Rice Jones MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview

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.​

Read: Rice University Jones MBA Acceptance Rates

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

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

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)

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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

Learn more here: Rice Jones MBA Application Deadlines (2024-2025)

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?

For essay guidance, check: Rice Jones MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

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.

Read: How to Nail Your Rice Jones MBA Interview: Overview, Questions, & Tips

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.

Rice Jones FAQs

Still have questions about Rice Jones? We have you covered. Here are a few frequently asked questions that you may have in mind:

How long is the MBA program?

• The Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business offers programs designed to be completed in two years. Their online MBA requires a total of 54 credits. You can complete the program in as little as 24 months or extend the timeline to fit your schedule.

What MBA programs does Rice Jones offer?

• Rice offers multiple MBA formats such as Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA, Hybrid MBA, Online MBA, and Executive MBA.

What is the credit requirement for the Online MBA?

• The Online MBA requires a total of 54 credits to complete.

Does Rice Business offer any support for career transitions?

• Yes, Rice Business provides extensive career support through its Career Development Office, offering resources such as career counseling, networking events, and job placement assistance.

Is there an option for international students to apply?

• Yes, international students are welcome to apply to all MBA programs at Rice Business. Additional requirements may include TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Are scholarships available for MBA students?

• Yes, Rice Business offers various scholarships based on merit and financial need. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships during the admission process.

Are there opportunities for networking and professional development?

• Absolutely. Rice Business offers numerous opportunities for networking, including guest lectures, industry conferences, alumni events, and professional development workshops.

Is the Rice Business MBA program STEM-certified?

Yes, all MBA programs at Rice Business are STEM-certified. This designation acknowledges the program's quantitative and data-analytic focus and offers international students on F-1 visas the opportunity to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months post-graduation.

What specializations or majors are available in the MBA program?

• Accounting​
• Energy​
• Entrepreneurship​
• Finance
• Healthcare​
• Marketing​
• Operations Management​
• Organizational Behavior​
• Real Estate​
• Strategy and Environment​

What is the average starting salary for Rice MBA graduates?

• Recent Rice MBA graduates have reported the highest starting salaries in the school's history. For detailed and up-to-date salary information, it's recommended to consult the latest employment reports available on the Rice Business website.

What is the class profile of the Rice MBA program?

• The class profile varies across different MBA programs. Prospective students can view the specific class profiles for the Full-Time, Professional, and Executive MBA programs on the Rice Business website. Information for the Hybrid MBA program will be available once the first cohort graduates in 2025.

How can I learn more about the Rice MBA programs?

• To gain more insight into the MBA programs offered by Rice Business, including career highlights and curriculum details, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Rice Business website or contact the admissions office directly.