TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID

Are there additional fees assessed on top of tuition?

The fees will be charged to the student in the quadmesters in which they are registered for an MBA@Rice Residential or GFE course. These fees will be set annually.

How much is the enrollment deposit, and when is it due?

A nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $1,000 (required only upon admission) will be applied to the first term’s tuition. Tuition costs are subject to increase each academic year.

Can I use financial aid to cover the deposit?

No, federal student aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

Will I be able to view my award package before submitting the deposit?

No, you must submit your enrollment deposit, be admitted into the program and have a valid FAFSA on file before your financial aid award package is processed.

When will I be able to view my award package?

After you are admitted to the program and your financial aid is processed, a notice will be sent to your Rice University email account directing you to your Esther account, where you may review the student loan application steps. Award packages are processed approximately six weeks before the start of the quadmester.

When will I receive a tuition bill, and when is payment due?

Tuition is assessed once you enroll in classes for the coming quadmester. You can view charges through the Payment Suite section of your Esther account.

The Payment Arrangement Deadline is the 10th of the first month of each quadmester.

Example:
Summer: July 10
Fall: October 10
Winter: January 10
Spring: April 10

How do I view my bill?

Billing activity is shown on the Payment Suite section of your Esther account. In this section, you may review account activity, print account statements, set up a payment plan and pay your bill. We recommend you pay with your bank account information (routing and checking/savings account number). If you decide to pay with a credit or debit card, there is a third-party processing fee of 2.95 percent.

What are the accepted forms of payment?

Online options are available to students and their authorized users through the Rice Billing and Payment Suite, Student Access via Esther, or your Authorized User Access account. The online payment methods include:

Electronic Check – Electronic version of a check that directly links to your bank account for payments. Using an e-check allows you to avoid the convenience fee assessed on credit card and debit card payments.

Credit Card – Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express are accepted through our online suite. A 2.95% convenience fee is added to online payments using this method to assist with the exchange fees associated with credit card processing.

How does my employer go about paying the school?

Rice University students who are being sponsored by their employer or government can participate in our third-party billing service. Personal sponsors or sponsors that pay based on the student’s grades are not eligible.

To initiate the process, the student must provide a letter (also called a financial guarantee or authorization) issued from their sponsor to the Cashier’s Office containing the following information:

Once the sponsor’s letter is received, an anticipated payment credit memo for the amount authorized by the sponsor will be applied to the student’s account.

Download the Third Party/Sponsored Payment instructions.

Are payment plan options available for online students?

Yes, Rice University Cashier’s Office offers a quadmester payment plan that allows you to divide the balance into three installments. A one-time per quadmester, nonrefundable fee of $75 is charged at enrollment and must be paid at the time the payment plan is created. You may enroll in the plan through your Esther Payment Suite.

What are the consequences if my tuition bill is not paid when classes begin?

Late-payment fees are added the business day immediately following the due date of a billing statement. Billing amounts due that are not paid in full (or whose payment plan is not current) by the billing due date will be subject to a 1.5% late fee. Late fees are calculated based on the amount past due.

Students experiencing difficulty with paying their balance should contact the Cashier’s Office promptly to discuss payment options.

If I’m eligible to receive a refund, what is the process?

Students are encouraged to complete electronic refund information to have financial aid or other student account refunds deposited directly into a checking or savings account—any bank, anywhere. This is the same secure process that is used to deposit payroll checks.

Please be sure to keep your bank account information up to date. Failure to have current electronic refund information will delay your refund. You may reference the refund page for additional information.

What is Title IV authorization?

Title IV is a term that refers to federal financial aid funds. Rice University applies Title IV funds to all charges on a student’s account for the academic year in which the funds are received.

Who can I contact at Rice for billing and payment questions?

Contact the Rice University Cashier’s Office.

How do I set up my Rice ID and password?

Enrolled students will receive their Rice University NetID and password approximately seven days after submitting their enrollment deposit for the program.

How do I set up my Rice email address?

