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PhD in USA: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

Jasmine Grover

Senior Content Specialist | Updated On - Apr 30, 2024

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You must show your English proficiency by submitting scores for IELTS (7 to 7.5) and TOEFL (90 to 100).  When pursuing your PhD in USA, you've got 10 years to wrap up your thesis even though the program is 6 years. The cost of a PhD in the USA can vary quite a bit, ranging from USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 20.6 Lakhs to 66.9 Lakhs) . Though it can be costly, a PhD in USA offers a great return on investment as you can earn salaries ranging from USD 59,506 to USD 92,179 .

Some  top universities to aim for your PhD in the USA are MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. With a doctorate in hand, you can easily get a job at top-notch companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and more. 

PhD in USA: Program Highlights

Top Universities for PhD in USA

When it comes to pursuing a PhD in USA, there's no shortage of top-notch universities to choose from. Here are a few universities that consistently rank high and offer exceptional programs:

Why study PhD in USA?

Studying for a PhD in the USA is a top choice for many aspiring scholars. Here's why pursuing your doctoral studies in USA might be the best choice:

• PhD in USA is offered by well-ranked and globally accredited universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. 
• You don't need to spend years working on a master's degree before you can pursue PhD in USA. Some universities in USA offer admission to the PhD program right after bachelor's.
• USA universities offer PhD students generous stipends, scholarships, and fellowships, covering tuition fees and living costs.
• The USA boasts a lower unemployment rate of only 3.9% compared to many other countries.
• Over 280 universities in USA offer PhD programs for engineering, business, arts, or sciences.

The USA is a global innovation, technology, finance, and entertainment powerhouse. Whether you dream of working in Silicon Valley, Wall Street, or Hollywood, studying in the US puts you right in the middle of some of the world's most exciting hubs of opportunity.

So, if you're ready to take your academic journey to the next level and set yourself up for success, a PhD in the USA could be the right choice.

Popular PhD in USA Programs for Indian Students

Some popular programs of PhD in USA for Indian students:-

Course Curriculum

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in USA is a popular degree sought after by many international students. It is considered the highest academic achievement in most fields of study. The PhD program in the USA consists of three main phases:

• Coursework Phase: Involves advanced courses over 1 to 3 years to build foundational knowledge and research skills.
• Preliminary Examination : Assess students' breadth of knowledge in their field after completing coursework.
• Dissertation Phase : Lasts 2 to 8 years for independent research, culminating in a written dissertation.

The duration of the PhD program varies depending on the field of study and the student's academic background. On average, it takes 4 to 8 years to complete a PhD program after obtaining a bachelor's degree. However, students who already hold a master's degree may complete the program in a year or two less, depending on their prior coursework and research experience.

PhD in USA Admission

Admission to most universities in the USA remains open during December and January. Students must submit applications before the deadlines are passed. You can go through the sections below to check the eligibility criteria and other requirements for PhD in USA.

PhD in USA: Eligibility Criteria

As the entry requirements vary within the field of study, it becomes very difficult to group this data into a piece of the overall information. However, the following eligibility criteria are followed by a majority PhD universities in USA:-

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree
• A minimum GPA of 3 out of 4.
• 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• A 500-750 word Statement of Purpose (SoP)
• Updated Resume or CV
• A valid passport
• F-1 or J-1 US Student Visa
• Valid Passport
• Student Visa

PhD in USA: University Requirements

To get admission to PhD programs in the USA, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 to 3.9 based on various universities. Students must also have English language proficiency scores of IELTSand TOEFL. The various requirements for PhD admission in USA in some of the popular universities are tabulated as follows:-

Cost of PhD in USA

Students who wish to get admission to PhD courses in the USA must have enough funds to support their studies in the USA. Based on various top universities offering PhD courses, the total cost of study in the USA is around USD 70,573 to 1,26,163 (INR 58.47 lakhs to 10.45 million) including tuition fees and living costs.

PhD in USA Tuition Fee

The cost of PhD in USA varies with the specialisation or the preferred field of study. However, on average, the annual tuition fees range from USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 2.05 to 66.66 lakhs). The following table presents the university-wise distribution of the average tuition costs for opting PhD in USA:-

Cost of Living in USA

USA is the most popular as well as the costliest study abroad destination for PhD in USA as well as other programs. This corresponds to the quality of education, safety, ambience, and health services the country offers. Based on some of the top universities in the USA, students admitted to PhD courses will face an average living cost of USD 45,773 (INR 37.92 lakhs) based on various parameters mentioned below.

