Why Choose Rice University for Your Future

Summary Statement:

Rice University ranks #9 among the best universities in the U.S. Recently admitted to the Ivy League, this Houston-based school leads in a host of science, medicine, and STEM subjects. Rice also offers robust precollege online courses for motivated teens.

Key Points:

• It is ranked #9 of U.S. colleges by Forbes. 
• It is a leading research university with ties to the Texas Medical Center.
• Rice offers 50 popular majors in areas like medicine, STEM, computer science, and business.
• Relevant precollege online courses are plentiful for high school students.

Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is one of the nation’s most respected research institutions and was recently granted membership to the Ivy League. Founded in 1912, the school moved into the top 10-ranked universities in 2024 according to Forbes. It sits on 400 wooded acres adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, and boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. 

In this article, we’ll provide a profile of Rice, its research credentials, majors, and impressive student opportunities; particularly in STEM and business. We’ll also share important insights into the Rice University Precollege Program. Rice precollege prep online courses are designed for high school students and provide a great way to see if Rice could be the right fit for you.

What does Rice have to offer?

As a top-tier research institution and Prelum partner school, Rice offers more than 50 majors across seven schools of study where students have the freedom and ability to choose their own path. From a student’s first semester on campus, no matter the major, they'll have the opportunity to conduct research alongside experts, apply newly acquired skills, gain valuable professional experience and interact with industry leaders who address real-world issues. Bright, curious, and diverse, Rice students have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to shape the world around them.

What major areas of study does Rice offer?

Rice’s major areas of study

According to U.S. News & World Report, Rice has an enrollment of nearly 4,500 students, with a student/faculty ratio of six to one. In fact 66% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors? Rice offers students a broad array of courses in areas such as STEM, business, and law. These include: 

• Computer and information sciences 
• Psychology
• Mechanical engineering
• Economics
• Biology/Biological sciences
• Administration management
• Electrical and electronics engineering
• Cognitive science, biochemistry
• Political science and government

.As a high school student, did you know that you can experience any number of Rice’s most popular course subjects while in high school?

How to get a taste of Rice University with precollege online courses

The Rice University Precollege Program offers an array of online courses and is designed for motivated high school students who want to get a jumpstart on college. Courses run the gamut; here’s a snapshot of what you can experience.

Do you think medicine is in your future? Then, you’ll want to take a look at Rice University’s precollege course, Medicine: Diagnostics, Treatment, and Patient Care. 

Designed for motivated high school students, this course explores patient-care procedures, from initial exam and assessment of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. What will you learn? Students in this medicine course will:

• Gain a basic understanding of doctors and other medical professionals and their roles in patient care.
• Learn the most effective means of obtaining a reliable patient history.
• Understand congestive heart failure. 
• Learn the purpose and function of the endocrine system.
• Discover how the respiratory system works and review diseases like COPD.
• Earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University.

Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Then Rice University’s precollege entrepreneurship course may suit you. Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech is an outstanding example of the tech-forward advantages you’ll find at Rice. Here is a course that invites you to learn about cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and other innovations that are changing the financial world. Students in this course:

• Learn how entrepreneurs use Fintech to earn money for their clients and themselves.
• See how automation through algorithms and robo-advising engines speed investment.
• Learn how blockchain technologies work.
• Explore the history of the Federal Bank.
• Review case studies on Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
• Earn a Certificate of Completion From Rice University.

Is STEM your thing? Then Rice University is for you. The offerings in STEM areas are as diverse as you’ll find anywhere. Here are a few examples:

In Space Exploration: The Road to Mars, you’ll learn the history and milestones of the space program, the future of moon landings, and the scientific reasons for going to Mars. Experience dynamic videos, and watch interviews with astronauts. If future space travel sparks your interest, this is your launchpad.

Rice’s course, Engineering: Solving Real World Problems, gives you a historic picture of this age-old profession from the pyramids to modern-day robotics. Learn how engineers work to solve big problems. Explore the four main engineering specialties, and complete a Capstone Project where you'll explore how various engineering disciplines work together to solve real-world problems.

Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine defines how DNA works to create your genetic makeup. Discover how genome engineering can edit genomes to treat diseases. And study the ethics around this advancing area of medicine and engineering.

Explore our offerings by touring the Rice University website, and visit our precollege program to review all of the online precollege courses we have to offer.