On Aug. 3, Rice University officials announced a major expansion of its signature financial aid program to offer free tuition to students from families earning less than $200,000 annually.
What's happening?
A news release from the university states that the expanded program will open to students entering school in fall 2027. The program will offer:
- Free tuition for students from families earning between $100,000 and $200,000 annually
- Full coverage of tuition, mandatory fees and room and board for students from families earning less than $100,000 annually
Previously, the financial aid program covered tuition, mandatory fees and room and board for students from families earning $75,000 or less and provided free tuition to students from families earning between $75,000 and $140,000.
What they're saying
Rice president Reginald DesRoches said the expansion is a "defining moment" for Rice University and the future of higher education.
"Talent exists in every community and across every socioeconomic background," he said via the news release. "Because of the extraordinary generosity of our alumni and supporters, more students than ever will have access to the life-changing opportunities a Rice education provides. Philanthropy makes this possible, and continued investment in our students will ensure future generations can learn, discover and lead without financial barriers standing in the way.”
Rice officials originally launched the financial aid program known as the Rice Investment in 2019. Since then, the university has provided more than $1 billion in financial aid, a 75% increase compared to the seven years before the program's launch, according to the university's website.
In comparison
Rice University is a private school with an annual sticker price typically exceeding $95,000 per year, including tuition, fees, housing and food, making it more expensive than local public institutions such as the University of Houston, whose tuition and fees are roughly $12,000 a year.
“As Rice grows, accessibility and excellence must grow together,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We are expanding opportunities for more students to benefit from the distinctive education Rice offers while investing in world-class faculty, research and student support."
