Rice University's published cost of attendance is $74,110 per year, including $58,128 in tuition, $15,900 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,640 after financial aid, representing savings of $61,470 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $74,110 |
| Tuition and Fees | $58,128 |
| Room and Board | $15,900 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$61,470 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,640 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,221 |
| $30–48k | $3,666 |
| $48–75k | $1,348 |
| $75–110k | $18,783 |
| $110k+ | $39,303 |
Rice University's published cost of attendance is $74,110 per year, including $58,128 in tuition, $15,900 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,640 after financial aid, representing savings of $61,470 from the sticker price. This substantial discount reflects Rice's strong endowment and commitment to affordability across income levels.
The average net price of $12,640 stands well below the peer median of $27,143, indicating that Rice provides more generous financial aid than comparable selective institutions. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $3,221 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $39,303 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure demonstrates Rice's commitment to economic access while maintaining its educational quality.
Rice University provides substantial financial assistance that makes attendance accessible across income levels despite its high sticker price. The $61,470 average savings from financial aid represents an 83% discount from published costs, indicating most students receive meaningful support.
The 16.1% Pell share demonstrates Rice enrolls students from lower-income backgrounds, though this represents a smaller proportion than at most public institutions. The progressive net pricing structure shows Rice concentrates aid on families with the greatest financial need, with families earning under $75,000 paying minimal net costs.
This aid profile supports Rice's ability to attract academically talented students regardless of family financial resources while maintaining its selective admissions standards. The substantial gap between published and net costs emphasizes the importance of applying for financial aid regardless of perceived eligibility, as Rice's aid extends well into middle- and upper-middle-income ranges.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Rice University graduates demonstrate exceptional debt outcomes with median borrowing of just $11,000, well below the peer median of $24,181. This $13,181 difference represents substantial savings compared to similar institutions and contributes significantly to Rice's strong return on investment profile.
Debt levels range from $5,784 at the 25th percentile to $18,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most graduates maintain very manageable borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.12 means typical graduates' debt equals just 12% of their first-year earnings, well within sustainable repayment ranges.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $30,000 with monthly payments of $395, though this represents a small share of families given Rice's generous need-based aid. The combination of low student borrowing and high post-graduation earnings creates highly favorable debt service conditions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Rice University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of strong earnings and minimal debt. Graduates earn $991 beyond expectations at the 60.0th percentile nationally, demonstrating solid value-added performance relative to student inputs.
Median earnings of $89,718 rank at the 97.0th percentile nationally, placing Rice among the highest-earning institutions we track. Compared to peer institutions, Rice graduates earn $26,652 more annually while borrowing $13,181 less, creating a compelling financial advantage.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.12 indicates highly sustainable repayment conditions that support long-term financial flexibility. Rice's combination of exceptional earnings outcomes, minimal borrowing, and generous financial aid creates one of the strongest return profiles among selective private institutions.
