FAQS

Rice Business strives to create the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs who think bigger and bring their bold ideas to the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions applicants usually ask before taking the next step. If you have additional questions, our admissions counselors are readily available to help at 855-842-8380 or admissions@onlinebusiness.rice.edu.

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year is $2,374 per credit. Students are required to complete 54 credits, totaling $128,196 for the entirety of the program. There are other fees associated with the program. Ask your enrollment specialist if scholarships are available. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.

  • There are limited scholarships available. Please connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.

  • Each class you take will meet once a week for 90 minutes at 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. CST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. We recommend you plan to set aside 15 to 20 hours of study time per week to be successful.

  • The program consists of asynchronous and synchronous learning materials. Synchronous learning takes place during our live instruction and may rely on work done outside of class. Content and coursework are available through the digital learning platform whenever, wherever. Prerecorded/guided lecture videos, interactive presentations, course notes, forums and written assignments can be found there.

  • The Jones Graduate School of Business is recognized by a number of accrediting bodies, including the AACSB. Rice University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

  • Upon completion of the MBA@Rice program—which is part of the Rice Business suite of MBA offerings—you will receive certification that indicates just that: You are part of Rice Business and the Jones Graduate School of Business. Your courses are designed and taught by the same faculty who work on campus in Houston. Your diploma will not indicate that this degree is any different from the on-campus version.

  • Both. Our online MBA, MBA@Rice, blends asynchronous coursework with live, online classes. You’ll complete interactive assignments and materials created by our faculty, then meet with classmates and professors in real time. This mix gives you flexibility while keeping you connected to our community of world-class teachers and researchers.

  • Yes. Most students finish in about two years, but you can adjust the timeline to fit your schedule. Some complete the degree in as few as 24 months, while others take 36 or 48 months by spreading out their courses. Learn more about our program here.

  • That’s exactly how online MBAs are designed. Flexible programs like our MBA@Rice, an online MBA, are built for working professionals ready to go further without putting their careers on hold. Learn from wherever you are, on your schedule — applying new skills on the job right away, advancing in your current role, or pivoting toward something entirely new.

  • The standard path is 24 months, divided into eight quadmesters (three-month terms). This keeps the pace steady and manageable while moving you toward your degree. Learn about our course schedule here.

  • Yes. You can begin in January, April, July or October. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for each start date. Learn more about our application process here.

  • No. Our online MBA, MBA@Rice, is a distinct program. Both the online and on-campus programs lead to the same Rice MBA degree, but if you want to change formats you would need to reapply. This is rare and not something we encourage. Learn about our on-campus programs here.

  • It’s mostly online, with two required in-person experiences:

    • Rice Residential: A short on-campus session that builds community and deepens learning.
    • Global Field Experience (GFE): A hands-on course in global business. Students may choose a non-travel option if needed.

    Learn more about the student experience here.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Prospective students can submit applications at any time, as the MBA@Rice program accepts applicants on a rolling basis. You can apply to a cohort up to one year in advance. Access your application.

  • Some Online MBA programs do not require standardized tests for admission, recognizing that academic potential can be demonstrated through other means. However, at Rice Business, we take a holistic approach to admissions, considering various factors that contribute to a candidate’s success in our program. While we do value a strong academic background, test scores can be an important indicator of academic readiness, and we encourage you to submit them to strengthen your application. With that said, we also offer GMAT/GRE waivers for qualified candidates who can demonstrate strong professional experience and quantitative ability. This can include a combination of extended work experience, terminal degrees, professional certifications like the CFA or CPA, and more. You can learn more about our GMAT/GRE waiver and test policy here.

  • MBA@Rice candidates who meet one or more of the following qualifications are not required to submit a GMAT/GRE score:

    • 3+ years of professional full-time work experience
    • Terminal degree of M.D. or Ph.D.
    • A master’s degree in a STEM field
    • Professional certification of CFA or CPA
    • Submitting an Executive Assessment Score at the time of application