rice university recently announced the rice investment plan to provide full or partial tuition coverage for students from middle and low income families. this groundbreaking decision fulfills rice’s longstanding commitment to make high-quality education accessible and affordable. with rice investment, students with annual family income below $65,000 will receive free tuition, housing, fees and books. students with income below $130,000 will get free tuition. even middle-class students with income between $130,000 and $200,000 can receive half tuition scholarships. this financial aid applies to all current and incoming undergraduates, making rice university more socioeconomically diverse than ever.
rice investment returns to tuition-free founding principles
rice university was tuition-free when founded in 1912 until 1965. rice president leebron said the rice investment restores the university’s tradition and promise of open education. the median income of families with college students is around $92,000 nationwide. but private college tuition averages $60,000 per year. rice investment provides much needed aid so talented low and middle income students can afford high-quality rice education without crushing debt.
rice consistently ranks among top universities
located in houston, rice university is one of the leading research universities in the united states, repeatedly ranked in the top 20 nationally. rice is especially recognized for engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and business. the university provides elite undergraduate education and excellent stem graduate research. rice’s strengths include nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, artificial organs and space science.
diverse opportunities on and off campus
rice university not only provides rigorous academics, but also a vibrant student life. rice students can enjoy diverse social activities like jazz clubs, museums and science centers in nearby houston. campus life facilitates relaxed interactions while still maintaining high academic expectations. rice has top undergraduate business and consulting clubs for professional development. there are also many recreational options like sailing, swimming, rock climbing and equestrian clubs.
the rice investment plan expands educational access and affordability. rice university reaffirms its commitment to provide world-class teaching and research opportunities for talented youth regardless of financial background.