Rice University expands free tuition program

Rice University announced on Monday a major expansion of its Rice Investment financial aid program. Beginning with students entering in fall 2027, undergraduates from families earning up to $200,000 per year will receive free tuition. Students from families earning less than $100,000 annually will also have mandatory fees and room and board covered. The university will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without requiring student loans. The expansion simplifies and raises the previous income thresholds, which had provided full tuition to families earning up to $140,000 and half tuition to those earning between $140,000 and $200,000. Rice President Reginald DesRoches called it a defining moment for the university and higher education, crediting alumni and supporter generosity. The program, launched in 2019, has provided over $1 billion in aid, a 75% increase over the prior seven years. The expansion is part of Rice's strategic plan to increase enrollment by nearly 30% by 2028, with undergraduate population growing from 4,800 to 5,200 and graduate students from 4,200 to 4,300. The university's endowment was $8.5 billion at the end of 2025, according to the Rice Management Company. Tuition for new undergraduates is $71,140 for the 2026-2027 school year, with total cost of attendance at $92,654. The expansion will be financed through university funding and philanthropic support, with maintaining the thresholds a top fundraising priority.