Rice University Acceptance Rate & Admissions Data (2025-2026)
Every figure on this page comes from the school’s own Common Data Set (2025-2026 edition) and was independently verified against official sources.
#17
2026 US News Best National Universities
8%
acceptance rate
36,791
applicants
2,948
admitted
11.3%
Early Decision rate (1.4x the overall rate)
Rice University Common Data Set: What It Values Most
Every college officially reports how much each application factor matters in section C7 of its Common Data Set. These are Rice University’s own published ratings from the 2025-2026 edition, not our opinion.
Academic factors
Rigor of coursework
Class rank
Academic GPA
Standardized test scores
Application essay
Recommendations
Nonacademic factors
Interview
Extracurricular activities
Talent / ability
Character / personal qualities
First generation
Alumni relation
Geographical residence
State residency
Religious affiliation
Racial / ethnic status
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant interest
Writing the Rice University supplement? See every current Rice University essay prompt, with strategies.
Testing policy
Test optional: scores are considered if submitted but not required.
Studying Business at Rice University
Rice offers a direct undergraduate Business major (BA) through the Virani Undergraduate School of Business, taught by Jones Graduate School of Business faculty with concentrations in finance, management, and marketing, alongside an economics major and a business minor.
Building a profile for Rice University?
Rice University rates extracurriculars very important in its own filing. Real internship experience is exactly that kind of signal.
Sources
Data reflects the 2025-2026Common Data Set, the most recent verified edition at the time of publication. Always confirm current requirements on the school’s admissions site.
Campus photo: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain