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Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business means more than checking a box; it means joining a tight-knit, ambitious community at the heart of one of America’s fastest-growing business cities. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and real-world application, Rice Business has quickly become a go-to choice for professionals seeking to accelerate their careers in industries like consulting, energy, finance, and technology.
What sets Rice Jones apart isn’t just its academic rigor or impressive post-grad salaries; it’s the program’s deep integration with Houston’s business landscape and its commitment to personalized, high-impact education. From global immersion experiences to a STEM-certified curriculum and 100% internship placement rate, the Rice MBA delivers the kind of ROI that turns career potential into career momentum.
Rice Jones Graduate School of Business MBA Program Overview (2025)
The Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, commonly known as Rice Business, was established in 1974 and is located in Houston, Texas. As part of Rice University, a prestigious private research institution, the business school is known for its rigorous academic programs, strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, and close ties to Houston’s thriving business sectors, including energy, healthcare, finance, and technology. With a commitment to innovation
Rice Business MBA Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business MBA program has been approximately 39% in recent years. For instance, the Full-Time MBA program had an acceptance rate of 39% with 1,177 applicants. Similarly, for the class of 2025, there were 1,178 applicants, with 459 accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 39%. These figures indicate a consistent acceptance rate of around 39% over these years, reflecting the school's selective admissions process.
Rice Jones MBA Class Profile
- Location: Houston, TX
- Class Size: 166 students
- Average Work Experience: 5.3 years
- Average GMAT Score: 702
- Average GRE Scores: Verbal 157, Quantitative 160
- Average GPA: 3.46
- Gender Distribution: 36% women
- International Students: 42%
- First-Generation Students: 26%
- Underrepresented Minorities: 30%
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 39%
Rice Business MBA Cost - Tuition & Fees
Full-Time MBA
- Tuition: $76,073 per year
- Fees: ~$1,230 (includes student organization, wellness, and activity fees)
- Additional Costs:
- Health Insurance: $3,448 (unless waived)
- Textbooks: ~$2,600
- Parking: $250 - $1,009
Professional MBA (Evening & Weekend)
- Evening MBA Tuition: $64,837.50 per year ($129,675 total)
- Weekend MBA Tuition: $67,987.50 per year ($135,975 total)
- Fees: $450 (activity fee)
- Additional Costs:
- Health Insurance: $3,143 (unless waived)
- Textbooks: ~$1,100
- Parking: $250 - $1,009
- Weekend Residency Fee (Weekend MBA only): $5,000
Hybrid MBA
- Tuition: $68,850 per year ($137,700 total)
- Fees: $400 (activity fee)
- Additional Costs: Same as Professional MBA
Executive MBA
- Tuition: $76,125 per year ($152,250 total)
- Included in Tuition: Textbooks (core courses), on-campus parking, meals on class days
- Additional Costs:
- Health Insurance: $3,143 (unless waived)
- Weekend Residency Fee: $5,000
Online MBA (MBA@Rice)
- Tuition: $2,194 per credit hour (54 credits total = $118,476)
- Additional Costs:
- Intensive Learning Experience Fee: $250 - $500 per course
- Global Field Experience: $2,000
- Textbooks: $1,000 - $2,500
Read: Everything to Know About Online MBA Programs
Rice Jones Employment Report
- Average Starting Salary: $150,000 (5% increase from 2022)
- Job Acceptance Rate: 94% accepted offers within three months post-graduation
- Internship Success Rate: 100% of students seeking internships secured positions
For more information, please visit the Rice Jones 2024 Full-Time MBA Employment Report
Industry Distribution:
- Consulting: 26%
- Technology: 20%
- Financial Services: 19%
- Energy: 12%
- Other Industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, consumer products
Top Employers:
- Financial Services: J.P. Morgan, Bank of America Securities, Barclays, RBC Capital Markets, Piper Sandler
- Consulting: Deloitte, EY-Parthenon, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company
- Technology: Amazon, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Cisco, Verizon
- Energy: Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger (SLB)
Rice Jones Graduate School of Business Application Overview
Rice Jones Programs & Degrees
- Traditional, Full-Time MBA – A two-year immersive program designed to develop business fundamentals and leadership skills for career advancement.
- Executive MBA – Tailored for senior professionals, focusing on strategic leadership and advanced business decision-making at Rice Jones.
- Deferred MBA – Allows college seniors, including those pursuing an undergraduate business major or an undergraduate business minor at the Virani Undergraduate School, to reserve a spot and enroll for 2-5 years post-graduation.
- Hybrid MBA – A flexible MBA program blending online learning with in-person residencies, ideal for working professionals looking to enhance their business fundamentals.
- Online MBA (MBA@Rice) – A fully online program offering a strong foundation in business fundamentals, making it accessible to students in undergraduate programs or professionals seeking career growth.
- Joint Degrees – Coordinated dual-degree programs at Rice Jones, allowing students to earn an MBA alongside another graduate degree for specialized expertise.
- MBA/PSM Program (Professional Science Master’s) – Integrates business and science, making it a strong option for those with an undergraduate business major interested in technology and management.
- MD/MBA Program (Baylor College of Medicine) – Combines medical training with business education, preparing professionals for healthcare leadership and executive roles.
Rice Jones Deadlines
| Application Round | Deadline | Decision Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 14, 2024 | December 9, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2025 | March 10, 2025 |
| Round 3 | March 10, 2025 | April 21, 2025 |
| Round 4 | April 28, 2025 | Rolling (space-available) |
Rice Business MBA Requirements
- Application Checklist
- GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA Scores – One of these exams is required; no preference is given.
- Official Transcripts – Required from all degree-granting institutions attended.
- Essays – Two required essays, including a creative response.
- One Letter of Recommendation – If not from a current/former direct supervisor, a second letter is required.
- Application Fee – $200 (non-refundable).
- Resume – A one-page professional resume highlighting career achievements.
Rice Business MBA Essay
Prompts (2024-2025):
- Required Essay: “While we know a picture is worth 1,000 words, in 500 words or less, tell us the story of a photo of your choosing that has significant value in your life experiences. Please feel free to share your photo!”
- Optional Essay: Address any areas of concern in your application (e.g., gaps in employment, past academic performance).
- Reapplicant Essay (if applicable): How have you strengthened your application since your last submission?
Rice Jones MBA Interview
Interviews are by invitation only and are a critical part of the admissions process. They are conducted by admissions staff, alumni, or current students and focus on assessing leadership potential, career goals, and cultural fit with Rice Business.
Rice Jones MBA Letters of Recommendation
Only one (1) letter of recommendation is required, ideally from an individual who can speak to your professional achievements and potential. However, two (2) letters of recommendation are required if your current or previous supervisor will not be submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf. These letters provide valuable insights into your character, work ethic, and potential for success in the Rice Jones MBA program.
Learn more here: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter—With Examples. Also, click here for our free Leland Recommender Prep Template.
Rice Jones MBA Curriculum & Class Structure
The Rice Jones Graduate School of Business offers a rigorous and dynamic MBA curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles across industries. The program is structured over two years, with a strong foundation in core business principles in Year 1, followed by specialized electives and experiential learning opportunities in Year 2.
Year 1
The first year focuses on core courses that develop essential business skills:
Fall Semester:
- Managerial Economics
- Financial Accounting
- Data Analysis
- Organizational Behavior
- Finance
- Marketing
- Negotiations
- Leadership
Spring Semester:
- Strategy II: Formulation & Implementation
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Managerial Accounting
- Operations Management
- Leading Change
Students also participate in case studies, simulations, and team projects to apply classroom learning to real-world business challenges.
Year 2
The second year allows students to tailor their MBA experience to their career goals by choosing from 100+ elective courses across various disciplines.
Elective Specializations:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance & Investment Banking
- Marketing & Strategy
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Healthcare Management
- Real Estate
- Energy & Sustainability
Additionally, prospective students can participate in global immersion programs, industry treks, and capstone consulting projects. The curriculum also offers opportunities for independent study and internships.
How to Get Into Rice Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice Business seeks strong academic performance, leadership experience, and a compelling application. Here are key tips to strengthen your application:
Showcase Quantitative and Leadership Strengths
Rice Jones places a high value on analytical and data-driven decision-making. Competitive GMAT/GRE scores demonstrate your ability to handle the rigorous coursework, especially in finance, economics, and operations. Beyond academics, leadership experience is essential. Whether through your career, community involvement, or extracurricular activities, showing initiative, problem-solving ability, and team leadership will make you a strong candidate. Highlight moments where you took charge, influenced outcomes, or drove change.
Write a Standout Essay and Resume
Your essay and resume provide a unique opportunity to showcase both your professional journey and your personal aspirations. The creative essay prompt at Rice Jones allows you to tell a story beyond just numbers and titles. Choose a meaningful experience or challenge that shaped your career path and leadership style. Be authentic, a dedicated admissions counselor wants to understand your motivations and what makes you a unique fit for the Rice MBA community.
Your resume should be business-school ready, meaning it should be concise, results-driven, and highlight your impact. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on measurable contributions rather than just listing job responsibilities.
Secure a Strong Letter of Recommendation
Since Rice only requires one letter of recommendation, choosing the right recommender is crucial. Select someone who has directly observed your work ethic, leadership, and impact, ideally, a current or former supervisor. If your direct manager is unable to provide a recommendation, a second letter is required, so consider colleagues or mentors who can offer a well-rounded perspective on your abilities. A strong recommendation should go beyond generic praise and instead provide specific examples of your contributions and potential.
Rice Jones Notable Alumni & Faculty
Alumni
Rice Jones has produced influential leaders across various industries:
- John Doerr – Chairman of Kleiner Perkins and influential venture capitalist
- Jim Turley – Former CEO, Ernst & Young (EY)
- Douglas Foshee – Former CEO, El Paso Corporation
Faculty
Rice Business faculty are leaders in business research, strategy, and entrepreneurship:
- Vikas Mittal – Professor of Marketing, known for research in customer experience
- James Weston – Finance professor specializing in corporate finance and financial markets
- Yael Hochberg – Renowned expert in entrepreneurship and venture capital
Get Into Rice Jones With the Help of Experts
Applying to Rice Business School is a competitive process, and having expert guidance can make a significant difference. MBA admissions consultants provide personalized feedback, strategic advice, and application refinement to help you craft a compelling application that stands out. Whether you need help with essays, interview preparation, or choosing the right recommenders, a skilled consultant can guide you through the process with insider knowledge and proven strategies.
Here are three of the most popular MBA admissions consultants for Rice Jones. Browse all available experts here:
Thresa S. — An experienced MBA admissions coach specializing in storytelling and crafting compelling essays. Thresa has helped numerous candidates refine their applications and successfully gain admission to top business schools, including Rice Jones.
Max R. — With a background in finance and strategy consulting, Max provides in-depth guidance on career positioning, resume optimization, and interview preparation to ensure applicants present themselves as top candidates.
Keanu M. — A former MBA admissions officer, Keanu knows exactly what Rice Jones is looking for. He provides tailored feedback on essays, leadership narratives, and application strategies to help you maximize your chances of admission.
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Rice Jones FAQs
Is Rice MBA prestigious?
- Yes, Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business is considered prestigious, particularly for its strong academic rigor, tight-knit community, and high job placement rates. It consistently ranks among the top 30 MBA programs in the U.S. and is well-regarded for its focus on entrepreneurship, energy, and consulting, especially in the Southwest and Southern regions.
How much does Rice Jones MBA cost?
- The cost of the Full-Time MBA program at Rice Jones is approximately $76,073 per year in tuition, plus around $1,230 in fees. Additional costs may include health insurance ($3,448), textbooks ($2,600), and optional parking fees. For Professional, Executive, Hybrid, and Online MBA formats, total program tuition ranges from $118,000 to $152,000, depending on the format and residency components.
How much does Rice Jones MBA pay?
- Recent graduates of the Rice Jones Full-Time MBA program reported an average starting salary of $150,000, a 5% increase from the prior year. This figure reflects strong employer demand and high ROI, with top recruiters including Amazon, McKinsey, Deloitte, J.P. Morgan, and Phillips 66.
What is the acceptance rate for the Rice Jones MBA?
- The acceptance rate for Rice Jones' Full-Time MBA program is approximately 39%. In a recent admissions cycle, out of 1,178 applicants, 459 were admitted. This indicates a selective but accessible admissions process for strong candidates with solid academics, leadership experience, and clear post-MBA goals.
