August 25, 2025

Rice University Ranked No. 10 College in America

News Summary

Rice University has been recognized as the No. 10 college in America by Niche’s 2026 rankings, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and student satisfaction. Additionally, Rice is distinguished as the best college in Texas, based on extensive evaluations of nearly half a million student reviews. The rankings take into account various criteria, including student population and campus amenities. Rice University also boasts a competitive admissions process, an undergraduate enrollment of 4,574 students, and top-tier business programs that reflect its academic prowess.

Houston – Rice University has recently been recognized as the No. 10 college in America according to the 2026 rankings released by Niche. This prestigious accolade highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student satisfaction, placing it among the top educational institutions nationwide.

In addition to its national ranking, Rice University has also been distinguished as the best college in Texas. This recognition stems from an extensive evaluation conducted by Niche, which analyzed nearly half a million student reviews across more than 1,000 colleges. Niche’s ranking criteria encompassed several factors, including student population, acceptance rate, annual net cost, and 15 other measures related to student life, safety, and campus amenities.

While Rice University secured the top spot in Texas, several other institutions also made it onto Niche’s top 10 list. The University of Texas at Austin was ranked No. 2, followed by Texas A&M University at No. 3, Trinity University at No. 4, and Texas Christian University at No. 5. Other notable institutions included Southern Methodist University at No. 6, Texas Tech University at No. 7, the University of Houston at No. 8, the University of Texas at Tyler at No. 9, and Baylor University at No. 10.

Key Admissions and Academic Information

Rice University has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,574 students and an acceptance rate of just 8%. The university is noted for its competitive admissions process and academic rigor, earning comparisons to Ivy League institutions due to its esteemed reputation.

Graduate and Business Programs

Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business has earned recognition as one of the top five business schools according to The Princeton Review’s 2025 ratings. Notably, its MBA program in finance achieved a No. 3 ranking, climbing two positions from the prior year, with only the University of Virginia’s Darden School and New York University’s Stern School surpassing it. Furthermore, Rice’s online MBA program was ranked No. 5, a slight decline from its previous No. 4 slot, with Indiana University leading this category.

For eight consecutive years, Rice University’s finance program has remained in the top 10 nationwide. Additionally, the online MBA has maintained a top 5 ranking for four years, underscoring its quality and effectiveness in delivering business education.

Support for Minority Students

Rice University also received commendation for its resources for minority students, ranking No. 6 in this category. These evaluations are based on comprehensive surveys involving 244 business school administrators and over 22,800 MBA students across three academic years, reflecting the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Entrepreneurship and Global Recognition

Moreover, Rice University earned the top position for entrepreneurship at the graduate level, emphasizing its dedication to fostering innovation and effective business strategies among its students. In addition, both Rice University and the University of Houston have been featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which assessed more than 1,500 universities globally, showcasing the academic prowess of these Texas institutions.

Recent Ceremonial Event

On September 12, 2024, a ceremonial event was held at Rice University to relocate and rededicate the statue of its founder, William Marsh Rice. This event took place on the Academic Quad, marking a moment of reflection and celebration for the university community.

As Rice University continues to garner accolades and uphold its reputation in academic circles, its rankings serve as a testament to the quality of education and student experiences provided on campus. The university’s ongoing initiatives reflect its mission to foster success and opportunities for its student body while upholding a commitment to excellence.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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