Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas, founded in 1912. Known for small classes, a residential college system and a collaborative culture, it enrols about 4,800 undergraduates and is one of the most selective universities in the southern United States, with an admit rate around 8% for recent classes.
Programmes
Undergraduate degrees span engineering, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, architecture and music through its schools, including the George R. Brown School of Engineering, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, the School of Social Sciences, the School of Humanities, the School of Architecture and the Shepherd School of Music. Popular majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, biosciences, economics and psychology. Graduate programmes include the Jones Graduate School of Business (MBA), professional master's in engineering and computer science, and doctoral research across the sciences and humanities.
Fees (verified, 2026-27)
Undergraduate tuition for students who entered in 2024 or later is US$71,140 per year, with mandatory fees of US$984 and room and board of US$20,530, for a billed total of about US$92,654. Graduate engineering tuition is US$66,784 per year full-time. Books (about US$1,540) and personal expenses (about US$3,115) are extra. Rice meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students with loan-free aid, but international applicants are reviewed on a need-aware basis and need-based aid for international first-year students is limited — confirm the current policy on the admission site before applying.
Admission
Rice is test-optional for SAT/ACT, though strong scores still help. International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. The application fee for first-year international applicants is US$75. Deadlines for the Fall 2027 cycle are to be confirmed on the admission site; recent cycles used early decision in November and regular decision in January. From Fall 2027, families earning under US$200,000 pay no tuition under the expanded Rice Investment for domestic students — international eligibility differs and must be confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rice need-blind for international students? No — international admission is need-aware, though admitted international students can receive need-based aid.
What is the residential college system? Every undergraduate joins one of eleven residential colleges, which provide housing, dining and community for all four years.
Is Houston affordable? Houston living costs are below those of Northeast peer cities, which is part of Rice's value case.
To be confirmed: Fall 2027 deadlines, international financial-aid availability for the 2027 cycle, and programme-specific fees. Verify on admission.rice.edu and bursar.rice.edu.
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Sources and verification: Rice University Bursar's Office 2026-27 undergraduate tuition US$71,140 (entered 2024 or later), fees US$984, room and board US$20,530; Rice News February 2026 tuition announcement; international orientation fee US$395 — checked November 2026.