Rice University

Houston, TX · Private · 4,776 undergrads

Admit rate: 8.0% (31,059 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1510–1570 (ACT 34–35)
Undergraduates: 4,776 (12.8% international)
Average net price: $13,370 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 95% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 4, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 4, 2027

Essays

Academic interests (150 words)

Please explain what draws you to the academic areas you selected above and how you hope to explore them at Rice University.

Why Rice (150 words)

Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?

Community contribution (choose one of two) (500 words)

Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community: (1) The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? (2) Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or cultural identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

The Box (One two-dimensional image)

Share an image of something that appeals to you. (Rice: "The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you.")

Architecture applicants: why architecture (250 words)

Why are you determined to study architecture? Please explain your motivation and describe how your past experiences have led you to apply to the Rice School of Architecture in particular. Have you had an opportunity outside of school—such as an internship, building project, architecture summer program or other experience—that strengthened your interest in the field? If so, please describe how the experience further compels you to pursue a career in architecture.

Architecture applicants: a compelling place (250 words)

Describe a building, place, or city that you have encountered and found especially compelling. What specifically captured your attention, and why? In your response, reflect on how this experience has shaped your understanding of architecture and the built environment.

Editor's notes

Rice gives you two binding shots, ED I in November and ED II in January, both with the same supplement. ED II is not a lesser round; it's the same commitment with two more months to finish your testing and your essays. Use it only if Rice is truly your first choice and the net price calculator works for your family.
Rice's Common Data Set rates essays, recommendations and talent as very important, and it says it judges your fit with the majors you choose. That puts real weight on two 150-word boxes. Write them last, after you've read the department pages, and make every sentence specific to Rice.
Request the interview. Rice recommends it, it's virtual this year, and the deadlines sit two days after each application deadline, so it's easy to miss. If you're applying RD and want the best odds of getting matched, apply by the Dec. 14 priority date.
If your family earns under $200,000, read the new Rice Investment terms before you cross Rice off for cost. For fall 2027 entrants tuition is free in that range, and under $100,000 room and board are covered too.