Borrowers face unprecedented confusion, miscalculated payments, and lost forgiveness credit as the department implements drastic changes, a coalition of national organizations and state student loan ombudspersons says.

Mental health concerns are strongly correlated with basic needs insecurity at a time when undergraduates appear to be spending more on their education.

The university says the expansion is designed to make a Rice education more accessible by reducing financial barriers for families. It’s also part of a strategic plan to increase enrollment by nearly 30% by 2028.