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Rice University

Houston, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

"Letters, Science, Art"

Private research university
Type
4,562
Total Students
4,776
Undergrad
4,104
Graduate
$8.1B
Endowment
$58K
Tuition (In-State)
$58K
Tuition (Out-State)
$13K
Avg Net Price
8%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Graduation Rate
6-year
98%
Retention Rate
$90K
Median Earnings
10 yrs after entry
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Rice University

Houston's academic powerhouse drives discovery with an $8.1B endowment and R1 research.

Rice University, located in vibrant Houston, Texas, stands as a premier private research institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking innovation. With a rich history and a forward-looking vision, Rice offers an intimate, high-quality educational experience that blends liberal arts with technical learning. Its designation as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" underscores its significant contributions to knowledge across a wide array of fields.

The university's origins are rooted in a dramatic tale of legacy and justice, stemming from the 1900 murder of its namesake, William Marsh Rice. Despite initial attempts to subvert his will, Rice's vision for "a competitive institution of the highest grade" ultimately prevailed, leading to the institute's establishment in 1912. Guided by its first president, Edgar Odell Lovett, who toured institutions worldwide, Rice was meticulously planned to prioritize both rigorous investigation and exceptional instruction, fostering an environment where "the most distinguished teachers must take their part in undergraduate teaching."

Today, Rice continues to embody its founding motto, "Letters, Science, Art," through its eight distinguished undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, including the George R. Brown School of Engineering and the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. Students benefit from a vibrant campus life enhanced by a unique residential college system, inspired by Cambridge, fostering close-knit communities. Beyond academics, the university boasts a strong athletic tradition, with the Rice Owls competing in NCAA Division I, including a national championship in baseball, adding to a well-rounded and engaging student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Endowed with an impressive $8.1 billion, supporting world-class research and academic initiatives.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity," demonstrating leading-edge research contributions.
  • Fosters a tight-knit academic community with 8,880 students (4,776 undergraduates, 4,104 postgraduates as of Fall 2024).
  • Alumni network includes 26 Marshall Scholars, 13 Rhodes Scholars, 7 Churchill Scholars, and 3 Nobel laureates.
  • Home to pioneering research centers, including the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology.
  • Achieved its first NCAA Division I team national championship in 2003, with the Rice Owls baseball team.
  • Guided by the motto "Letters, Science, Art," emphasizing a broad and integrated approach to learning.

Timeline

1891
William Marsh Rice charters a free-tuition educational institute in Houston.
1900
William Marsh Rice dies; his will is dramatically contested and upheld, ensuring the institute's funding.
1907
Edgar Odell Lovett selected as the first president of the then-planning-stage institute.
1912
The William M. Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art formally opens.
1985
Rice University becomes a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
1990
Hosts the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations, a significant international event.
1993
The influential James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy is created.
2003
The Rice Owls baseball team secures the university's first national championship in a team sport.
2008
President David Leebron launches the "Vision for the Second Century" plan to enhance research and programs.
2018
Launches its online MBA program, MBA@Rice, expanding access to its business education.

Schools & Colleges

8 notable schools within Rice University

🏫

School of Humanities

🔬

School of Social Sciences

💼

Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business

⚙️

George R. Brown School of Engineering

🔬

Wiess School of Natural Sciences

🏫

Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies

🏫

Rice School of Architecture

🏫

Shepherd School of Music

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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