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Rice University Acceptance Rate 2024

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Rice University Acceptance Rate
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One of the most prestigious universities in the world, Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas, United States. It is one of the best study abroad universities for international students as the Rice University ranking has been consistent among the top 200 global universities for more than a decade now. 

Students across the globe apply for Rice University admissions. However, only a fraction of candidates secure an enrolment due to the competitive nature of the university. 

Rice University Acceptance Rate 2024

In Fall 2023, Rice received over 31,000 applications from prospective undergraduates and graduates. Out of these, only about 2,700 candidates secured an admission offer from the university. Hence, it can be concluded that with the Rice University acceptance rate of 11.4%, the university is extremely selective to get into. 

Particulars 

Headcount/Percentage 

Applicants 

31,059

Admitted Students 

2,447

Students Enrolled 

1,221

Acceptance Rate 

7.8% 

Yield Rate 

49.8% 

Rice University Acceptance Rate for International Students

As of Fall 2023, the total student enrollment of the university stands at 8,471. Out of these, the undergraduate student count is 4,562 and the graduate student count is 3,909. The Rice University international students are 2,218 in number and they come from 118 countries around the globe. 

Particulars Statistics
Total Enrollment 8,471
Undergraduate Students 4,562
Graduate Students 3,909
International Students 2,218
International Undergraduate Students 569
International Graduate Students 1,649
Nationalities Represented 118

In terms of nationalities, most of the international students at Rice University are from China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and Mexico. Given below are the details of the heacount:

Country Headcount of International Students
China 964
India 276
Taiwan 98
South Korea 89
Mexico 80

When it comes to the ethnic breakdown, a vast number of students of the university are International, White, Asian, Hispanic, Black, and more.

Ethnicity/Race Undergraduate Students Graduate Students

International

569 (12%)

1,649 (42%)

White

1,208 (26%)

1,035 (26%)

Asian

1,346 (30%)

452 (12%)

Hispanic

735 (16%)

360 (9%)

Black

376 (8%)

247 (6%)

Rice University Acceptance Rate Trends

Lately, the acceptance rate of Rice University has plummeted in comparison to the previous years. In Fall 2023, the Rice University acceptance rate stood at 7.8%. Whereas, in Fall 2021, it was recorded to be at 10.8%.

Also, the number of students applying to Rice University has significantly increased in the past few years. In Fall 2023, the university received a total of 31,059 applications, out of which 2,447 students managed to secure an admission in the university. When we talk about the Fall 2021 statistics, a total of 23,455 candidates applied to the university and 2,555 out of them were granted an admission.

Academic Year Number of Applications Received Number of Students Accepted Rice University Acceptance Rate
Fall 2023 31,059 2,447 7.8%
Fall 2022 31,443 2,730 8.6%
Fall 2021 23,455 2,555 10.8%
Fall 2020 27,087 2,361 8.7%
Fall 2019 20,923 2,328 11.1%

Rice University Early Decision Vs Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Every year, Rice University admits international students through Early Decision as well as Regular Decision. Usually, the university’s early decision acceptance rate is higher in comparison to regular decision acceptance rate. Early decision allows applicants to apply to a university earlier than regular decision.

When it comes to the Class of 2027, Rice admitted 486 out of 2,953 candidates through Early Decision and 1,961 out of 28,106 applicants through the Regular Decision program. Thus, the Rice University Early Decision acceptance rate stood around 16.5%. Whereas, the Rice University Regular Decision acceptance rate was recorded to be merely 7%. Hence, it can be observed that securing an enrollment in Rice University through Regular Decision is much more competitive as compared to the Early Decision program.

Particulars Early Decision Regular Decision
Applicants 2,953 28,106
Admitted Students 486 1,961
Enrolled Students 470 655
Acceptance Rate 16.5% 7%

Rice University Admission Requirements for International Students

In order to secure an admission, all the international students must fulfill the Rice University entry requirements listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements

Graduate Requirements

- Official high school transcripts (English translation);

- Proof of English language proficiency;

SAT/ACT scores (test-optional);

- Common application essay; and

- Common application writing supplement.

- Official college/university transcripts (English translation);

- Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale);

- Letters of recommendation (LOR);

Statement of purpose (SOP);

- Proof of English language proficiency;

Resume/CV;

GMAT/GRE score; and

- Other course-specific requirements.

Rice University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

In order to secure an enrollment in the university, students can appear for one of the standardized tests (SAT/ACT). However, it is not mandatory as the university is test optional. Listed below is the average scores obtained by the students admitted in Fall 2023:

Entrance Exams

Average Score Requirements

SAT

1500 - 1560

ACT

34 - 36

GPA

3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Tips to Get Selected in the Rice University

Rice University is one of the best universities to get into and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities.

Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average is one of the major entry requirement at the university and international students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in the university. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acquiring strong letters of recommendations, submission of high English language proficiency scores and standardized test scores.

Rice University Acceptance Rate Vs Stanfor University Acceptance Rate

Stanford University acceptance rate stands at 3.6%, which makes it an extremely competitive university to get into. In comparison with the Rice University acceptance rate of 7.8%, Stanford can be considered much more selective in their admission criteria.

As listed, getting into Stanford University is selective. Hence, students must excel in academics in order to boost their chances. Apart from this, students who are outstanding in activities outside class also stand a good chance to secure an admission.

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Rice University 
FAQs

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for Rice University?

A: 

Usually, the Rice University acceptance rate is calculated to be around 9%. In Fall 2023, Rice received over 31,000 applications from prospective undergraduates and graduates. Out of these, only about 2,700 candidates secured an admission offer from the university. Hence, it can be concluded that with the Rice University acceptance rate of 11.4%, the university is extremely selective to get into. 

Particulars 

Headcount/Percentage 

Applicants 

31,059

Admitted Students 

2,447

Students Enrolled 

1,221

Acceptance Rate 

7.8% 

Yield Rate 

49.8% 

Q:   Is it hard to get into Rice University?

A: 

Yes, Rice University is a very competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at merely 9%. This figure tells us that only 9 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is less than half of all the applicants. However, students must not get discouraged and fulfill all the Rice University admission requirements, i.e.; academic qualifications, standardized test scores, English language requirements, as well as relevant documents, to boost their chances of securing an admission in the university. Also, students must apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

Q:   How to get into Rice University from India?

A: 

In order to secure an admission, all the international students must fulfill the Rice University admission requirements listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

  • Official high school transcripts  (English translation);
  • Proof of English language proficiency;
  • SAT/ACT scores (test-optional);
  • Common application essay; and
  • Common application writing supplement.

Graduate Requirements:

Q:   Does Rice University accept international students?

A: 

Yes, Rice University accepts international students every year. As of Fall 2023,  the total student enrollment of the university stands at 8,471. Out of these, the undergraduate student count is 4,562 and the graduate student count is 3,909. The Rice University international students are 2,218 in number and they come from 118 countries around the globe. 

ParticularsStatistics
Total Enrollment8,471
Undergraduate Students4,562
Graduate Students3,909
International Students2,218
International Undergraduate Students569
International Graduate Students1,649
Nationalities Represented118

In terms of nationalities, most of the international students at Rice University are from China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and Mexico. Given below are the details of the heacount:

CountryHeadcount of International Students
China964
India276
Taiwan98
South Korea89
Mexico80

Q:   What are some tips to get selected in Rice University?

A: 

Rice University is one of the best universities to get into and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities. Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average is one of the major entry requirement at the university and international students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in the university. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acquiring strong letters of recommendations, submission of high English language proficiency scores and standardized test scores.

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Anushree Sinha

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Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio

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