PhD in USA with Scholarship

At Universities in the USA, students are offered various scholarships and fellowships allowing students to ease their financial burden. You can check various fellowships offered by US universities in the table below.

Also Check : Education Loans to Study in USA

PhD in USA Placements

After completing the Ph.D. program at Universities in the USA, students are offered various job profiles based on their field of study and research. The average salary offered for various job profiles listed below ranges from USD 59,506 to 92,179 (INR 49.29 to 76.36 lakhs).

PhD in USA: Return on Investment

After completing the PhD programs in the USA, students are placed in various sectors. Graduates from US Universities receive an annual average salary ranging from USD 65,070 to 1,75,090 based on various top universities as mentioned below.

The availability of stipends, scholarships, and fellowships allows students to pursue a PhD in USA without any financial pressure. With an unemployability rate of just 3.9%, the USA allows graduates to work in their core fields after completing the Ph.D. programs. Companies like Apple, Amazon, CISCO, Microsoft, etc. offer students a salary range of USD 59,506 to 92,179 (INR 49.29 to 76.36 lakhs) based on different job profiles. 

Ques. How much does PhD cost in USA?

Ans. The cost of studying PhD in USA includes tuition costs and living costs as mentioned below.

• Tuition cost for PhD in USA ranges from USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 2.05 to 66.66 lakhs)
• Living costs for PhD in USA is around USD 45,773 (INR 37.92 lakhs).

Ques. How many years is PhD in USA?

Ans. Students enrolled in US universities have 10 years to complete their doctoral thesis, even though the course duration is 6 years .

Ques. What is the eligibility for PhD in USA?

Ans. To pursue PhD in USA, you must fulfil the below requirements.

• Students must have a bachelors or masters degree in relevant field.
• Students must have secured a GPA 2.7 to 3.9 on a scale of 4 (80-94%).
• Students must have valid scores of IELTS 7.0-7.5, TOEFL 90-100, etc.

Furthermore, for some of the specialisations, candidates will be required to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

Ques. Can I work while pursuing a PhD in USA?

Ans. Individuals pursuing a PhD in USA are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on a part-time basis. They may start full-time working during vacations or holidays.

Ques. What are the top PhD programs to study in USA?

Ans. The following are some of the popular streams for pursuing a PhD in USA:-

• Engineering
• Biological Sciences

Ques. What can I do after completing a PhD in USA?

Ans. After pursuing a Ph.D. program in USA candidates may work under the following job profiles:-

• Research Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Assistant Research Engineer
• Teaching Assistant Professor
• Field Biologist
• Economist, etc.

Ques. Is post graduation necessary for pursuing PhD in USA?

Ans. For a majority of institutions, post graduation or a Master’s degree is not required for studying PhD in USA. Only an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (85%) is sufficient for applying to these colleges.

Ques. What is the salary after PhD in USA?

Ans. Graduates of PhD programs in USA can earn an impressive average annual salary ranging from USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs).

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• PhD Funding in the USA – A Guide for 2024

PhD Funding in the USA

Written by Ben Taylor

Many of the world’s top research universities are based in the USA, so it’s no surprise that it’s an extremely popular destination for PhD students.

Although the USA has a reputation for being an expensive place to study, there are also some fantastic opportunities for PhD funding (including many fully-funded PhD programmes for international students).

This page will give you an introduction to the cost of a typical doctorate in the USA, as well as a guide to some of the most generous forms of PhD funding available at American universities.

American PhD funding – what you need to know first

As we’ve already mentioned, the USA has an expensive reputation – but you shouldn’t let that put you off.

There’s a reason why such a large number of American universities can be found among the top-ranked in the world: many institutions have huge budgets and endowments, allowing them to offer generous fully-funded PhD scholarships to graduate students (regardless of nationality).

These are a few key points to bear in mind when beginning your search for PhD funding in the USA:

• Public universities in the United States differentiate between in-state and out-of-state when it comes to fees, so you won’t necessarily be charged more than an out-of-state domestic student if you’re an international student
• Private universities don’t distinguish between domestic and international students
• It’s common for universities to offer ‘full-ride’ PhD scholarships to talented grad students
• The Fulbright Commission administers several funding schemes for international students to complete their research in the USA
• Federal student loans are available to US nationals

The cost of a PhD in the USA

With a huge range of universities offering PhD programmes in the USA it’s no surprise that American PhD fees vary a lot. They also tend to be exaggerated or otherwise misreported based on very high figures for prestigious Ivy League universities. These aren’t typical.

