Rice University’s commitment to lifelong learning isn’t just for students. Recent updates to the university’s tuition benefits policies are making a significant difference in the lives of employees and their families, offering greater support for professional development and educational opportunities.
Last year, Rice announced two significant changes to its tuition benefits that are already proving to be vital for many. The revisions to Policy 430, now called Dependent Tuition Benefits, offer more financial support to eligible employees whose children attend college. In addition to Rice’s existing tuition remission for dependents, the revised policy now covers 10% of tuition at any accredited U.S. college or university. For employees themselves, Policy 432, which governs tuition reimbursement, has increased the annual cap to the IRS maximum of $5,250, expanding opportunities for continued learning and development.
These changes are more than just policy updates — they’re creating tangible benefits for staff and faculty, while also enhancing Rice’s overall workplace environment.
“It’s important for us to create an empowered culture where everyone has the tools to grow, not just as professionals but as people,” said Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, finance and support. “These policy updates are an investment in that culture — a culture of continuous learning and support.”
For many employees, these expanded benefits are not only making education more accessible, they’re also deepening their connection to the university. Maryam Emami, an associate teaching professor of French, is using the Dependent Tuition Benefits to help her son Arta Khorsand, a freshman at Prairie View A&M University who plans to transfer to Texas A&M University to study electrical engineering.
“It is always nice to know that Rice is trying to help however it can,” Emami said. “It’s nice that Rice is brainstorming about and offering different opportunities for the employees.”
For others like Danielle Rossi ’16, a data analyst with Rice Human Resources, the enhanced tuition benefits are opening up new avenues for professional growth. Rossi is currently enrolled in the Master of Data Science program, and the Tuition Reimbursement policy played a key role in her decision to pursue her degree.
“Tuition reimbursement is one of the reasons I wanted to work at Rice because I knew I wanted to keep learning new skills,” Rossi said. “It’s a form of professional development, and I can earn my master’s degree for a significant cost savings as opposed to doing it anywhere else.”
Rossi is quick to share her enthusiasm for the benefits with others. “We work at one of the best institutions in the country,” she said. “We’re all here to encourage intellectual curiosity. I would definitely encourage anyone to take advantage of these tuition benefits because it’s a unique opportunity as a part of working at Rice.”
These updates are proving to be a win-win for both employees and the university. Not only do employees benefit from greater financial support for their educational goals, but the institution is strengthening its ability to recruit, retain and engage talented faculty and staff.
“When our employees know that Rice University supports their personal and professional growth, they’re able to contribute more fully to the university’s success,” Fox said. “It’s a long-term investment in Rice’s future and in the future of our people.”
For more information about Rice’s tuition benefits, visit the Total Rewards web page or contact the Human Resources office at people@rice.edu or 713-348-2232.