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Houston, TX · Private · Small · Urban
2.8x the Regular Decision rate
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolling students
How much the school says contact matters
Deadlines, fees, testing policy, and recommendation requirements come from the Common App 2026-2027 First-Year Deadlines, Fees and Requirements file published August 28, 2026. Schools can still change a date after publication, so confirm anything you are close to with the school.
Rated Very important in the 2024-2025 Common Data Set this school published.
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolled students
Of enrolled students
Reported by the school to IPEDS for fall 2023 admission.
Tuition, housing, food, and fees
Sticker figures. What a family actually pays depends on income and aid, which is what the financial aid tools are for.
| Major | Degrees | Graduates here | Same major nationally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 164 | $213,603 | $92,374 |
| Economics | 88 | $104,828 | $82,686 |
| Biology, General | 70 | - | $57,214 |
| Psychology, General | 66 | $67,648 | $50,706 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 65 | $105,734 | $92,135 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 57 | - | - |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 53 | $71,586 | $54,562 |
| Mathematics | 47 | - | $69,562 |
Average net price paid by aided students in each family income band, after grants and scholarships. Usually far below the sticker price above.
Sources: this school's published Common Data Set, the Common App 2026-2027 member requirements file, and federal cost and outcomes data. See how our data works, or read the complete manual.
Add your GPA and test scores in Settings to see your estimated chances at Rice University.
Strong scores still help. Submit if you are at or above their middle 50%.
Common App personal statement (650 words) + 3 supplementals
For exact prompts, check the school's admissions page or the Common App once writing opens (Aug 1).
1 counselor + 2 teacher recommendations required
Some weight. A few touchpoints (open emails, attend a virtual session) won't hurt.
Per the school's own Common Data Set, applicant interest is rated considered.
$75
Fee waivers available if you qualify (Common App fee waiver, school waiver, or counselor request).
If a parent attended, mention it on the application. Some schools have ended this practice - verify with current admissions guidance.
Sticker price means almost nothing. Rice University's Net Price Calculator estimates what you'll actually pay after merit and need-based aid. Takes 10 minutes; needs household income and assets, plus a few academic numbers.
Open Rice University's Net Price CalculatorRead from Rice University's own admissions page on 2026-08-30 for the 2026-2027 cycle (source). Schools can still revise a prompt after publishing, so confirm before you submit.
Two 150-word essays, one 500-word essay chosen from two options, and The Box: a two-dimensional image of something that appeals to you, which should make sense without explanation.
Academic interests
Required150 words“Please explain what draws you to the academic areas you selected above and how you hope to explore them at Rice University.”
Start essay with this prompt →Why Rice
Required150 words“Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?”
Start essay with this prompt →Residential college system
Optional500 wordsChoose one of two“What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?”
Start essay with this prompt →Community of change agents
Optional500 wordsChoose one of two“What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or cultural identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?”
Start essay with this prompt →The Box
RequiredUpload, not an essay“Share an image of something that appeals to you. The image should be self-explanatory: it is meant to show something about you, your interests, or what is meaningful to you, without needing further context.”
Start essay with this prompt →Last verified 2026-08-30 · Cycle 2026-2027 · For the current cycle, double-check the school's admissions writing page.
Rice University considers interest as one factor among many. Worth a few targeted touches.
Attend an info session in your area
Medium effortMost colleges send admissions reps on regional tours each fall. Check their events page or sign up for their mailing list. Sign in when you arrive.
Open the school's emails and click through
Quick winOnce you're on their mailing list, open them. Many tracking systems flag students who consistently engage. Don't unsubscribe even if you're not committed yet.
Connect with your regional admissions counselor
Medium effortEach region has an assigned counselor (find them on the admissions site). Send one thoughtful, specific email - a question you can't answer from the website. Don't pester.
Attend a college fair where they're present
Medium effortSign in at their booth. Have a real conversation - prepare two specific questions about programs that interest you.
Follow on social and engage authentically
Quick winLike, comment occasionally on their posts. Schools' social teams notice patterns. Don't spam - quality over quantity.
You don't need to do all of these. Pick 2-3 that are realistic and consistent.
Research University
Yes
Co-op / Internship
Available
Est. Net Price (You)
$64,144
Based on "none" need
Sticker tuition
$64,144
Before aid
Total Estimated 4-Year Cost
$256,576
Out-of-state pricing with estimated aid
Greek Life
No
Study Abroad
15%
Religious Affiliation
None
Football Conference
AAC
Debt-to-Income
18.4%
Average debt against 10-year earnings
Est. 10-Year ROI
$669,424
(10yr earnings x 10) - 4yr cost
Applying Early Decision would give you a 2.8x advantage (18% ED vs 6.5% RD).
This school gives legacy preference. If a parent or grandparent attended, highlight it.
This school is test-optional. Submit scores only if they strengthen your application.
Deadline (ED: November 1, 2026) / RD: January 4, 2027
113 days remaining (RD)
Application Platform: Common App
Supplemental Essays: 3
Interview: Optional
Recommendation letters needed
Test optional
Get candid student reviews, rankings, and additional data from these sources:
Data from US Department of Education College Scorecard, National Center for Education Statistics, and institutional disclosures.
| Statistics | 45 | - | $92,425 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 45 | - | - |
| Cognitive Science | 44 | $71,816 | $81,496 |
| Public Policy Analysis | 31 | - | $73,721 |
Median earnings of this school's graduates in each major, roughly five years out, beside the national median for the same major.