Eleanor Smith Rice was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1905. In 1922, she became a student at the University of Chicago. While at the University, Rice was active in many student organizations including, Nu Pi Sigma, the Ida Noyes Advisory Council, and the Undergraduate Council. She also served as secretary of her class.
Rice graduated from the University in 1926 with a Ph.B. She went on to study at the University of Chicago graduate school of education from 1927 to 1928.
From the guide to the Rice, Eleanor Smith. Papers, 1923-1924, (Special Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.)