Rice University
Houston, TX · private nonprofit
Official site ↗Admissions
| Admit rate | 8% |
| Applicants | 32,473 |
| Middle-50% SAT | 1510–1560 |
| Middle-50% ACT | 34–36 |
| Avg GPA | — |
| Test policy | — |
| Avg net price / yr | $12,640 |
| Grad rate | 96% |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $89,718 |
| Source | cds · 2024 |
Application requirements
| Early Decision | 2025-11-01 |
| Early Decision II | 2026-01-04 |
| Regular / Rolling | 2026-01-04 |
| Application fee | $75 (US) · $75 (intl) |
| Personal essay | Required |
| Writing supplement | Yes |
| Test policy | never required |
| Teacher recommendations | 2 |
| Counselor recommendation | Required |
| Mid-year report | Required |
Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.
Supplemental essays
- Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected.· ~150 words
- Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?· ~150 words
- Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community (in 500 words or fewer): 1. The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? 2. Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or cultural identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?
- In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition (known as “The Box”), please share an image of something that appeals to you.
Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).