Rice attempts to meet full need and gives some limited merit awards. See the Common Data Set. It seems the small amount of merit money Rice gives is largely directed to underrepresented minorities, legacies, etc. Rice considers the CSS profile. If a family has large home equity and savings they are out of luck for need based aid. I predict these kids will get zero need based aid or merit aid from Rice. Many at Rice are full pay. https://www.ricethresher.org/article/2019/10/the-rice-investment-students-receive-respond-to-aid-and-expectations