by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Rice worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Rice is ranked #453 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Texas, it ranks #29 of 184 for value.
Among the majors Rice offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Neurosciences | #1 of 174 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | #1 of 179 |
| Exercise Physiology | #1 of 93 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #1 of 16 |
| Physiology & Pathology Sciences | #2 of 110 |
| Computational & Applied Mathematics | #3 of 15 |
| Cognitive Science | #3 of 37 |
| Psychology | #3 of 37 |
| Architecture / Urban Planning | #4 of 68 |
| Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering | #4 of 156 |
Below is the detailed Rice value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Rice University is ranked #1 out of #201 in Texas for quality and #29 out of #184 for Texas value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Rice financial aid page to be sure.
Rice University is ranked #453 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Rice University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Rice costs about $39,273. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $157,092 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $79,788 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $13,370 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $39,273 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $157,092 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Rice net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Rice degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $319,152 | — | — |
| All Students | $157,092 | #453 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,480 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $319,152 | — | — |
| All Students | $157,092 | #29 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,480 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Rice shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $3,221 |
| $30K–$48K | $3,666 |
| $48K–$75K | $1,348 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,783 |
| Over $110K | $39,303 |
About 61% of Rice undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $54,440 per year. Get more details on the Rice financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Rice cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.