Lovett Hall

We consider a variety of factors including the rigor of a student’s coursework, academic performance, extracurricular activities and achievements, essays, and interest in Rice. We are careful not to emphasize any single academic metric, such as class rank, grade point average, or test scores. For more information, visit us online.

We’re looking for voracious lovers of life, diverse thinkers with an unquenchable curiosity about the world - students who will bring different life experiences and unique perspectives to our campus.

We take a holistic, team-based approach to reviewing applications with the goal of enrolling a diverse class of the most talented students from across the country and around the world. Find out more about the application process online.

We know that one of the biggest factors in determining the right school is affordability. Because we believe talent deserves opportunity, Rice offers need-blind admission to domestic students. This means we do not consider finances when we review the application. Additionally, Rice meets 100 percent of demonstrated need – without loans – through the Rice Investment, one of the most notable financial aid programs in the country. For more information about need-based financial aid and the Rice Investment, please visit our Office of Financial Aid website.

The Office of Admission offers merit-based scholarships to incoming first year students who distinguish themselves academically and personally within our highly competitive group of admitted students. These scholarships are based solely on merit and financial need is not taken into consideration. There is no separate application or interview required; the Admission Committee automatically considers all admitted students, both domestic and international, on the basis of the student’s application for admission. About 20% of admitted students are offered a merit scholarship each year. Students awarded a merit-based scholarship will be notified at the time of admission.

Rice University treasures our diversity in all its dimensions and welcomes all members of our community. Our primary mission is the education of people to help them realize their ambitions and potential, and to make the greatest contribution they can to our city, country and world. We seek to extend that mission to all highly talented students, regardless of national origin.

These values will continue to guide us as we seek to support DACA, undocumented, and other resident immigrant students. We will work to assure that these students are able to pursue the full range of opportunities offered at Rice and beyond. As President Leebron wrote in 2016, "We want to be clear that all of our students — whether citizens or not, whether born in the U.S. or not, whether recognized as immigrants or not — are a cherished part of our community, and we will always work to assure their ability to complete their studies and pursue their dreams."

Rice University's Office of International Students & Scholars' (OISS) mission is to enhance the experience of the international population (which includes all non-immigrant visa students, researchers, and faculty) through serving as the chief liaison office for: immigration advising, cultural adaptation, international compliance, networking / public connections, and academic support, with university departments, government agencies, and community advocates. Find a list of services provided and more information about the OISS online.

On the very first evening of Orientation Week (O-Week), all new students are led in a processional through the Sallyport into the Academic Quad, symbolizing their official matriculation into the university. During their time here, students do not walk back out of the Sallyport, as superstition dictates that doing so would prevent graduation; after the commencement ceremony, the graduating class walks out in a fireworks-laden procession.