The admissions rate at Rice University is 8.5%, up from 8.7% in 2019. A majority of students come from Texas, with 37% hailing from other U.S. states. The number of Asian students has increased 7% in the past two years. There are 67 international students from China in the Class of 2025. Despite the high percentage of Asian students, the college continues to be an excellent choice for many people who wish to pursue a career in the area.
Undergraduates and transfer students may qualify for need-based aid if they demonstrate financial need. Students who have indicated need-based aid must submit a CSS Profile and reapply each year. International students who did not receive need-based aid the first year will not be eligible for need-based aid in subsequent years. Therefore, it is important to determine the number of years you will need to receive financial aid. If you have a dependent or are on a tight budget, you may want to look into private student loans to supplement your financial aid.
Graduate students can also qualify for federal grant programs to cover tuition and stipends. In addition to tuition, grants and work-study programs can reduce the cost of attending college by as much as 63%. In-state tuition is available to students from all 50 states, with the most common requirement being a year of residency in the state prior to starting school. Some other criteria may apply, depending on where you live. International students may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships, and athletic awards.
A typical student’s first year experience at Rice University will be filled with ups and downs, but it is worth it. Rice’s residential college system is perfect for fostering good relationships among students. Almost every professor will invite you to dinner, and classes are typically small. The small size of Rice makes the atmosphere both social and academic. While the school’s pride in its academic achievements is admirable, it’s also important to consider that students tend to be the most socially attractive people on campus. This system makes it easy for even the most solitary students to make friends and work together.
Freshmen have the option of joining one of the eleven residential colleges. Rice students are assigned to a college by lottery, with the exception of those whose parents or siblings attended Rice University. Most students remain members of their college throughout their undergraduate experience. In addition to the residential college, students are guaranteed on-campus housing during their freshman year and two of their subsequent years. However, this can lead to room jacking, so it’s important to select the right residential college for you.
The first president of Rice University was Edgar Odell Lovett, who introduced a new way of doing things on campus. The college system was designed with students and faculty living in the same building. There are no sororities or fraternities on campus, and students are allowed to major in different areas. That way, Rice students can develop their skills on real world problems. Its 300-acre campus is located in Houston, Texas, just near the Houston Museum District.
The university’s history is full of notable alumni. Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Secretary of Energy William P. Hobby Jr., and Secretary of State George P. Bush, among others, attended Rice. Two new schools opened in 1974: The Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management and the Shepherd School of Music. Other notable alumni include the 61st Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker. Some students even became entrepreneurs. Founders of Drafthouse Cinema and Alamo Drafthouse Theater are Rice graduates.
One of the greatest advantages of attending Rice University is its location in the heart of Houston. Students can take advantage of a free lightrail pass to get around town without having to drive a car. Rice maintains a beautiful campus, which is easy to explore. However, Rice does have some disadvantages. Some students feel uncomfortable interacting with others. Some students have to hide in a corner for fear of being attacked. If this is the case, consider attending a class where no one else is present.
While admission to Rice University is not difficult, a low GPA may make it difficult to get in. Rice’s admission requirements will require you to submit an SAT or ACT score in addition to high school transcripts. You’ll also have to submit an essay about yourself and letters of recommendation. The university offers a range of undergraduate programs, and multiple opportunities for research. You can choose to be a part of something big or small, based on your interests.