What is the Rice student portal?

The Rice student portal is Esther. Your Esther account includes access to academic records, billing, financial aid, direct deposit setup and more. You will need your Rice student ID and PIN to log in to Esther.

Does MBA@Rice offer internal scholarships to online students?

Rice does not offer scholarships or grants for this program. We do offer a third-party scholarship list through the Student Financial Services site, which is available to admitted students.

Are there Rice-specific supplemental financial aid forms I need to complete?

There are no supplemental financial aid forms. Each loan type has specific loan application steps, and these are listed on the Student Financial Services site. You will be granted access to the site shortly after your admission to the program.

If you are a new student, and are planning to apply for federal student aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Entrance Counseling and the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) on the Federal Student Aid website.

What federal student aid is available to graduate students?

The types of federal student aid graduate students are eligible to apply for include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Learn more about the types of federal student aid.

Why are graduate students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Subsidized Loan?

The Department of Education awards Federal Pell Grants and Direct Subsidized Loans to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have not yet completed their bachelor’s degrees. The Department of Education does not evaluate need or income for loans at the graduate or professional level. Therefore, graduate students are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the Direct Subsidized Loan.

Are there academic standards I must meet to continue to receive federal student aid?

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid.

What are the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid?

You must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours each quadmester to be eligible for federal student aid.

How do I determine full-time, part-time or half-time enrollment in this program?

With MBA@Rice, you have the flexibility to adjust your course load as work and other priorities demand. You can complete the program in as few as 24 months, or you can take fewer courses per term to earn your degree in 36 months. The first year will consist of all core courses, and the second year will feature a combination of core and elective courses. Please see Sample Course Schedules on the MBA@Rice program site.

What are private loans?

Private education loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders to help students bridge the gap between the cost of education and the amount the government allows you to borrow in federal loans. Lenders offer private educational loans with different rates, fees, repayment terms and approval requirements.

Are private loans offered at Rice?

No, however a list of private lenders used by Rice University students during the previous academic year may be found by visiting the Rice University ELMSelect tool. Students have the right and the ability to select the educational loan provider of their choice, and are not obligated to utilize any lender on this list.

Does Rice offer the College Access Loan for Texas residents?

The College Access Loan (CAL) Program provides an alternative type of educational loan to Texas residents who attend colleges and universities in Texas. Rice receives a limited allocation of funding from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board each year. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is not required to receive this loan, but the amount of the Unsubsidized Loan that you would be eligible to receive (if you had completed the FAFSA) will be taken into account when determining the amount of CAL you may be eligible to receive. This means that even if you choose not to take out a Federal Unsubsidized Loan, the amount of that particular loan must be deducted from the maximum amount you are allowed to borrow from the CAL Program. Proof of Texas residency will also be required.

When will I receive my financial aid award?

After you are admitted to the program and your financial aid is processed, a notice will be sent to your Rice University email account directing you to the Student Financial Services site, where you may review the student loan application steps. We begin processing award packages approximately six weeks before the start of the quadmester.

How do I accept my financial aid award?

You may accept your loan offer through the Financial Aid Award section of your Esther account.

Am I required to accept the full amount that I am offered on my award letter?

No, you do not have to accept the full amount offered. Students are encouraged to borrow only what is needed. You can choose to accept all, part or none of your financial aid award in your Esther account.

Does my Direct Loan eligibility cover the entire cost of the program?

Assuming you are eligible for both the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, the aid will cover the current academic year you are enrolled.

How soon will loans disburse to my student account?

Assuming all loan application steps are complete, disbursement begins around the third day of class each quadmester.

Can I use loans to cover additional expenses such as living expenses, books, supplies, etc.?

The total cost of attendance (COA) for the academic year includes direct costs (tuition and fees) and estimated allowances for indirect costs (books, computer, room and board, etc).

There is an Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) required for this program. Am I able to use the loan funds to cover these expenses?

