Applying for Aid

Much like Rice's admission process, the Office of Financial Aid uses a holistic evaluation to assess a family's finances. The Office of Financial Aid reviews every student’s aid application carefully to ensure we understand each family’s unique circumstances.

Because each financial aid package is tailored to the student's and the family’s particular financial profile, we require a few forms in order to offer you an appropriate package. Although you may apply for financial aid at any time, we recommend following the application deadlines listed below in order to receive your financial aid package in a timely manner.

All incoming freshman applicants for admission to Rice are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. It is not necessary to apply for need-based financial aid to be considered for merit-based scholarships, and no additional applications are required.

Application Checklists are available by clicking the header of each column below.

	Early Decision	Regular Decision	Fall Transfer	Current Students
E-File your 2012 tax return with the IRS.* ED & RD applicants' preferred date is February 15. Fall Transfer & Current Students' preferred date is April 1. If you will not E-File your 2012 tax return, please review the additional information below.*
FAFSA Use 003604 for the School Code Pre-populate your application with your tax return information using the IRS data retrieval tool**	MARCH 1	MARCH 1	APRIL 15	APRIL 15
CSS Profile Use 6609 for the School Code	NOV 15	MARCH 1	APRIL 15	APRIL 15
2011 Tax returns Include all W-2s, 1099s and accompanying schedules Submit to the Office of Financial Aid	NOV 15	N/A	N/A	N/A
2012 Tax returns Include all W-2s, 1099s and accompanying schedules Submit to IDOC	MARCH 1	MARCH 1	APRIL 15	APRIL 15

*Although it is recommended that you file your tax return electronically, you may still choose to mail your tax returns to the IRS. If you send your tax returns by mail, please allow up to 8 weeks for the IRS to process your return before the FAFSA-IRS Data Retrieval Tool can be used. You can review a step by step video tutorial at FAFSA IRS DRT.

**If you are selected for verification and were unable to use the FAFSA-IRS Data Retrieval Tool, then you are required to submit a tax return transcript from the IRS. Once you have received your tax return transcript, please forward it our office via fax at 713-348-2139. Please notate the student's name and Rice ID number on the documents. Instructions for requesting a tax return transcript can be found on the IRS site.

Rice University provides need-based financial aid on a limited basis to International undergraduates. For more information please visit our International students page.

The Office of Financial Aid at Rice University is committed to assisting students in obtaining the largest financial aid award possible. It is the students' responsibility to comply with all of the requirements of the financial aid process. In addition, our office is not responsible for students' financial obligations to Rice University.