Houston, TX: When you hear someone say, “Harvard of the South”, they mean “Rice University”. Known for a high-level of research activity and a small student body, Rice is where you want to go for both an emphasis on education and a tight-knit student body. Founded in 1912 after the murder of its namesake William Rice, Rice is now a leading research university with an emphasis on undergraduates and a 5:1 student faculty ratio.

Ranked #1 for “Happiest Students” by the Princeton Review, Rice offers a vibrant social scene both on and off campus. Located in the center of Houston’s Museum district and directly across the street from Hermann Park, Rice offers a beautiful sanctuary for its well-cultured students. A nearby Houston METRORail station offers easy access to Houston’s bustling theater and nightlife district.

On campus, the residential college system divides students randomly into eleven different residential colleges, who have developed their own traditions over time. Friendly rivalries between colleges are kept alive with special events and pranks.

A variety of athletics are offered at Rice, including clubs and intramural sports. Rice’s baseball team is the most successful of the school sport teams, having defeated Stanford in the 2003 College World Series.

In the classroom, Rice offers more than 50 undergraduate majors from Bioengineering to Religious Studies. A study abroad program offers Rice students the opportunity to study at over 500 programs in 60 different countries. Experimental learning is an important part of their academic program, offering students internship opportunities and research and study both on an off campus, creating a dynamic educational experience.

Altogether, Rice is the place for both a dedicated student and someone looking to make friends and have fun with a close-knit student body.