MBA@Rice Residentials consist of Intensive Learning Experiences (ILE), which involve simulations, seminars, group projects and guided leadership exercises that bring you face to face with peers, faculty and industry leaders.

Throughout your time as a student, you are required to complete at least two field experience courses—one MBA@Rice Residential and one international Global Field Experience (GFE). If you have a surplus credit from your loans, you may use those funds to cover expenses associated with your Residentials/GFEs.

Who can I contact at Rice for financial aid questions?

You can contact Student Financial Services with any additional questions.

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application the Department of Education uses to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid.

Where can I find the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is available online. The FAFSA is a free application; you will not be asked to pay.

What is the Rice FAFSA school code?

The Rice FAFSA school code is 003604.

Do I need my parents’ tax information to complete the FAFSA?

If you are applying for graduate school, you are considered an independent student and do not need to include your parents’ information to complete the FAFSA.

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measurement of your ability to contribute toward your educational costs. As a graduate/professional student, your EFC is not a factor in your eligibility for federal student loans.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is available every Oct. 1 for the upcoming academic year. New students planning to use federal student aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. Continuing students will need to submit a FAFSA each year they plan to receive federal student aid.

Please reference the chart below to determine which FAFSA to complete based on your desired start date:

Do I need to complete the FAFSA each year?

Yes. Because eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next, you will need to complete the FAFSA for each award year for which you are or plan to be a student.

What constitutes an academic year for federal student aid?

Unlike a calendar year, an academic year is only nine months. The MBA@Rice program has what is called a Borrower Based Academic Year and is always three terms/quadmesters. For example, if you start in the July term, your first academic year will be Summer/Fall/Winter. However, if you begin the program in January, your first academic year will be Winter/Spring/Summer. Student loans are always for one academic year at a time.

What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a federal loan offered to students to help with the cost of education. The Federal Unsubsidized Loan is not based on income or financial need.

What criteria are used to determine eligibility for federal student aid?

In order to apply for federal student aid, you must:

Learn more about federal student aid eligibility criteria on the Federal Student Aid website.

What is the aggregate loan limit?

The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, students are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for federal loans is $138,500. This amount does not include PLUS loans, nor private loans.

If the total loan amount you receive over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans. However, if you repay some of your loans to bring your outstanding loan debt below the aggregate loan limit, you could then borrow again, up to the amount of your remaining eligibility under the aggregate loan limit. You can learn more about graduate annual loan limits on the Federal Student Aid website.

How do I find out if I am near my aggregate loan limit or have defaulted on a federal student loan?

Log in on the StudentAid.gov homepage to view your federal student loan borrowing history and loan servicer details. Please note that private education loans are not listed on this site. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans. Contact your lender for default resolution options.

What is the difference between a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and a Direct Subsidized Loan?

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while students are enrolled in their undergraduate program. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students and does not require demonstration of financial need. The Unsubsidized Loan begins accruing interest as soon as funds are disbursed. Learn more about the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized loans.

How much am I eligible for with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits.

How do I apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

To apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What is the current Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate?

The Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis. Learn more about interest rates on the Federal Student Aid website.

Are there any additional loan fees for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Information on Unsubsidized Loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn about Direct PLUS Loans.

Do Direct PLUS Loans affect my aggregate loan limit?

Only Direct Subsidized/Direct Unsubsidized Loans (formerly referred to as Stafford Loans) and federal loans made through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program count toward your aggregate loan limit.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

A credit check will be conducted when applying for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. In addition to the federal student aid eligibility criteria, applicants cannot have an adverse credit history.

What are the credit criteria to receive the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

One of the eligibility requirements to receive a Graduate PLUS Loan is that you must not have an adverse credit history. A credit check is performed to determine whether a Graduate PLUS Loan applicant meets this requirement.

How much can I borrow from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance as determined by Rice.

When can I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

You can apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan within 180 days of the start of your program, or once you are enrolled.

How do I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

In order to apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have completed the FAFSA, apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by completing the credit application on the Federal Student Aid website. Also complete the Graduate PLUS Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN).

