As an international student who wants the best financial aid and full scholarship . which of the 3 schools will be the best to make Early Decision
Rice is need aware for international applicants. https://financialaid.rice.edu/international-students
Rice offers aid and merit to international applicants. I’ve even read about some internationals getting full tuition merit award.
Both statements above are true. I believe the same goes for Duke and JHU. The chances are slim for an international student from an over represented country to get full financial aid from any of these colleges or any in the US, for that matter. To have any chance, the student would have to have a phenomenal resume. Financial aid and Admissions officers at many of these select schools are terribly pained having to reject so many very talented international students due to limited aid that their colleges have for this category
Please be aware that international students are not eligible for the Rice Investment program that has been widely publicized. The Rice Investment relies in part on federal and state grant monies that are not available international students.
https://financialaid.rice.edu/rice-investment-faqs
They are need aware for internationals so need is considered both in admission and need based aid(Rice is need blind in admissions for residents), but it doesn’t disqualify internationals for aid or merit. If Rice really really wants you for geographical diversity or a talent they offer a package with aid and merit without grants and loans reserved for residents.