What if...
What if a boundless passion for knowledge was met with an endless supply
02
06
CURIOUS FOR MORE? Wherever you see this symbol, simply open your smartphone camera and hover over it.
09
10
ENDEAVOR
Academics & Academic Support
AFFORD
Financial Aid & Merit Scholarships
APPLY Application Process & Deadlines
Study Abroad, Research & Internships
What if getting ahead meant
PULLING TOGETHER
At Rice, we dream bigger and reach higher. We find academic—and ultimately professional— success by pulling together and lifting up those around us. Collaboration, not competition, is what drives us.
TOGETHER
ENDEAVOR
Defying convention for over 100 years
We celebrate the unconventional approaches and unique perspectives that drive truly innovative thinking—the kind of thinking that permeates every facet of your academic life at Rice, starting with how and what you study.
To broaden your education beyond your school of study, we replace a prescriptive core curriculum with flexible distribution requirements, giving you the freedom to select the courses that interest you most. As you might expect, that exploration results in some unconventional major and minor pairings, as well as some very interesting double majors!
STUDENT-RUN CLASSES
Philosophy of Coffee was one of the longest-running student-taught courses at Rice. Supported by the Center for Teaching Excellence, other courses range from Zero to Fortune 500 to The Cheesemonger’s Guidebook SUPPORT NETWORK
There’s no shortage of academic advising and support at Rice. For starters, the Office of Student Success Initiatives oversees a number of programs on campus to help you transition to college life. In addition, you’ll have multiple faculty and peer academic advisors in your residential college.
ENDEAVOR
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Architectural Studies
Architecture
Architecture & Building Science
What if selecting a major meant not having to choose just one
At Rice, we believe that focusing your studies on specific areas of interest should not be an exercise in elimination, but rather an opportunity to pursue, and possibly even combine, multiple passions.
JONES GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Business*
GEORGE R. BROWN SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil & Environmental
Engineering
Computational Applied
Mathematics & Operations Research
Computer Science
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Environmental
Engineering
Materials Science & NanoEngineering
Mechanical Engineering
Operations Research*
Statistics*
ARCHITECTURE
BUSINESS
SHEPHERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Music Composition
Music
Music History
Music Theory
Performance
• Bassoon
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Double Bass
• Flute
• Harp
• Horn
• Oboe
• Organ
• Percussion
• Piano
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Tuba
• Viola
• Violin
• Vocal
ENGINEERING MUSIC
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations
Art - Film & Photography
Art - Studio Art
Art History*
Asian Studies*
Classical Studies
English*
European Studies
French Studies*
German Studies* History*
Latin American & Latinx Studies
Medieval & Early Modern Studies*
Philosophy*
Religion*
Spanish & Portuguese*
Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality*
IN BEST UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
WIESS SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES
Astronomy*
Astrophysics
Biosciences
Chemical Physics
Chemistry
Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences*
Environmental Science
Health Sciences
Mathematics*
Neuroscience*
Physics*
Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology
OF COURSES HAVE FEWER THAN 20 STUDENTS
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Anthropology*
Cognitive Sciences
Economics
Linguistics
Managerial
Economics &
Organizational Sciences
Mathematical
Economic Analysis
Political Science
Psychology
Social Policy Analysis
Sociology*
Sport Analytics
Sport Management
ADDITIONAL MINORS
African & African American Studies
Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Cinema & Media Studies
Classical Civilizations
Creative Writing
Data Science
Ecology & Evolutionary
Biology
Energy & Water Sustainability
Engineering Design
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Studies
Financial Computation & Modeling
Global Health Technologies
Greek Language & Literature
Jewish Studies
Latin Language & Literature
Medical Humanities
Museums & Cultural Heritage
Naval Science
Politics, Law & Social Thought
Poverty, Justice & Human Capabilities
Science & Technology Studies
Theater
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Pre-health
Pre-law
Pre-medical
*Also available as a minor 6:1
HUMANITIES
NATURAL SCIENCES
SOCIAL SCIENCES
CERTIFICATES
Civic Leadership
Engineering Leadership
Gnosticism, Esotericism & Mysticism
Languages & Intercultural
Communication
Texas Standard Teaching Certificate
OPEN DOORS AFFORD
What if a prestigious school looked for ways to instead of close them
The Rice Investment
Determining the right school comes down to several factors—often, the biggest one is affordability. At Rice, we offer need-blind admission for domestic students, as well as meet 100% of demonstrated need.
WE BELIEVE TALENT DESERVES OPPORTUNITY
From your first passage through the famed Sallyport as a first-year student to your final exit through that same archway four years later as a Rice graduate, you’ll experience many open doors during your time here—doors thrown wide to new friendships, new cultures and ideas, inspiring mentors, countless collaborations, exciting research, sought-after internships and dream professional opportunities. Starting with the very door to admission, we welcome all who possess the determination and drive to flourish here.
