Transcript Requests

SERVICE ALERT: Due to post-pandemic regulations and other variables, there may be notable delays in mail delivery. In particular, there are some international destinations where mail processing has been significantly disrupted, including international jurisdictions where mail cannot be delivered. Before ordering a paper copy of your transcript, please check to ensure that the transcript can be delivered. Please visit the US Postal Service Service Alerts webpage, available here, for current mail service updates.

PLEASE NOTE: In many instances, electronic transcripts ordered through the National Student Clearinghouse might be the best option for timely delivery.

• Rice University provides official hard-copy transcripts and electronic transcripts.
• Hard-copy transcript processing takes 1-2 business days during non-peak periods; however, during peak periods, an additional 1-2 days may be required to complete transcript orders.
• Hard-copy transcripts are sent first-class mail via USPS (approximately 2-3 day delivery time for domestic destinations).
• Hard-copy transcripts can be ordered through ESTHER at a cost of $10 per transcript, or through the National Student Clearinghouse at a cost of $10.65 per transcript.
• Electronic transcripts must be ordered through the National Student Clearinghouse at a cost of $10.65 each and are sent via secured email as a PDF file. The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader or Professional and Adobe Flash must be used in opening an electronic transcript. Note: Mac users should use Firefox web browser to open an electronic transcript.
• Rice transcripts do not contain social security numbers, which may make it difficult for the receiving institution to match your records.
• If a hard-copy transcript order needs expedited shipping, additional fees will apply and can be paid through OTR Fees. The cost for expedited domestic shipping is $30.00. The cost for expedited international shipping varies. Please email transcripts@rice.edu to discuss your specific request or to get an estimate for expedited international shipping fees.
• Effective July 1, 2024, per the US Education Department 34 CFR 668.14(b)(34) prevents institutions from withholding transcripts for any credits funded, in whole or in part, with Title IV funds.

How to Request

Official transcripts can be ordered online via ESTHER or via the National Student Clearinghouse. While both methods of online transcript ordering offer 24/7 convenience and secure transactions via major credit cards, ESTHER is the preferred method of order submission; however, electronic transcripts must be ordered through the National Student Clearinghouse.

• ESTHER
• National Student Clearinghouse (NSC)

Unofficial transcripts can also be viewed online via ESTHER. To access, students should log into ESTHER, and then click on the "Student Services and Account Information" tab. On the next screen, under Student Records, students should click the "Unofficial Academic Transcript" link, and follow the prompts to print or save a copy.

ESTHER

ESTHER is the online self-service resource for students and alumni at Rice. Additional information on ESTHER can be located on the ESTHER FAQ page.

To access ESTHER, students and alumni should log in with their NetID and password, after which they will be prompted to authenticate using Duo, a security authentication tool. For more information on Duo*, please visit the Duo Enrollment Guide page.

Alumni who pre-date the ESTHER system (prior to 2004) should use the ESTHER PIN Login method. To do so, click on the ESTHER PIN Login box and enter Student ID Number and ESTHER PIN to log in. Alumni who need assistance with their ESTHER login credentials (Student ID Number or ESTHER PIN) should send a request to registrar@rice.edu from their Rice alumni email account.

For alumni who have not yet created a Rice alumni email address or account, please complete the ESTHER Access Request Form and upload the completed form along with copies of supporting documentation via the Office of the Registrar's secure upload mechanism. Once the request is processed, the requested ESTHER login credentials will be sent to the email address provided on the form.

*If assistance is needed with Duo, NetID, and/or password, please contact the OIT Help Desk:

Website: https://oit.rice.edu/request-help
Phone: 713-348-HELP (4357)
Email: helpdesk@rice.edu

Placing an Order on ESTHER

To place an order in ESTHER:

1. Login to ESTHER
2. From the Students tab, click Students – Records.
3. Click Request Official Printed Transcript.
4. Carefully read and follow the step-by-step process
5. If additional documents or attachments need to be sent with your transcript, you must email or fax them immediately after ordering your transcript.
   • Email: transcripts@rice.edu
   • Fax: 713-348-5921 ATTN: Transcripts

After one business day, you may verify the status of your transcript order in ESTHER:

1. Login to ESTHER
2. From the Students tab, click Students – Records.
3. Click Display Previous Transcript Orders
4. Select the appropriate order (by date)

National Student Clearinghouse (NSC)

To ensure confidentiality and to comply with federal regulations, a signature release form is required. The signature release form can be electronically signed and submitted to the NSC.

Placing an Order with the NSC

To place an order and obtain your release form through the NSC:

1. Go to the National Student Clearinghouse
2. Select Rice University from the pull-down menu
3. Click Submit
4. Carefully read and follow the step-by-step process

You can track your order online and you will receive email updates. If the consent form for your order is outstanding, links to both a PDF and HTML version of your form will be available online. You can electronically sign & submit, fax, email or mail the completed form to the National Student Clearinghouse. You can also obtain a copy of the consent form by clicking the link in the email updates.

You can also upload up to three (3) forms to accompany either your hard-copy or electronic transcript request as well.

If you have technical difficulties ordering a transcript or viewing an electronic transcript, please contact the National Student Clearinghouse at service@studentclearinghouse.org. You can also view the self-help webpage provided by the National Student Clearinghouse at https://nschelpcenter.force.com/student/s/

Notarization of Official Documents

Apostille Information

Information regarding apostilles in the state of Texas can be found here.

Please note that the Office of the Registrar does not mail documents to the Texas Secretary of State but will mail the notarized documents back to the student.

FAQs and Questions

For a list of frequently asked questions about transcripts and verifications, please click here.

Questions regarding transcripts should be directed to transcripts@rice.edu.