Rice University is being recognized by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings for its exceptional value in higher education. Ranked No. 19 overall on the list of “Best Value” colleges, Rice stands out as the highest-ranked university in Texas and one of only six private universities to achieve a top-20 position. The ranking highlights the university’s commitment to setting students on rewarding and lucrative career paths while maintaining comparatively low costs.
Rice’s average net price of $15,091 delivers a significant return on investment, according to the ranking. Rice graduates see a median salary increase of nearly $60,000 attributable to their degree, with the average net price recouped within just one year of graduation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the average net cost of attending a top-ranked school is now approaching $90,000 for four years, a 7% rise from the previous year. As more colleges are investing in programs designed to jump-start graduates' careers, the news publication cited Rice’s Center for Career Development which offers alumni unlimited appointments within the first three years after graduation. Beyond this period, a nominal fee applies to additional appointments, though it remains significantly lower than external career counseling services. All other services are available to alumni at no charge for life.
In its ongoing commitment to making higher education more accessible, Rice is also a loan-free institution, covering the full financial need of qualified, admitted students. The Rice Investment , the university’s leading financial aid program for domestic students, supports low- and middle-income families, eliminating tuition for many talented students.
To learn more about these rankings, including the methodology, click here.