---
title: Rice University — PickACampus
description: Explore Rice University: 8% acceptance rate, #17 PickACampus rank, $79,751 median starting salary, and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio in Houston, TX.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/17
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Rice University

Rice University is a private institution located in an urban setting in Houston, Texas, with a total enrollment of 4,776 students. The university features a highly selective 8% acceptance rate and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, contributing to a 95% graduation rate. Students graduate with a median debt of $11,000 and enter the workforce with a median starting salary of $79,751.

## Overview
- Location: Houston, TX
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 4,776

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Average SAT: 1,553
- Average ACT: 35
- Average GPA: 4.00

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $64,144
- Out-of-state tuition: $64,144
- Room and board: $18,100
- Average financial aid: $44,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $11,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 95%
- 4-year graduation rate: 87%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 92%
- Average starting salary: $79,751

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Average class size: 14
- Classes under 20 students: 69%

## Notable
["Rice University has a unique residential college system, providing a strong sense of community.","The university's campus is known for its beautiful architecture and extensive green spaces.","Rice has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, allowing for personalized attention and small class sizes.","The university offers a 'no loan' financial aid policy for students with demonstrated need."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Beer Bike","description":"An annual intercollegiate bike race and chugging competition, a highlight of the spring semester."},{"name":"Willy Week","description":"A week-long celebration leading up to Beer Bike, featuring various campus events and festivities."},{"name":"O-Week (Orientation Week)","description":"An intensive and highly structured orientation program for new students, fostering community."},{"name":"Night of Decadence (NOD)","description":"A semi-annual, themed, formal party hosted by a residential college."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Howard Hughes","description":"Eccentric billionaire, aviator, engineer, film director, and philanthropist."},{"name":"Larry McMurtry","description":"Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and screenwriter (Lonesome Dove)."},{"name":"Peggy Whitson","description":"NASA astronaut, first female commander of the International Space Station."},{"name":"Alberto Gonzales","description":"Former Attorney General of the United States."},{"name":"Joyce Carol Oates","description":"Prolific and acclaimed American novelist and short story writer."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Rice University's acceptance rate?
A: Rice University's acceptance rate is 8%.

Q: How much does Rice University cost?
A: Tuition at Rice University is $64,144 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Rice University located?
A: Rice University is located in Houston, TX.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Rice University?
A: The average SAT score at Rice University is 1,553.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Rice University?
A: Rice University has a 6-year graduation rate of 95%.

Compare Rice University with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/17