What are the next steps if I’m approved for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved, complete the Graduate PLUS Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) on the Federal Student Aid website.

What are my options if I’m denied the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If you are denied the Graduate PLUS Loan, you may reapply with an endorser or follow the instructions on the Department of Education’s website to appeal the denial.

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan current interest rate?

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined at the beginning of each academic year, and is available on the Federal Student Aid website’s Interest Rates and Fees page.

Are there any additional loan fees for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Information on Direct Graduate PLUS Loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

Do I have to repay my student loans while I’m in school?

You can defer payment on your federal student loans if you are enrolled at least half-time. You should be aware that although you can defer payments while you are in school, interest will still accrue on your loan(s). Your Unsubsidized Loan will go into repayment six months after you graduate, fall below half-time status, take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program. Most private loans also have deferred payment options while you are in school; however, you will need to check with your loan servicer.

When do I have to repay my loan?

After you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you’ll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you will be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. You are not required to pay while in school, however if you choose to, there is no penalty to prepay. Learn more about repayment timelines.  

What are the repayment plan options, and how do I select one?

The Department of Education (DOE) offers multiple options for repayment. You may visit the DOE website for more information on loan repayment plans.

Is there a repayment calculator or estimator that I can use?

Yes, visit the DOE website for repayment calculators.

Can I consolidate my graduate loans and my undergraduate loans?

A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate (combine) multiple federal education loans into one loan including both graduate and undergraduate loans. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments. Learn more about loan consolidation.

Are there any loan forgiveness options available?

In certain circumstances, all or a portion of a borrower’s federal student loans may be forgiven under the federal government’s loan forgiveness program. Please review the Department of Education website for more information on federal loan forgiveness programs.

How do I apply for military education benefits?

To begin the process of applying for military education benefits for which you are eligible, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the VA at 888-442-4551.

What documents are required to process military education benefits?

Visit Vets.gov to complete the Education Benefits Application, which generates a request for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once approved for benefits, the VA will mail the COE to you within six to eight weeks of submitting the application. In addition to the COE, you may be required to submit the following items:

What are the eligibility factors for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®?

You are potentially eligible for this VA-administered program if you have at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after Sept.10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

What are current rates of benefits, including the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

The tuition and fee payment rate and the MHA are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on Aug. 1. The current rate table is located on the Education and Training page of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs site.

Because Rice is a private university, students who receive Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits are subject to a maximum tuition and fee reimbursement per academic year (Aug. 1 through July 31). The amount of the national cap changes each year on Aug. 1, and is available to be used from Aug. 1 to July 31 of the following year.

When VA benefits are calculated, the amount of this national cap must be expended before Yellow Ribbon Program benefits can be awarded.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP)?

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows degree-granting colleges and universities to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the national maximum per academic year.

Participating institutions choose their contribution amount, and the VA matches that amount and issues payment directly to the school. There are a limited number of Yellow Ribbon awards available. For additional information on Yellow Ribbon Program benefits and eligibility, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Does Rice University participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP)?

Yes, the MBA@Rice program participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. If you are Yellow Ribbon–eligible, the Jones Graduate School of Business will cover 50 percent of the remaining cost, matched dollar for dollar by the VA. Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program on the Rice Military and Veteran Benefits page.

Who can I contact at Rice for questions about using military education benefits?

Visit the Rice Military and Veteran Benefits page, or contact Matt Wakeman, director of student financial services, by email at matt.wakeman@rice.edu.

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

For details on tax benefits for education, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education, which provides detailed information. Rice University is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax adviser or the IRS at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form?

It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses and other related information. The primary purpose of IRS Form 1098-T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form?

Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarships and grants processed in the previous year to students enrolled in courses at Rice University for which they received academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T Form helps students evaluate whether they are eligible for an educational tax credit.

How do I obtain my 1098-T Form?

(Not finding your 1098-T tax statement? Visit our Tax Information page for information on why the tax form may not have been generated.)