What if choosing Rice could be more about fit than finances
Rice offers generous need-based aid and merit awards. We’re committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all students. That means if there is a gap between what an admitted student’s family is able to pay and our total cost of attendance, we cover the gap. TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD RATES
86% OF RICE STUDENTS GRADUATE DEBT-FREE 57% OF ALL INCOMING FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS RECEIVE GRANT AID #5 IN BEST VALUE SCHOOLS 100% OF DEMONSTRATED NEED MET FOR ALL DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Scan the QR code to calculate your costs.
30% OF RICE GRADUATES PURSUE AN ADVANCED DEGREE
$87,000 THE MEDIAN INCOME FOR A NEW RICE GRADUATE
8%
OVERALL ADMISSION RATE 91%
ADMITTED STUDENTS IN THE TOP TENTH OF HIGH SCHOOL CLASS
What if one prestigious university cared as much about your story as your stats
We’re looking for voracious lovers of life, independent thinkers with an unquenchable curiosity about the world who will bring different life experiences and unique perspectives to our campus. With the goal of enrolling a diverse class of the most talented students from across the country and around the world, we take a team-based approach to reviewing applications.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Early Decision I
November 1 - Application
November 15 - CSS Profile
February 1 - FAFSA
Early Decision II
January 4 - Application and CSS Profile
February 1 - FAFSA
Shepherd School of Music
December 1 - Application
Regular Decision
January 4 - Application
February 1 - FAFSA and CSS Profile
We review every applicant for a merit award; no separate application is required.
RICE.EDU/APPLY
EXPLORE
What if your Rice education extended beyond the hedges
LARGEST
MEDICAL COMPLEX IN THE WORLD
INTERNSHIPS
Rice students have access to a variety of internship-focused resources, programs and on-campus recruiting events, resulting in partnerships with the nationally acclaimed Main Street Theater, ExxonMobil, Southwest Airlines, and the Houston Independent School District.
STUDY ABROAD
Rice offers 300 study-abroad programs in more than 50 countries. Opportunities include research-based, service-related and for-credit-earning trips all over the world.
James Turrell, The Light Inside, Permanent Installation at MFAH, 1999
Tackling real-world challenges
Our Houston location is a hub for industries including finance, sports management, consulting, medicine, entrepreneurship and energy. Rice students intern everywhere from NASA to the mayor’s office, as well as conduct collaborative research with professionals in the worldrenowned Texas Medical Center.
3 RD
LARGEST CONCENTRATION OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES IN THE COUNTRY
RESEARCH
More than half of Rice students participate in research, tackling some of the world’s biggest issues. As a top-tier research institution with 50+ research centers, institutes and consortia, Rice is constantly producing new knowledge that will benefit humanity.
Shirazeh Houshiary, Seif, 2020
LEARN
What if attending Rice meant studying in the heart of a scientifically-driven business hub with rich opportunities in everything from the performing arts to the largest medical complex in the world
What if going to school in Texas meant living in one of the largest, most culturally diverse and culinary trendsetting cities in the nation? With over 145 languages spoken here, Houston is an epicenter for history, culture, cuisine, science and industry.
THE MUSEUM DISTRICT
Just steps away from campus, the Houston Museum District’s 19 museums and institutions explore subjects ranging from natural science to the African American experience.
#1
MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE METROPOLITAN AREA IN THE U.S.
4TH LARGEST CITY IN THE NATION
10,000+ RESTAURANTS
Houston boasts an incredibly vibrant culinary culture that features authentic cuisine from all over the world, including many unique restaurants in Rice Village just minutes away from campus.
6 PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS
SPACES
What if geeking out in a TIGHT-KNIT community of scholars meant living large in Houston
Nestled in the vibrant museum district of the nation’s fourth largest city, our 300-acre tree-lined campus shares close proximity to more restaurants, galleries, shops, coffee shops, music venues, theaters, museums and attractions than you could explore in your four years here.
AN INSPIRED SETTING
Permanent and site-specific works of art are scattered throughout campus in courtyards, stairwells, shared spaces, offices, libraries, lobbies and the university’s many expansive outdoor spaces.
James Turrell, Twilight Epiphany, Skyspace at Rice University, 2012
Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University, Inaugurated in 2017
RICE HOLISTIC GARDEN
The Rice Holistic Garden is a space on campus where students, faculty and members of the Rice community can plant, nurture and pick their own produce. The Garden also hosts several plant sales a year!
STUDENT-RUN BUSINESSES
Rice boasts several student-run businesses that are 100% managed and staffed by students, including Rice Bikes, Rice Coffehouse, The Tea Nook and The Hoot (for late-night snack fare).
OSHMAN ENGINEERING DESIGN KITCHEN (OEDK)
Modeling real-world working groups, interdisciplinary teams conceive, design and test prototypes to solve unique engineering design challenges.
