Rice University is once again among the nation’s top universities, earning the No. 16 spot in Forbes’ annual America’s Top Colleges rankings.
Forbes’ annual list highlights 500 colleges that the publication says produce high-earning, successful and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds while limiting student debt. Rice ranked No. 1 in Texas, 26 spots ahead of the next-closest Texas institution.
“We strive to provide every Rice student an exceptional education that creates new opportunities and prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We are focused on ensuring talented students can access that education, regardless of where they grew up or their family’s income.”
Forbes evaluates colleges using 14 measures focused heavily on student outcomes and value, including graduation and retention rates, alumni earnings, student debt, return on investment and the frequency with which graduates earn doctoral degrees, prestigious fellowships and major awards.
Rice received an A-plus financial grade. The rankings cite a 97% student retention rate, an 87% four-year graduation rate and an 8% acceptance rate. The rankings point to strong outcomes after graduation. Rice alumni with 20 years of work experience earn a median salary of $109,721, according to data from People Data Labs, Payscale and the federal College Scorecard.
Affordability and access were among the factors highlighted in Rice’s profile. Forbes reports that 64% of Rice students receive financial aid with average grant aid of more than $56,000 and average student debt of just $10,792.
The rankings cite the recent expansion of the Rice Investment, the university’s signature financial aid program. Beginning in fall 2027, incoming undergraduate students from families with typical assets and annual incomes below $100,000 will receive grants covering tuition, mandatory fees, room and board. Students from families earning between $100,000 and $200,000 will receive grants covering full tuition.
Forbes describes Rice as having particular strengths in science, engineering and the liberal arts and notes that its broad academic offerings and small class sizes give students significant opportunities to personalize their education.
The Forbes recognition adds to a series of recent national accolades for Rice. Last month, Rice earned the No. 10 spot in Niche’s 2027 Best Colleges in America rankings while placing in the top 10 across 18 academic disciplines and university categories. Rice also earned national recognition in The Princeton Review’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, taking the No. 1 spot for Lots of Race/Class Interaction and placing among the country’s top colleges across measures of community, value and student experience.
*Data is based on the 2024-25 IPEDS reporting period. Financial aid data is based on fall 2023 reporting.