You would borrow a median $11,000 — about $125 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $89,718 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.2 years of the salary premium.
Yes — on the federal figures this is one of the fastest-paying degrees in the country.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 0.2-year payback above. We list 1 scholarship tied to Rice University.
See all 1 Rice University scholarships →Tell us what you need and we will come back with the lenders that actually fund students from your country — including options with no US co-signer. No obligation, and we never charge you.
The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. Rice University clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $50,198 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University-Health Sciences Center Texas | A | $12,268 | $92,348 | 0.2 yrs |
| Southern Methodist University Texas | A | $19,500 | $78,354 | 0.5 yrs |
| Texas A&M University - College Station Texas | A | $17,804 | $72,097 | 0.6 yrs |
| University of Texas at Austin Texas | A | $20,500 | $75,121 | 0.6 yrs |
| University of Texas at Dallas Texas | B | $18,000 | $68,227 | 0.6 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.