Rice University Acceptance Rate

Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is known for its highly selective undergraduate admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Rice reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 7.7%, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive universities in the nation. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with over 31,000 students applying for a limited number of spots, as well as the university’s increasing national and international reputation. Rice publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing reliable insights into its admissions trends.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 7.7%, with approximately 2,400 students admitted out of over 31,000 applicants, marking a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 8.0%.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 15.2%, as Rice offers a binding Early Decision option that typically yields a higher acceptance rate due to demonstrated interest; exact figures for the Class of 2028 are pending release.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 7.0%, with international applicants facing similar competitiveness due to limited spots and a growing global applicant pool.

Over the past decade, Rice University’s acceptance rate has trended downward, reflecting increased competitiveness as more students apply each year. The Early Decision program has become a significant pathway for admission, with a notably higher acceptance rate compared to Regular Decision, encouraging applicants to commit early. International student admissions remain highly competitive, aligning with trends at peer institutions. Compared to similar selective universities like Vanderbilt or Washington University in St. Louis, Rice’s selectivity is on par, often falling within the 7-10% range for overall admissions. For the most accurate and updated data, prospective students are encouraged to visit the Rice University Admissions website or review the latest Common Data Set.