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Rice University emblem

Rice University

Houston, United States • Founded 1891 • QS 2027 #122

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: rice.edu

Overview

Founded: 1891
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #122 Times Higher Education 2026 #103 = ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #101-150 CWTS Leiden 2025 #40 SCImago 2026 #315
Motto: Letters, Science, Art
Colours: Blue and gray
Mascot: Sammy the Owl
The Rice University campus grounds
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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

Address, phone, email, and online links for Rice University are listed below.

Address: 6100 S Main Street
Postal Code: 77005-1827
Phone: +1 (713) 348 0000
Social Media:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Rice University: scale, staffing, and accreditation.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 4,776
Academic Staff Range: 800-899
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of American Universities (AAU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Rice University's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 15 items
  • Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology
  • Computer and Information Technology Institute
  • Engineering Design and Development Institute
  • George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing
  • James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
  • Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
  • Quantum Institute
  • Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology
  • School of Architecture
  • School of Humanities and Arts
  • School of Social Sciences
  • Shepherd School of Music
  • Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
  • Virani Undergraduate School of Business
  • Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Programs Offered

Below are Rice University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

103 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 80 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in African and African American Studies
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Art History
Art History · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence
Data Science & Analytics · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Asian Studies
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Bassoon Performance
Music · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 80.

Master of Business Administration 2 programmes

MD/MBA
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Rice MBA
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 9 programmes

Master's Degree in Computational Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Computational Science and Engineering
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Energy Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Engineering Management and Leadership
Industrial & Systems Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering
Industrial & Systems Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 8 programmes

Doctorate in Accounting
Accounting

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Finance
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Operations Management
Operations Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Organizational Behavior
Music

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Strategic Management
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes

Center for African and African American Studies Certificate
Humanities & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality Certificate
Gender & Sexuality Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Management
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Scholarships in United States

These scholarships are open to students studying in the United States and may apply to programmes at Rice University.

How to apply to Rice University

A short guide to applying to Rice University — five steps.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse Rice University's 103 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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

Below are key facts about Rice University, drawn directly from institutional records.

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 4,776.

How is Rice University ranked?

Rice University holds rank QS 2027 #122.

What is Rice University's academic structure?

Rice University has 15 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)

Members of Association of American Universities (AAU), alongside Rice University.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Rice University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

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