We determined the optimum ethanolic conditions for extraction of $gamma$-oryzanol and other functional components from rice bran, using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design was used to investigate the effects of the independent variables of solvent ratio ($X_1$), extraction temperature ($X_2$), and extraction time ($X_3$), on dependent variables including yield ($Y_1$), total phenolic content ($Y_2$), electron-donating activity ($Y_3$), ferulic acid level ($Y_4$), and $gamma$-oryzanol concentration ($Y_5$). Solvent ratio and extraction temperature were the most important factors in extraction. The maximum yield was at 22.56 mL/g ($X_1$), 78.19C ($X_2$), and 522.15 min ($X_3$), at the saddle point. Total phenolic levels were little affected by solvent ratio or extraction temperature. The maximum concentration of extracted total phenolics was 90.78mg GAE/100 g at 21.26 mL/g, $94.65^{circ}C$, and 567.97 min. A maximum electron-donating ability of 54.72% was obtained with the parameters 20.20 mL/g,$81.89^{circ}C$, and 701.87 min, at the highest point. The maximum level of ferulic acid components was 210.47 mg/100g at 5.22 mL/g, $79.66^{circ}C$, and 575.24 min. In addition, the maximum $gamma$-oryzanol concentration was 660.39 mg/100g at 5.10 mL/g, $81.83^{circ}C$, and 587.39 min. The optimum extraction conditions were a solvent ratio of 10.45 mL/g, $80^{circ}C$ extraction temperature, and 535 min extraction time. Predicted extraction levels under optimized conditions were in line with experimental values.