About Rice University
Rice University offers several online graduate programs for professional students, including programs in business and technology. Students will have the opportunity to engage in virtual classrooms while completing assignments at their convenience. Rice Online fosters innovative education and a commitment to excellence in instruction, delivered by attentive faculty.
Online programs offer:
- Hands-on and global field experience opportunities
- Small class sizes
- Peer collaboration via cohort class formats
- Curriculum designed to meet professional career goals
Founded in 1891, Rice University can best be described as a research university with a mission focused on responsibility, integrity, community and excellence. More than 7,000 students are enrolled in this regionally accredited, private institution, located on a 300-acre campus in Houston.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Rice University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
4,330Fully Online Graduate Students:
8%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$11,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
61%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$54,440Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesRice moves at a fast pace and gives students a clear path to graduation. Its core requirements include 12 hours in each of three subject groups. That setup helps students plan each term and stay on track.
Classes are challenging, and expectations are high. Students are expected to attend lectures, keep up with reading, and put in steady study time each week. Grading is tough, so strong time management matters.
Cost depends a lot on financial aid. Rice lists annual tuition at $64,144, but aid can lower that amount in a big way. This is a strong fit for students ready for a rigorous schedule over multiple terms.
At Rice, help is easy to find and use. Students talk about frequent office hours and support outside class. Some professors add extra office hours during busy parts of the term. Small classes also make it easier to know your professors and get help early.
The tone feels personal as well as rigorous. Faculty and staff are often described as kind and approachable. At the same time, classes keep high standards and are not built on easy grading.
Career support is present, but results can vary by program. Some areas appear to offer stronger job support than others. Overall, Rice combines close academic support with serious expectations.
Rice offers online classes at the graduate level. The school pace is demanding. Expect assigned reading and firm class expectations. Easy grades are not the norm.
Support is active and easy to find. Small classes help instructors know students. Office hours are a regular support channel. Peer help adds another layer of support. This structure fits learners who want challenge and steady contact.
Classes at Rice are challenging and well organized. The workload can be heavy, and the pace is fast. Professors expect students to attend class and keep up with reading. Grades are earned through steady effort and strong work.
At the same time, many courses use creative projects, including podcasts and TED Talk-style presentations. Small classes give students more direct attention from professors. Faculty are easy to reach through office hours and direct contact.
Support also continues outside class. Students can use peer tutoring and other academic help when work gets intense. Overall, Rice combines high standards with close teaching support, helping students manage a demanding schedule.
Rice is a high-rigor school with clear expectations. Classes require attendance and assigned reading. Easy A grades are not the norm. The curriculum also has defined structure.
One example is 12 hours in each of three distribution lists. Professor access is a core strength. Small classes make contact easier. Office hours are used often.
Peer tutoring and Academic Fellows add daily support. The culture is collaborative and less isolating. This school fits students who want challenge and real help. Outcomes can vary by academic path.
Rice is a high-rigor school with clear expectations. Classes require attendance and assigned reading. Easy A grades are not the norm. The curriculum also has defined structure.
One example is 12 hours in each of three distribution lists. Professor access is a core strength. Small classes make contact easier. Office hours are used often.
Peer tutoring and Academic Fellows add daily support. The culture is collaborative and less isolating. This school fits students who want challenge and real help. Outcomes can vary by academic path.
Online Programs offered by Rice University
All Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice University
Is Rice University accredited?
Yes. Rice University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Rice University offer?
Rice University offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Rice University offer?
Rice University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Rice University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Rice University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Rice University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Rice University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Rice University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Rice University military friendly?
Rice University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Rice University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Rice University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Official College Transcript(s), and Interview. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Rice University accept life experience credit?
Rice University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Rice University programs fully online or mixed?
Rice University programs are primarily listed as Mostly Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do any Rice University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Rice University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Rice University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Rice University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Rice University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Rice University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Rice University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Rice University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Rice University is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Rice University is located in Texas
Texas at a Glance:

Top Majors in Texas:
Top Incentives in Texas:
- TEXAS Grant: Up to $5,195 annually
Top Career Pathways in Texas:
- Entry Level: Project Engineer ($75,000)
- Mid Level: Operations Manager ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Energy Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP




