Undergraduate Cost and Financial Aid

*All expenses are estimates and are subject to change, based on policy changes and cost of living increases and does not include one-time O-week ($725) and UIO Undergraduate International Orientation for students entering on F-1 or J-1 visas ($75) fees.

The Shepherd School of Music awards merit-based scholarships to music majors to recognize exceptional musical accomplishment and potential. Students who wish to be considered for a merit award are required to apply for need-based assistance and complete the Shepherd School Financial Assistance Application. Rice will award need-based funds through the Office of Financial Aid if eligible. 

Rice considers international applicants on a need-aware basis, and offers need-based financial aid to a limited number of international first year applicants. This means when the Admission Committee evaluates international applications, the amount of financial aid a family might need is taken into consideration. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must indicate their intention to apply for financial aid on the admission application. International students admitted without a request for financial aid cannot apply for financial aid in subsequent years.

For additional information on Rice University Financial Aid programs, including the Rice Investment, please visit https://financialaid.rice.edu/.  

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1. Use 003604 for the school code.

2. Complete the CSS PROFILE form by February 1. Use 6609 for the CSS Profile Code.

3. Submit income tax and other required materials through the College Board's IDOC by February 1.

4. Shepherd School Financial Assistance Application is a Google form that you will fill out. Your answers on the form will be sent to your email inbox which you should save as a .pdf and then upload to the preliminary dropbox application.

Applicants must complete all four steps for consideration