HOUSTON — Rice University will expand its financial aid program in fall 2027, offering free tuition to students from families earning up to $200,000 a year as the university seeks to make a Rice education more accessible.
Under the expanded Rice Investment program, students from families earning less than $100,000 annually will also receive assistance covering mandatory fees, room and board.
Rice said it will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all families without requiring students to take out loans.
The Houston private university said the expanded program will reduce financial barriers for students and families. The move also supports Rice’s strategic plan to increase enrollment by nearly 30% by 2028.
Yvonne Romero, Rice’s vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and financial aid, said many families assume they do not qualify for financial aid.
“This expansion changes that conversation and simplifies the criteria,” Romero said in a news release. “We want students and families to know that cost should not discourage them from considering Rice.”
Rice launched the Rice Investment in 2019 to provide loan-free financial aid based on students’ family financial circumstances. Philanthropic support helps fund the program.
Under the current program, Rice provides free tuition to students from families earning up to $140,000 a year. Students from families earning $75,000 or less also receive assistance for mandatory fees, room and board.
The expanded thresholds will take effect for students entering Rice in fall 2027.
