Rice is located about three miles from the downtown area of Houston.
The campus is a 300-acre academic park shaded by almost 4,000 live oaks, pines and other native flora. Campus architecture is styled along an elegant Mediterranean theme, with occasional whimsical touches. Bordered by tall hedges and a three-mile jogging trail, the overall environment is pleasant and attractive. Across the street lies the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. The Rice community maintains close ties with the Medical Center through research collaboration and cooperative educational programs.