Pursuing an MBA can require a significant financial investment, which makes Rice University MBA scholarships an important consideration for prospective students. Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business offers scholarship opportunities to help qualified MBA students reduce the cost of their graduate education.
For the Full-Time MBA program, Rice Business states that 95% of students receive scholarships upon admission, with the current average award listed at approximately $91,000. Both domestic and international applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process.
What Are Rice University MBA Scholarships?
Rice University MBA scholarships are financial awards provided to eligible students enrolled in MBA programs through the Jones Graduate School of Business. For the Full-Time MBA, scholarship decisions are primarily connected to the admissions review.
Applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for consideration for the standard merit-based admissions scholarships. Rice Business reviews the application and credentials, then communicates any scholarship award in the admission package.
This makes the MBA application itself an important part of the scholarship process.
Rice MBA Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are among the primary funding opportunities available to Full-Time MBA students at Rice Business.
According to Rice Business, all Full-Time MBA applicants—both domestic and international—are automatically considered for recruiting scholarships. Awards are based on the overall strength of the application, including academic achievement and professional accomplishments.
Rice Business has also reported that more than 95% of Full-Time MBA students receive scholarship support. A 2025 Rice Business admissions article reported that the average annual award was above $40,000, while the current program page lists an average award of $91,000. Since scholarship statistics can change by class and reporting period, applicants should rely on the latest Rice Business figures when planning their finances.
How Much Does the Rice MBA Cost?
Understanding tuition is important before calculating how much financial assistance you may need.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Rice University lists Full-Time MBA tuition at $39,558 per semester, or $79,116 annually. Students may also have additional fees, health insurance costs and other educational expenses.
A substantial scholarship can therefore make a major difference in the total amount a student needs to finance.
For example, a student receiving a $40,000 annual scholarship would have a significantly lower tuition obligation than a student paying the full published tuition amount. Actual scholarship amounts vary by student and award.
Rice University MBA Scholarships for International Students
International students can also be considered for Rice Business Full-Time MBA scholarships.
Rice states that both international and domestic applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions review. International students should also plan carefully for visa-related financial requirements because they must demonstrate sufficient funding to cover their expected cost of attendance.
Rice Business also lists international funding resources. For example, eligible Mexican students may use the Banco de México-FIDERH program, and Rice has partnerships or information for other international funding organizations.
Named and Specialized Scholarship Opportunities
Rice Business supports several named scholarship funds and programs. One example is the Crownover Scholars Program, which provides financial support to selected students and includes opportunities related to leadership and professional development.
Rice Business also lists several endowed scholarship opportunities, including MBA Scholar and named scholarships. Some of these funds can support tuition, fees, books or living expenses depending on the specific award.
Students should check the latest scholarship information from Rice Business because eligibility criteria, award amounts and funding availability may vary.
How to Increase Your Scholarship Consideration
Although there is no separate application for the standard Full-Time MBA merit scholarship, your admissions application is central to the scholarship review.
Applicants should focus on presenting a strong overall profile, including:
- Strong academic performance
- Relevant professional experience
- Leadership achievements
- Clear career objectives
- Meaningful extracurricular or community involvement
- A well-prepared MBA application
- Strong GMAT or GRE results when applicable
Rice Business evaluates applicants holistically, so applicants should present their professional and academic background clearly rather than focusing on one qualification alone.
Other Ways to Finance a Rice MBA
Scholarships are only one component of MBA financial planning. Rice Business also provides information about external scholarships, state grants, veteran benefits and student loans.
Texas residents may potentially qualify for the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) if they meet the relevant eligibility and financial-need requirements. Rice Business also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible veterans.
Students can also investigate private educational loans and outside scholarship programs.
For online MBA students, Rice’s MBA@Rice program has separate tuition and financial-aid information. For the 2026–27 academic year, MBA@Rice lists tuition at $2,374 per credit, with 54 credits required for the program.
Final Thoughts on Rice University MBA Scholarships
Rice University MBA scholarships can substantially reduce the financial burden of earning an MBA from the Jones Graduate School of Business. Full-Time MBA applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and both domestic and international candidates can receive scholarship support.
Because tuition, scholarship amounts and financial-aid policies can change, prospective students should review the latest Rice Business information before making financial decisions. Building a strong admissions application and researching scholarships, grants, external funding and loan options can help applicants create a realistic plan for paying for their MBA.