Transfer Students: Full Scholarships At Rice University?

Rice University offers a Rice University Freshmen and Transfer Scholarship for undergraduate applicants. The scholarship is open to international students and those with valid visas, but it's important to note that Rice University does not extend need-based or merit-based aid to international transfer applicants. The scholarship is highly competitive and only available to high-achieving applicants.

Rice University Freshmen and Transfer Scholarship eligibility criteria

Rice University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid packages to both freshmen and transfer students. Here is a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria for these awards:

Merit-based Scholarships:

• All admitted freshman applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, with no separate application forms or interviews required.
• Past recipients of these scholarships have included political and community service leaders, math/science competition winners, and creative and performance artists.
• To maintain a merit scholarship, students must meet the minimum GPA requirements outlined in their scholarship letter.

Need-based Aid:

• Rice University provides need-based financial aid to both freshmen and transfer students.
• Eligibility for need-based aid is determined by assessing a family's income profile.
• Domestic students, including US citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students with or without DACA status, are considered for need-blind admission and may have their full demonstrated financial need met.
• International students are also eligible to apply for need-based aid by indicating their intention to apply on their admission application and completing the CSS Profile.
• Rice University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduate admitted students, including international students, through financial aid.
• Students must apply for financial aid each year to continue to be considered for need-based aid.

The Rice Investment:

• The Rice Investment is a need-based financial aid package that offers grants to cover full tuition, fees, and room and board; full tuition; or half tuition, depending on total income and assets.
• Families with significant assets above what is typical for their income level may not qualify for The Rice Investment, but Rice is committed to funding 100% of demonstrated need.
• There is no separate application for The Rice Investment; students are considered by completing the standard financial aid application requirements for need-based aid.
• Students must reapply for The Rice Investment each year to continue to be considered for this aid.

Application procedure for the scholarship

Rice University offers need-blind admission to domestic students and meets 100% of demonstrated need through the Rice Investment, a notable financial aid program. However, transfer students are not eligible for merit-based scholarships. International transfer applicants are also not offered financial aid or merit-based scholarships.

Rice University does offer a Freshmen and Transfer Scholarship for international students. Here is the application procedure for the scholarship:

• The scholarship is open to all international undergraduate applicants.
• International students residing outside the US or within the US on a valid visa must submit the International Student Financial Statement. This document provides an overview of their financial standing and demonstrates their ability to finance their education.
• International applicants seeking financial aid must also submit official documentation, such as affidavits or scholarship awards, showing they have adequate resources to cover the first year of studies.
• Rice University's policy on international need-based aid is need-aware, meaning the financial need of non-US citizens, non-permanent US residents, and those not in refugee status is considered during the admission evaluation process.
• Prospective students intending to apply for financial aid should indicate their intention in their admission application.
• International students admitted without requesting financial aid will not be able to apply for aid in subsequent years.
• Rice University does not provide need-based or merit-based aid to international transfer applicants, either during the application process or throughout their academic tenure at the university.
• The application procedure involves using the CSS Profile as part of the application process.
• The scholarship page should be checked for full eligibility criteria and benefit details.
• Applicants should follow deadlines and provide all requested documentation correctly.

International students' financial requirements

International Students Financial Requirements

Rice University admits students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and offers financial aid to international students. However, it is important to note that Rice University does not offer need-based or merit-based aid to international transfer applicants. This policy applies to applicants at the time of review and to admitted students throughout their years of study at Rice.

For international students who are not transfer applicants, there are financial aid options available. Rice University offers need-based financial aid to a limited number of international undergraduate applicants entering in the fall semester. International students who receive need-based aid will have 100% of their demonstrated need met with institutional grant aid, but they are not eligible for the Rice Investment.

To be considered for need-based financial aid, international students must complete the CSS Profile and submit the International Student Financial Statement as part of their application for admission. The CSS Profile requires income and tax information, as well as current asset information. The International Student Financial Statement requires applicants to indicate whether they will be requesting financial aid, submit supporting documentation for total funds, and provide an explanation of how they plan to cover the cost of attendance if the total sum of available funds is insufficient.

Rice University also offers merit-based scholarships to incoming first-year students, including international students, based on academic and personal achievements. These scholarships are awarded solely on merit, and financial need is not considered. Approximately 20% of admitted students are offered merit-based scholarships each year.

It is important to note that prospective international students are not eligible for The Rice Investment, a need-based financial aid program offered by the university. However, Rice University is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, and students with significant assets or income above the outlined thresholds may still qualify for need-based aid.

Rice University's policy on international need-based aid

Rice University offers need-based financial aid to a limited number of international undergraduate applicants entering in the fall semester. The university uses the CSS Profile to assess international students applying for aid.

International students who receive need-based aid will have 100% of their demonstrated need met with institutional grant aid. However, they are not eligible for the Rice Investment. Rice University defines "need" as the amount required to meet the difference between each student's basic educational expenses and the student's family's resources.

Rice University is a need-blind school, meaning applicants are admitted regardless of their family's ability to pay for college. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need as determined by its calculations. The university considers applicants for all appropriate assistance, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work.

International students who did not receive need-based aid in their first year are not eligible to apply for need-based aid in subsequent years at Rice.

Required documentation for international applicants

International applicants to Rice University are required to submit a range of documentation as part of their application. Here is a detailed list of the required documentation for international applicants:

Application Materials

Rice University requires international applicants to submit the following application materials:

• Common Application and Rice writing supplement
• A $75 non-refundable application fee (must be paid online)
• Official high school transcript in English (or a certified English translation)
• Recommendation letters
• Demonstration of English proficiency
• International Student Financial Statement
• Architecture portfolio (for Architecture applicants only)

High School Requirements

In addition to the application materials, international applicants need to submit official high school transcripts, including grades from 9th to 11th grade and courses taken in the 12th grade. Early Decision applicants are encouraged to submit first marking period grades, while Regular Decision applicants must submit mid-year 12th-grade grades.

Standardized Testing

Rice University recommends that international applicants submit SAT or ACT test scores if available. However, students who are unable or choose not to submit test scores will still be given full consideration in the admission selection process.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by either:

• Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum before applying
• Submitting official test scores from one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo

Financial Documentation

All international applicants must complete the International Student Financial Statement and provide supporting documentation. This includes submitting bank statements, scholarship award letters, and an explanation of how they plan to cover the cost of attendance if the total funds available are insufficient.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Applicants

International applicants for graduate study at Rice University may also need to provide the following additional documentation:

• A Statement of Purpose outlining their reasons for applying, aspirations, and suitability for the program
• Three Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can speak to their academic and professional strengths
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, if required by the specific degree program

Frequently asked questions