Actual fees vary between public and private institutions and sometimes depend on a students’ residency status:

• Public institutions charge an average of $12,394 per year for in-state students on graduate programmes. Be aware that fees for out-of-state students (including international students) are higher than this.
• Private institutions charge an average of $26,621 per year for all students on graduate programmes.

These figures are based on data published by the US National Center for Education Statistics . As a general rule, public institutions will be cheaper than private institutions, but will charge a higher out-of-state fee to international students. This can mean that the actual difference in fees is smaller than it seems above. Private institutions, on the other hand, may have more funding available.

The best way to get a sense of the tuition fees you will actually pay for a US PhD is to look up a few programmes in your subject and compare their prices. Just make sure you’re comparing the same thing: some universities will list fees per year, whereas others may list fees per semester or per credit.

In-state vs out-of-state

US universities don’t distinguish between international students and domestic fees in the same way as the UK. But public universities do differentiate between students from inside or outside their state. This is because ‘in-state’ students have their education partly subsidised by their state government. As an international student you’ll pay the same fee as a US student from ‘out-of-state’.

Living costs

The sheer size of the USA makes it almost impossible to offer accurate figures for student living costs across all 50 states. So we haven’t. You should definitely include this in your research and preparation though. Some parts of the USA are much more affordable than others. Your university’s international office may be able to help provide a sense of typical graduate student expenses for rent, groceries and travel.

See our guide to living in the USA during a PhD for more advice.

Other expenses

American universities will usually charge additional fees for processing graduate school applications. You’ll also need to budget for admissions tests, language tests and your visa.

Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is an organisation dedicated to fostering research connections between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Every year they offer postgraduate scholarships to talented British students to help them study at an American university (and vice versa).

A Fulbright Postgraduate Award offers the following benefits:

• A contribution towards your tuition fees (this could cover the first year of fees or fully-fund the entire degree, depending on the award and institution)
• Health insurance cover
• Visa sponsorship

Fulbright Scholars will also gain valuable networking opportunities through a global alumni organisation, as well as support during their studies from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

There are a range of Fulbright Postgraduate Awards available, with some providing a fully-funded PhD degree and others only offering a one-year tuition fee waiver. You can check out the Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships on their website.

Eligibility for Fulbright Postgraduate Awards

The main eligibility requirement for a US-UK Fulbright Award is, unsurprisingly, that you must be a British citizen. However, if you’re a foreign national settled in the UK you may also be able to apply.

You’ll also need an undergraduate result of at least a 2.1 (although a 2.2 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis).

As the primary goal of the US-UK Fulbright Commission is to foster new connections between the countries, the ideal candidate won’t have spent more than six months in the United States already.

Applying for a Fulbright Postgraduate Award

The application process for a Fulbright Award usually opens in August, with a deadline in early November.

You’ll need to make an online application with the following documents/details:

• Academic transcripts
• Passport photo
• Personal statement
• Research objectives

You’ll also need to complete a separate application to the university you want to do your PhD at.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview in the following February.

Other Fulbright PhD scholarships

The above information focuses on the US-UK Fulbright Commission, which is part of a much larger network of organisations devoted to helping talented international students attend American universities.

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowships , for example, offer Indian students the chance to complete a funded research placement (six to nine months) in the USA.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides Nigerian doctoral students with the opportunity to conduct PhD research in the United States.

Fulbright Germany’s Doktorand:innenprogramm (PhD student programme) is a similar scheme to help German researchers complete work in the USA.

You can view Fulbright programmes by country on the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.

University PhD scholarships

It’s actually very common for US universities to provide fully-funded PhD programmes for international students, and relatively rare for successful candidates on graduate programmes to be entirely self-funding. The ‘sticker price’ for a US PhD may seem high, but it’s probably not the price you’ll end up paying.

Funding will take various forms. ‘Full-ride’ PhD scholarships will cover fees, living costs and other expenses. Other common options include partial fee discounts or full fee waivers.

In general, private universities will have more funding than public universities (though they will also have higher fees). You can search some of the PhD funding available using an official tool provided by Education USA . These results aren’t exhaustive though: make sure you also check with the university you are considering.

We’ve done some of the leg-work for you and produced a list of international PhD scholarships available at some of the top American universities, which you can check out below.

