Rice University Majors & Programs (2025) | Azimuth

Rice University Programs & Rankings

Outcomes-based program rankings.

Program outcomes at Rice University vary significantly by field of study, with particular strength in engineering, computer science, and applied fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.

Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and identify programs that align with your career and financial goals.

Analyzing 21 programs with available earnings data.

These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Rice University.

Notable Programs

Highest Earnings

Artificial Intelligence.

$172K

#4 nationally

Best National Rank

Artificial Intelligence.

$172K median earnings

Largest Enrollment

Artificial Intelligence.

Program Insights

Highest Earning Programs

Earnings outcomes at Rice reflect both program selection and the institution's strong career preparation across fields. Computer science and engineering dominate the highest-earning categories, with Artificial Intelligence leading at $172,391, followed by Electrical Engineering at $139,102 and Chemical Engineering at $108,850. Mathematics programs also perform exceptionally well, with Algebra and Number Theory producing earnings of $97,071. Business and economics programs maintain strong earning potential, with Business Administration at $89,530 and Applied Economics at $88,145. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like American History ($70,345) and English Literature ($55,843) demonstrate above-average outcomes for their respective disciplines, indicating Rice's effectiveness in career preparation across all academic areas.

Top Ranked Programs

Rice University demonstrates exceptional program quality through consistent top-tier national rankings across multiple disciplines. The institution maintains #4 national rankings in both Artificial Intelligence and Exercise Science and Kinesiology, showcasing strength in both technical and health-related fields. Engineering programs particularly excel, with Electrical Engineering ranking #7 nationally, Chemical Engineering at #5, and Mechanical Engineering maintaining solid performance. Beyond STEM fields, Rice achieves remarkable humanities rankings including American History at #13 nationally and English Literature at #34. The concentration of top-ranked programs reflects Rice's commitment to academic excellence across diverse disciplines rather than narrow specialization, providing students with access to nationally competitive programs regardless of their chosen field of study.

Earnings Distribution (10yr)Across 21 programs

Median: $71K

$24KLowest

$172KHighest

$0$63K$125K$188K$250K

This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.

The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.

These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Rice University.

Engineering & Technology

$107K avg

6 programs3 Top 10 Nationally

Rice's engineering programs rank among the nation's strongest, with Artificial Intelligence ranking #4 nationally and delivering exceptional earnings of $172,391. Electrical Engineering (#7 nationally) and Chemical Engineering (#5 nationally) produce graduates earning well above $100,000.

These programs represent Rice's flagship academic strengths and demonstrate consistent top-tier rankings alongside outstanding earnings outcomes. Best suited for students prioritizing maximum earning potential and technical career paths.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
Artificial Intelligence.	#4	$172,391

How We Rank Programs

Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or selectivity. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 2-4 years after completion, with cohort size requirements ensuring statistical reliability. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific field, explaining why institutions can have both highly-ranked and lower-ranked programs depending on field-specific performance. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and employment outcomes to assess overall program return on investment. These outcome-based measures provide insight into career preparation effectiveness and economic value, complementing but not replacing considerations of academic quality, faculty expertise, or personal interest alignment.

Ranking Inputs

40%
Graduate Earnings
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
20%
Affordability
Debt burden relative to earnings
15%
Value-Added
Institutional contribution to outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions about Rice University Majors & Programs

The strongest program by earnings at Rice University is Computer and Information Sciences, General, with graduates earning $129,481 median salary.

Computer and Information Sciences, General is Rice University's highest-earning program, with graduates earning $129,481 median salary.

Rice University graduates earn somewhat more than expected. Graduates earn $991 more than predicted.

Azimuth ranks Rice University's programs at three levels: state (TX), regional, and national. Rankings are based on graduate earnings outcomes, not prestige or reputation. This helps students find the best programs for career outcomes in their target geography.

Mathematics at Rice University produces graduates earning $97,071 median salary. Compare this to other schools using Azimuth's major rankings.

Continue Your Research

School Overview

Institution profile and rankings

Career Outcomes

Graduate earnings and ROI analysis

Financial GPS

Personalized cost and earnings calculator

← Back to Rice University Overview

Business & Economics

$90K avg

1 program

Business and economics programs at Rice deliver strong outcomes with Applied Economics ranking #67 nationally and producing median earnings of $88,145. Business Administration graduates earn $89,530 while ranking #31 nationally, demonstrating solid performance in competitive fields.

These programs provide excellent preparation for finance, consulting, and management careers. Well-suited for students seeking versatile business skills with strong earning potential and career flexibility.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
Business Administration and Management, General.	#29	$89,530	—	23

Sciences & Mathematics

$67K avg

3 programs

Rice's mathematics programs show exceptional strength with Algebra and Number Theory ranking #24 nationally and generating earnings of $97,071. Mathematical Statistics ranks #19 nationally with earnings of $79,450.

However, Biochemistry shows lower early-career earnings at $24,421, likely reflecting graduate school preparation paths. These programs serve students pursuing quantitative careers or advanced study in scientific fields.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
Algebra and Number Theory.	#23	$97,071★	—	35
Mathematical Statistics and Probability.	#19	$79,450	—	27
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.	#81	$24,421	—	71

$62K avg

5 programs

Social sciences at Rice demonstrate strong outcomes with Psychology ranking #10 nationally and earning $57,256, while American Government and Politics ranks #53 nationally with earnings of $70,513. Applied Sociology shows lower earnings at $39,009, typical for public service preparation.

These programs excel at preparing students for graduate study and careers in policy, research, and human services.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
Applied Economics.	#65	$88,145★	—	86
American Government and Politics (United States).	#53	$70,513	—	37
Psychology, General.	#11	$57,256	—	50
Education Policy Analysis.	#12	$55,512	—	30
Applied/Public Sociology.	#196	$39,009	—	37

Humanities & Arts

$53K avg

4 programs

Humanities programs at Rice achieve exceptional rankings relative to field averages, with American History ranking #13 nationally and earning $70,345, and English Literature ranking #34 nationally with earnings of $55,843. These outcomes demonstrate Rice's academic strength across disciplines and effective career preparation in traditionally lower-earning fields.

Best suited for students prioritizing academic excellence and long-term intellectual development over immediate earnings maximization.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
American History (United States).	#13	$70,345★	—	34
English Language and Literature, General.	#36	$55,843	—	31
Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample	#102	$45,696	—	14
Digital Arts.	#12	$38,289	—	20

Other & Interdisciplinary

$74K avg

2 programs2 Top 10 Nationally

Rice's interdisciplinary programs showcase innovative academic approaches, with Cognitive Science ranking #5 nationally and delivering strong earnings of $86,577. Exercise Science ranks #4 nationally with earnings of $62,105, demonstrating exceptional value and career preparation.

These programs reflect Rice's commitment to cross-disciplinary learning and emerging fields that combine multiple academic traditions.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
Cognitive Science, General.	#5	$86,577★	—	45
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.	#4	$62,105	—	102

Program Highlights

Notable Programs

Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence.

Program Insights

Highest Earning Programs

Top Ranked Programs

Engineering & Technology

How We Rank Programs

Ranking Inputs

Frequently Asked Questions about Rice University Majors & Programs

Continue Your Research

Best Value Programs

Business & Economics

Sciences & Mathematics

Social Sciences & Policy

Humanities & Arts

Other & Interdisciplinary