Rice University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. The university has a 300-acre campus and is ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rice offers its approximately 8,500 students a 6:1 student-faculty ratio and over 50 undergraduate majors. The student body is relatively diverse, with about 30% of students identifying as Asian and 16% as Hispanic. In terms of undergraduate enrollment, Rice had 4,574 students in Fall 2023 and 4,480 in Fall 2022., with a total enrollment of 8,672 students in 2022.

Rice University has around 8,500 students

Rice University, a private research university located in Houston, Texas, has around 8,500 students. The university, which was founded in 1912, offers a dynamic student life in the nation's fourth-largest city.

The student body at Rice University is diverse, with approximately 30% of students identifying as Asian, 16% as Hispanic, and an almost equal split between male and female students. The university's acceptance rate is low, at around 9%, and it boasts a high graduation rate of 94%11 residential colleges, which form an integral part of student life and provide housing, dining, and academic and social events. Students are randomly assigned to one of these colleges and remain members throughout their time at Rice, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

In addition to its residential colleges, Rice University offers a variety of student-run institutions, including the Rice Coffeehouse, Valhalla Pub, and Willy's Pub, which provide on-campus food and drink options. The university also has a thriving athletic program, with 14 varsity NCAA Division I sports teams, including a strong baseball program.

With its combination of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and commitment to accessibility and affordability, Rice University offers a well-rounded and enriching educational experience to its approximately 8,500 students.

Rice University's student population is spread across eight schools, including the School of Social Sciences, the School of Humanities, and the Wiess School of Natural Sciences. The university also boasts several highly ranked graduate schools, such as the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the George R. Brown School of Engineering. Additionally, Rice University is home to the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, a nonpartisan think tank that offers coursework, internships, and lectures to students.

The university's low student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1 ensures that students receive a high level of individual attention and support in their academic pursuits. This, coupled with its world-class research opportunities and dynamic student life, makes Rice University a highly sought-after educational institution.

There are 4,574 undergraduate students

Rice University, a private research university in Houston, Texas, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,574 students as of Fall 2023. The university's campus covers 300 acres in Houston's Museum District, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center.

Rice University offers its students a dynamic student life in the nation's fourth-largest city. On-campus food and drink options include the Rice Coffeehouse, Valhalla Pub, and Willy's Pub, all of which are student-run institutions. The university is also home to 14 varsity NCAA Division I athletic teams, including a strong baseball program. Students receive free tickets to all varsity athletic events.

Rice University comprises eight schools, including the School of Social Sciences, School of Humanities, and Wiess School of Natural Sciences. Its graduate schools include the highly ranked Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and George R. Brown School of Engineering. The university also boasts a well-regarded School of Architecture and the Shepherd School of Music.

The university has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. The residential colleges provide housing, dining, and academic and social events, and students are assigned to one of the 11 residential colleges before stepping foot on campus.

With a tiny 6:1 student-faculty ratio, Rice University offers a dynamic and engaging educational experience to its 4,574 undergraduate students. The university's diverse and vibrant community, coupled with its top-tier research capabilities and varied extracurricular activities, makes it a sought-after educational institution.

Rice University's undergraduate enrollment of 4,574 students contributes to a rich and stimulating learning environment. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education, both inside and outside the classroom, ensures that its undergraduate students have numerous opportunities for personal and intellectual growth during their time at the university.

41.9% of degrees awarded in 2022 went to women

Rice University is a private institution based in Houston, Texas, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,574 students as of Fall 2023. The university has a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students in various ways, including intellectually, emotionally, and culturally.

Rice University's total enrollment is approximately 7,643 students, comprising 3,960 undergraduates and 3,196 graduate students. The full-time undergraduate population consists of 48% women and 52% men, while the graduate student population is made up of 36% women and 64% men. Overall, there are more male students at Rice University, with approximately 3,229 female students and 4,414 male students.

In 2022, a total of 2,595 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Rice University, with 41.9% of these degrees going to women and the remaining 58.1% to men. This gender disparity in degree awards is also reflected in the breakdown by degree type. In 2022, 1,508 degrees were awarded to men, which is nearly 1.4 times the number of degrees awarded to women (1,087).

The gender imbalance in degree awards is not unique to Rice University and reflects broader trends in higher education. However, it is essential to acknowledge and address this disparity to ensure equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. By understanding the factors contributing to the gap, such as gender stereotypes, societal expectations, and structural barriers, we can work towards creating a more equitable future where women and men have equal opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1

Rice University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, which means that for every six students, there is one faculty member. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of faculty members.

In 2022, Rice University had a total enrollment of 8,672 students, including 4,480 undergraduate students and 4,085 graduate students. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and has a diverse student body, with approximately 30% of students identifying as Asian, 16-17% as Hispanic, and 8% as Black. The student body is almost evenly split between male and female students.

The low student-to-faculty ratio at Rice University allows for more personalized attention and support for students. With a smaller ratio, faculty members have more time to dedicate to each student, providing opportunities for mentorship, academic guidance, and research collaboration. This ratio also contributes to the sense of community and close-knit college traditions that Rice University is known for.

Rice University's student-to-faculty ratio is significantly lower than the average at similar doctoral universities, which have a median enrollment of 15,690 students. The university's commitment to maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio is reflected in its history and values. Founded in 1912, Rice University has always emphasized the importance of a strong faculty-student relationship.

The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio enables Rice University to provide a high-quality education and a supportive learning environment for its students. It fosters a collaborative and engaging academic experience, allowing students to thrive in their chosen fields of study.

Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities

Rice University is a private institution founded in 1912 and located in an urban setting in Houston, Texas, on a 300-acre tree-lined campus. It offers a dynamic student life in the nation's fourth-largest city. The university is organised into eight schools, including the School of Social Sciences, School of Humanities, and Wiess School of Natural Sciences. Its graduate schools include the highly ranked Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and George R. Brown School of Engineering.

The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,574 students (as of fall 2023) and a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio. It has 11 residential colleges that provide housing, dining, and academic and social events for students. The residential college system is a strong campus tradition that fosters close-knit, diverse college communities, contributing to Rice's high ranking for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice University offers over 50 majors across seven schools of study, providing students with the freedom to choose their path. The university encourages students to conduct research alongside experts from their first semester, allowing them to apply their skills and gain valuable professional experience. Rice's student life is centred around its residential colleges, which promote a culture of care and collaboration over competition.

Rice University is committed to providing access to education through generous financial aid policies, such as The Rice Investment, which offers need-based scholarships to low- and middle-income students. The university admits students based on academic merit rather than their ability to pay and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through financial aid.

Frequently asked questions