Rice University

Rice University Overview

Rice University, established in 1912, is a private research institution located in Houston, Texas. It spans a 300-acre, tree-lined campus.

The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight schools including:

• School of Humanities
• School of Social Sciences
• Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
• George R. Brown School of Engineering
• Wiess School of Natural Sciences
• Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
• Rice School of Architecture
• Shepherd School of Music

Research and Innovation

Rice University is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in nanotechnology, data science, and public policy.

Notable research centers include the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, the Rice Quantum Institute, and the Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology.

Residential College System

The university's residential college system is a distinctive feature of campus life. It fosters close-knit communities where students live, dine, and engage in activities together.

This system includes 11 co-ed colleges, each with unique traditions and governance, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive campus culture.

Recent Developments

Rice University is undergoing its most significant undergraduate enrollment expansion, aiming to increase the student population to 5,200 by 2028, a 30% rise since 2020.

Along with growth, the university plans to invest over $1.5 billion in financial aid over the next five years to enhance access and affordability.

Additionally, Rice received an $18 million federal grant over five years to develop a system enhancing tumor removal accuracy in breast and head-and-neck cancers.

This funding is part of a broader cancer "moonshot" initiative aiming to halve the cancer death rate by 2047.

Locations

Rice University operates primarily from its main campus in Houston, Texas, situated in the city's heart.

The campus is near the Texas Medical Center and the Houston Museum District, offering students extensive cultural, educational, and professional opportunities.

The university's locations include:

• Houston, TX, USA - Main campus situated in the city center offering proximity to medical and cultural institutions
• Hilo, HI, USA - Additional location providing extended reach for educational purposes