Rice University
Houston, United States • Founded 1891 • World Rank #315
Overview
Established in 1891, the Rice University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Houston (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Texas.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Rice University is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Rice University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 133-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Rice University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Rice University's coordinates, postal address, and the contact channels admissions teams respond on. Campus tour bookings often have their own page distinct from general contact channels.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Rice University's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Academic Structures
Rice University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 8 items
- Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology
- Computer and Information Technology Institute
- Engineering Design and Development Institute
- James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
- Quantum Institute
- Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Architecture
- Shepherd School of Music
Programs Offered
Browse Rice University's programmes by level, or filter by name to find a specific course. The grouping helps when you have a target qualification tier but want to compare specific programme content.
Bachelor's Degree
55 programmes
At undergraduate level, Rice University offers 55 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation Interior Design
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Operations Research General Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering
Nanotechnology General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Liberal Arts
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
Cognitive Science Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
49 programmes
There are 49 programmes to choose from at Rice University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Operations Research General Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Nanotechnology General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Applied Statistics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Human Computer Interaction Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
32 programmes
Browse 32 programmes of research-degree study at Rice University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering
Nanotechnology General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
1 programme
Alongside its degrees, Rice University provides 1 programme at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Rice University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Rice University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Rice University's 137 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Rice University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Rice University processes applications through www.rice.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (713) 348 0000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Rice University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
In what year was Rice University established?
Rice University was founded in 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
Where can I find Rice University?
The institution is located in Houston, United States.
Is Rice University a public or private institution?
Rice University is a private institution.
How many students does Rice University have?
The institution has a student body of 8,000-8,999.
How is Rice University ranked?
Rice University holds rank #315 globally and #72 in United States.
What is Rice University's academic structure?
Rice University has 8 academic units.
Is Rice University officially recognised?
Yes, Rice University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Where can I learn more about Rice University?
Rice University's official website is www.rice.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Rice University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Universities affiliated with Association of American Universities (AAU) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Rice University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Rice University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Below: institutions across the United States that offer General Engineering, providing comparison points for Rice University's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Often Compared with Rice University
Students applying to Rice University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Rice University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