What if workspaces actually INSPIRED better work SPACES
From maker bars and labs to a data-driven think tank like the Baker Institute, dedicated workspaces dot all corners of the Rice campus map. At any given hour, these spaces are filled with industrious students collaborating on projects, conducting research or designing and 3D-printing a custom planter for their dorm room.
THE WOODSON RESEARCH CENTER
The Woodson Research Center collects, organizes and preserves archives, rare books and special collections. The WRC is home to an authentic star-wheel copper-plate rolling “William Blake” press replica, which was built using wood from the 1700s.
DIGITAL MEDIA COMMONS (DMC)
In Fondren Library, students have access to essential tools for creating a wide variety of digital projects, plus the hands-on training and assistance they need to master these skills.
300+
DIVERSE CLUBS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
What if exploring your passions meant FINDING YOUR FAMILY
From your first day on campus, you’ll start building a strong, familial bond with your residential college. With broad cultural, religious, cause and interest representation across Rice’s many clubs and student organizations, as well as extensive academic collaboration and athletic pursuits, you’ll foster deep connections during your four years here.
15
NCAA® DIVISION I ATHLETIC TEAMS
50
CLUB AND INTRAMURAL SPORTS
CULTURE(S)
Diversity is a superpower
Located in the heart of the most culturally and ethnically diverse city in the nation, Rice celebrates diversity across the student body, within the residential colleges and in our classrooms as a central and meaningful part of the Rice experience.
CLASS OF 2028
Ethnicity
AFRICAN AMERICAN OR BLACK
HISPANIC OR LATINO
AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE
Geography
INTERNATIONAL
NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER
CAUCASIAN OR WHITE
Students indicating more than one race/ethnicity are counted in each of their self-identified race/ethnic categories. The percentages add up to more than 100. Ethnicity data excludes the international population
WHAT IF HIGHER LEARNING ALSO MEANT HIGHER MINDED
The singular academic experience at Rice would be greatly diminished without the deeply rooted culture of care that touches every aspect of campus life. Students going out of their way to help each other is the norm rather than the exception. Community service and global outreach are just a few ways in which Rice students extend this beyond the hedges. It’s that collaborative spirit that’s at the heart of the Rice’s culture.
You’ll feel it the moment you step on campus: that steady hum of excitement, camaraderie and purpose. An enduring bond born of a shared mindset, strengthened by mutual passions and cemented through traditions.
1 Once you “enter Rice” through the SALLYPORT as a first-year student, tradition holds that you avoid passing back through the famed Sallyport arch in the opposite direction until you exit as a Rice graduate.
2 O-WEEK , run by Student Success Initiatives and student coordinators, is a week-long orientation extravaganza that starts with a hearty Rice welcome and lots of helping hands to get firstyear students settled into life at Rice.
3 Whether cheering on an athletic team or posing for a picture on campus, the OWL HAND SIGN is used whenever a Rice student wants to show their Rice pride. Simply entwine your thumbs and let your inner owl fly!
4 Over the years, good-spirited pranks, known at Rice as “JACKS,” have included everything from relocating lounge furniture to announcing a fictitious university president on national news.
What if long-standing institutional were actually fun and meaningful
TRADITIONS
5 THE RICE ARCHI MARKET is a monthly marketplace featuring pop-up shops where students can sell their creations.
6 RADIO FREE SID is a time-honored Friday tradition that starts and ends with blasting AC/DC’s “Back in Black” from the top of the tallest building on campus.
7 One of Rice’s earliest traditions is the student-enforced HONOR CODE, which has been around as long as the university itself.
8 Every year during WILLY WEEK , we throw the world’s largest annual water balloon fight.
BELONG
Meet your Rice family COMMUNITIES
Your life at Rice begins with your first rite of passage—finding out which residential college you’re in. Day one doesn’t start with moving into a dorm building; it starts with joining a family. Because each student is randomly assigned to one of eleven colleges where you’ll stay throughout your time on campus, the diversity of our student body creates a rich tapestry of traditions, culture and, most importantly, community.
Your residential college acts as more than just your home base; it’s the hub of campus life and a big part of your Rice identity.
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
Each residential college has its own student government, intramural teams, cheers and traditions—lots and lots of traditions! Your advising network also starts here with the support of peer advisors, magisters and RAs within your residential college.
DINING
In each of the five Rice serveries, professional chefs and their teams dish up some of the best campus cuisine in the country. Our chefs are also happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions upon request.
What if from your first moments on campus, you know you
TRULY BELONG
COMMUNITIES
Residential Colleges & Traditions
CULTURE(S)
Culture of Care, Collaboration, Diversity
CONNECTIONS
Student Groups & Athletics
SPACES
Dedicated Campus Spaces & Houston Excursions
What
if going away to college felt like coming home
CURIOUS FOR MORE? Wherever you see this symbol, simply open your smartphone camera and hover over it.
02 06 07 08
