Rice University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Rice University costs about $232,512 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $79,751 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.2 years (20-year ROI: 285%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$232,512
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$44,751/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
285%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition cost at Rice University is $58,128. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $71,544. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $79,751, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $89,718. The median debt for Rice University graduates is $11,000, and 6.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Rice University graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $11,000 and earnings starting at $71,544 one year after graduation, graduates likely have a low debt-to-income ratio. The high earnings potential suggests a quick return on investment.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, the break-even timeline is relatively short. The difference between the first-year earnings and tuition cost is approximately $13,416. This suggests that graduates can potentially recoup their tuition investment within a few years of graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$58,128
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$79,751
Graduation Rate
95%
Receive Financial Aid
6%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $160,394 | 979% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $172,391 | 1082% |
| Economics | $88,145 | 357% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $62,105 | 133% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Music | $34,548 | N/A |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $57,256 | 91% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,547 | 369% |
| Chemical Engineering | $108,850 | 535% |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $70,513 | 205% |
| Cognitive Science | $86,577 | 344% |
| Mathematics | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $0 | N/A |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.