2026 Best Colleges for Earth Sciences in America

Rice University

Rice University, established in 1912, is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. Known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life, Rice offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is committed to expanding access to higher education, with plans to increase its undergraduate enrollment to 5,200 by 2028, marking a 30% increase since 2020. Rice also provides generous financial aid through programs like The Rice Investment, aiming to make education affordable for all students.