Rice University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

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 university ranking has been consistent among the top 200 global universities for more than a decade now. When it comes to the Rice University Ranking, it ranked #18 in National Universities, #6 in Best Value Schools, and #119 in World University Rankings. 

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 2025

For the Class of 2029, Rice University received 36,700 applications from prospective students, of which 2,600 students were accepted on the university's campus grounds, making the Rice acceptance rate 2025 stand at 7.8%.
Whereas if we talk about the last batch, Rice University received over 32,000 applications for the Class of 2028, of which almost 2,600 students were admitted to the university. This suggests that the Rice University acceptance rate is a mere 8%, making the criteria for Rice University admissions extremely selective. 

Of the 2,600 students accepted, the number of students who decided to enroll on the Rice University campus for Fall 2024 amounted to over 1,100, making the university’s yield rate around 44.2%. 

Rice University Acceptance Rate for International Students

The number of applications from prospective international students received by Rice University for Fall 2024 amounted to almost 8,000, of which the university offered the opportunity to enroll on the university campus to just about 300 students. This makes the Rice University acceptance rate for international students merely 3.95%, which is even less than the general admission rate by more than half, pointing to its extremely stringent admission process for foreign students. 

Around 25.6% of the enrolled students at Rice University account for international students, with the actual figure being 2,275. The international (nonresident) UG students enrolled at Rice were recorded to be over 620 as of Fall 2024. The student demographics for the university are as follows: 

Rice University Acceptance Rate Trends

An analysis of Rice University's admission statistics for the last few years reveals that the university has been witnessing growing popularity with an increased number of candidates applying to Rice University's admission process each year. However, Rice University's acceptance rate has been going down since the number of students admitted by the university has failed to match the demand. The exact enrollment data for the last few years is given below for a detailed comparative analysis:

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 the regular decision.

When it comes to the Class of 2029, Rice admitted 391 out of 2,970 candidates through Early Decision I and 151 out of 2,513 applicants through the Early Decision II program. Thus, the Rice University Early Decision acceptance rate stood at 13.2% and 6% respectively. Whereas, the Rice University Regular Decision acceptance rate was recorded to be merely 7.3%. Hence, it can be observed that securing enrollment in Rice University through Regular Decision is more competitive as compared to the Early Decision program.

Rice University Admission Requirements for International Students

To secure admission, all international students must fulfill the Rice University entry requirements specified. Some of these are listed below:

UG Requirements:

• Official academic transcripts (Grades and subject history in high school)
• English language proficiency proof
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)
• Common application essay
• Common application writing supplement.

PG Requirements:

• Official academic transcripts (Grades and subject history in high school/university)
• SOP (Statement of purpose)
• English language proficiency proof
• Resume/CV
• 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) minimum
• Letters of recommendation
• GMAT/GRE score
• Any other course-specific requirements, like a portfolio

Rice University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

In order to secure 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 2024:

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 requirements 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 Stanford 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 2025 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.