Chris Paul/Houston Public Media
Rice University has announced a strategic plan to expand its student population by nearly 30% by 2028.
Officials at the private school in Houston say the move to expand access marks the university’s unprecedented growth over the past decade. The current graduate student population is around 4,100, and the expansion plan announced this week aims to increase that number to 5,200 students.
This year, Rice increased its class size from 1,000 freshmen and transfer students to about 1,300. The university received more than 36,700 applications for the 1,300 spots, which is a 13% increase from last year.
“This planned pace of our growth makes Rice one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing institutions in the country among our private peers,” university president Reginald DesRoches said in a statement.
The plan also aims to expand financial aid access through a free tuition program that started in 2019. Rice is on track to surpass $1.5 billion in financial aid in the next five years. The Rice University Board of Trustees approved the plan that is set to solidify its position as a leading university in teaching and research, according to a news release.
It comes after the university topped U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings in 2023. The university this year is ranked No. 18 in the best national university rankings listing, and the best in Texas, according to the report.
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“As we expand access, we are committed to preserving what makes Rice special — the culture of care, a commitment to excellence, low student-to-faculty ratio and our close-knit community — while adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education and society,” DesRoches said. “Striking the right balance between these core values and our global ambitions is a constant focus, ensuring Rice continues to thrive and have a meaningful impact in our community and on the world.”
The details come months after the university introduced “Momentous,” a 10-year strategic plan.
Rice University will also expand its graduate programs, which have seen 18% growth since 2020.