At $12,640/yr net price, Rice University graduates earn $89,718/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $55,718/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,640 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $89,718/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$55,718/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 95.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,221/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,348/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,783/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,303/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $129,481 | $12,373 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $127,993 | $41,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $97,071 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $89,530 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $83,915 | $13,178 |
| Statistics. | Bachelor | $79,450 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $72,884 | $11,644 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,957 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $15,375 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
The Risk Factor
95.7% of students at Rice University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Rice University delivers strong financial returns with a median 10-year salary of $89,718 against just $12,640 in annual net costs. Your low debt load of $11,000 at graduation means you can capitalize on Houston's energy and tech job markets without crushing loan payments.
Computer science and business administration majors see the strongest payoffs, with computer science graduates earning $129,481 annually. Chemical engineering pays $83,915, solid but below what you might expect from Rice's reputation in the field. Mathematics graduates earn $97,071, reflecting strong quantitative demand in Houston's finance and energy sectors.
The biggest financial risk is Rice's selectivity working against you if you struggle academically. With a 97.6% retention rate, most students succeed, but transferring out means losing the specific advantages of Rice's Houston network and small class sizes that drive these earnings premiums.
Rice works financially if you can gain admission and plan to work in Texas after graduation. The school's connections to Houston's major employers in energy, healthcare, and technology create direct pipelines to high-paying roles. You benefit from both low debt and premium salaries.
Rice offers need-based aid to only 16% of students, signaling that most families pay close to full price. However, the low net price suggests generous aid when awarded. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. Your best cost strategy involves demonstrating financial need early in the application process rather than hoping for merit awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rice University worth the cost compared to other top schools?
Rice University offers strong ROI with a low net price of $12,640 annually and graduates earning $89,718 after 10 years. The school's generous financial aid makes it more affordable than many comparable elite universities.
What are the best paying majors at Rice University?
Computer science and business administration graduates from Rice earn over $125,000 annually, making these programs excellent investments. Even lower-paying majors like mathematics still produce graduates earning nearly $100,000.
How much debt do Rice University students graduate with?
Rice graduates have a median debt of just $11,000, well below the national average. Strong financial aid keeps most students from accumulating heavy debt loads.
Does Rice University's high selectivity affect its value?
Rice's 8.7% acceptance rate means only top students get in, contributing to its 95.7% graduation rate and strong earning outcomes. The selectivity helps ensure graduates are well-prepared for high-paying careers.