Rice earns nation-leading rankings from Niche, Forbes
Rice has been recognized among the nation’s best colleges this week — coinciding with the beginning of its fall semester — ranking No. 10 on Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges in America list and No. 12 on Forbes’ annual America’s Top Colleges list.
Message from the president: Welcome back, Owls!
It is with great excitement that I welcome you back to Rice for the start of another academic year. Our campus has come alive once again with energy, anticipation and purpose. Last week, we officially welcomed 1,300 new undergraduates during O-Week along with a preliminary count of more than 1,400 new graduate students. Today, classes begin for us all.
Rice’s top innovation exec headed for University of Virginia
After more than a decade of outstanding leadership at Rice, Paul Cherukuri, the university’s top innovation executive, will be leaving his post to accept a position at the University of Virginia.
Chao family gift supports, names Rice University’s 12th residential college
Amid unprecedented enrollment growth, Rice will open its 12th residential college, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao College — referred to as Chao College — made possible by a generous gift from the Chao family foundation.
Rice earns national recognition in Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings
Rice has once again earned national recognition in The Princeton Review’s annual Best Colleges rankings, placing in the top 10 in four categories for 2026.
Rice moves up more than 20 spots in QS World University Rankings
Rice has advanced 22 spots in the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, climbing to No. 119 globally and No. 29 among U.S. universities.
Rice champions research and innovation during Texas’ legislative session
The Texas 89th Legislative Session marked a milestone for Rice's government relations efforts as the university played a vital role in advancing key legislative priorities that support research, student health and higher education opportunities in the state.
Rice welcomes 3 new members to board of trustees
Rice University has appointed three distinguished alumni to its board of trustees.
Remembering E. William ‘Bill’ Barnett ’55: Visionary leader and former Rice Board chairman
Rice University is mourning the passing of E. William “Bill” Barnett ’55, an esteemed alumnus, former chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees and a transformative figure in the university’s modern history.
Rice Update: Student visa changes and our commitment to international students
Recent federal developments concerning student visa processing have created increasing uncertainty for many international students. Members of Rice leadership sent an update May 30.
Rice to offer Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence
To prepare the next generation of innovators and thought leaders in AI, Rice will offer a Bachelor of Science in AI beginning in the fall of 2025.
Lydia Kavraki named University Professor, the highest faculty distinction at Rice
In a landmark moment for Rice, renowned computer scientist Lydia E. Kavraki has been named a University Professor, the institution’s highest academic rank. She becomes only the 11th person and the third woman in the university’s 112-year history to earn this prestigious title.
Biotech pioneer Robert Langer delivers President’s Lecture at Rice
Rice welcomed renowned biomedical engineer and entrepreneur Robert Langer to campus for the President’s Lecture Series.
ENRICH Office’s Health Innovations Symposium showcases Rice-TMC biomedical collaboration ecosystem
Rice’s ENRICH Office hosted a two-day symposium April 24-25 at Helix Park highlighting the encompassing range of biomedical research at the university and the network of collaborations with institutions across the Texas Medical Center.
A night to remember: Rice celebrates the undergraduate Class of 2025
Rice conferred more than 2,900 degrees to its newest graduates — the most in the university’s history — during its 112th commencement weekend held May 9-10.
