Private not-for-profit

Medium

American Conference

Rice University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1510 to 1560

ACT Range34 to 35

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate8%

Rice is test-optional, but the score data still gives you a clear target: nearly half of enrolled students submitted SAT scores, and the middle 50% lands at 1510 to 1560. If Rice is high on your list, aim for a 1510+ SAT or a 34+ ACT to stay aligned with enrolled students.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Rice University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Rice University enrolls 4,789 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Rice has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 95% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 5.8:1, reflecting a smaller academic scale.

Location

Houston, TX

Undergrad Enrollment4,789

Freshman Retention97%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio5.8:1

Graduation Rate95%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Rice?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Rice University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 4

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 1

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Rice, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus the fall for retakes and superscoring opportunities. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, an October retake is typically the last SAT or ACT that can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Rice is a private not-for-profit, so the same $60,709 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. About 46% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $26,665. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline.

Tuition and Fees$60,709

Room and Board$18,100

Average Merit Award$26,665

Application Fee$75

Students on Aid46%

Average Aid Package$71,698

Average Debt at Grad$28,418

Rice’s listed cost of attendance is about $78,809 for tuition, fees, room, and board. About 46% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $71,698. Merit aid can also be significant, with an average merit award of $26,665. Graduates leave with an average debt of $28,418.