gender, and other characteristics, prospective students should consult Rice’s official enrollment data published through the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS system, which is updated annually.

FAQ

What is Rice University’s acceptance rate for 2026?

Rice University’s acceptance rate for 2026 is 8%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that admitted students represent the top tier of applicants, evaluated through a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

How much does Rice University cost?

Rice University’s tuition is $64,144 annually for all students, regardless of residency. However, the average net price—what families actually pay after grants and scholarships—is $13,370, reflecting Rice’s generous financial aid program. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

What are typical earnings for Rice graduates?

Rice University graduates earn a median of $89,718 ten years after enrollment. This strong earnings outcome reflects the quality of education, career preparation, and networking opportunities available through a Rice degree across various fields.

Does Rice offer financial aid to international students?

Rice University is need-blind in admissions and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students. However, prospective international students should contact the Office of Financial Aid directly for specific information about aid availability and application procedures for non-U.S. citizens.

What is the graduation rate at Rice University?

Rice University’s completion rate is 95.19%, meaning that the vast majority of students who enroll graduate within the standard timeframe. This high graduation rate reflects the university’s strong academic support, residential college system, and student-centered approach to education.

How selective is Rice University in admissions?

With an 8% acceptance rate, Rice University is among the most selective institutions in the nation. Admitted students typically demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, strong standardized test scores, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities that align with Rice’s collaborative community values.

What is the student body size at Rice University?

Rice University enrolls approximately 4,776 undergraduate students. This relatively small size for a research university enables close faculty-student relationships, personalized advising, and a strong sense of community through Rice’s distinctive residential college system.

---

Data Sources

The statistics and figures presented in this article are derived from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard database, with data fetched as of April 11, 2026.

Readers are encouraged to verify current admissions standards, tuition rates, and financial aid policies directly with Rice University’s Office of Admission and Office of Financial Aid, as institutional data is updated regularly and may reflect changes not yet reflected in national databases.