Assistantships

As well as awarding direct funding, it’s common for US universities to offer assistantship positions to their graduate students. These are effectively a form of employment with the university : you will fulfil a selection of responsibilities in exchange for a stipend or a fee waiver.

Common types of assistantship include:

• Graduate teaching assistantships – These involve teaching and mentoring undergraduate students on courses related to your subject. Responsibilities may include leading discussion groups, supervising essays and helping with course admin. Graduate students doing this kind of work are sometimes referred to as ‘TAs’ (teaching assistants) or ‘adjunct faculty’. Find out more about graduate teaching assistantships .
• Research assistantships – These involve helping faculty with their research. Responsibilities may include collecting and recording routine data, monitoring experiments or helping set up equipment.
• Administrative assistantships – These involve clerical, administrative and secretarial work for the university or graduate programme. Responsibilities may include data entry and management, assisting with meetings and other activities or helping with other routine office tasks.
• Fellowships – These don’t involve additional work but may be conditional on maintaining a certain standard for your academic work or pursuing particular directions with your research.

Graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships are the most common types of assistantship, but it’s worth checking to see what different universities offer.

Federal grants and aid

National science foundation (nsf) graduate research fellowship program (grfp).

The National Science Foundation’s GRFP is a long-established federal grant scheme for talented STEM graduate students in the USA, providing the opportunity of a fully-funded PhD. Past fellows include over 40 Nobel laureates.

The GRFP offers the following financial benefits over a three-year period:

• $37,000 annual stipend
• Tuition fee allowance of $12,000 (paid directly to the university)

Applicants for the NSF GRFP must be:

• American citizens, permanent residents or nationals
• Graduate students beginning a research-based Masters or PhD degree in a STEM subject
• Embarking on Masters or PhD study for the first time

As you might expect, competition for these prestigious fellowships is high, with around 12,000 applications for 2,000 places.

There are four main elements to an NSF GRFP application:

• Graduate research plan statement
• Two or three reference letters

The deadline for submitting these documents is usually mid to late October, with the results announced at the beginning of April.

You can find out more on the NSF GRFP website .

Federal Student Aid for US students

If you’re a US citizen, you may be able to receive financial aid from the government to help fund your studies. Generally, international students are not eligible to apply except in very specific circumstances .

You’ll also need to have financial need, but there is no income cut-off to qualify for financial aid. Rather, there are several factors considered when assessing your application.

Unlike undergraduate students, Masters and PhD applicants are considered independent for financial aid purposes, meaning only your own income and assets are taken into account, as opposed to your parents’.

The types of federal aid available for postgraduate students include:

#1 Federal loans

Loans available for Masters students include Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans .

For Direct Unsubsidized Loans , your university determines how much money you’re eligible to receive, up to an upper limit that depends on your personal circumstances. Find out more about Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits. Interest rates are currently set at 7.05% for the 2023-24 year.

Direct PLUS Loans don’t award a set amount. Instead, you can borrow up to the full cost of your Masters programme, minus any other forms of financial support you are receiving for it. Interest rates are set at 8.05% for the 2023-24 year.

To apply, you’ll need to be studying a course at 50% intensity or more (part-time programmes are eligible for direct plus loans, provided you study on a ‘half-time’ basis or greater). You’ll also need a good credit history to apply a Direct PLUS loan. You won’t normally be able to receive a Direct PLUS Loan if you have a record of credit default or overdue debt for existing loans. In some cases, a parent or other US citizen may endorse your application as a guarantor.

As a Masters student you won’t repay your loan until six months after you cease to be enrolled on your course. Note that this repayment period will normally still come into effect if you exit your graduate programme early.

Actual repayment plans vary, but you can view a set of guides from the US Department of Education .

#2 Work-study

Federal work study provides part-time jobs for US students who have financial need, to help them cover their living costs and tuition fees.

Roles can be on or off campus, and where possible related to your field of study. Off-campus jobs are generally for nonprofit organisations or public agencies, and must be performed in the public interest.

Postgraduate students may be paid by the hour or by salary, depending on the type of role performed. How many hours you’re allowed to work will be determined by your university’s financial aid office.

Federal work-study is generally not available for international students, but there are other ways to earn money alongside your studies. We cover this in our guide to working in the USA as a student .

Applying for financial aid

To apply for financial aid, you’ll need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Filling in the FAFSA involves creating an online account and receiving a unique FSA ID.

You should have access to the following documents and information when filling in the FAFSA:

• Your social security number
• Your driving license number (if you have one)
• Your Alien Registration Number (of you are not a US citizen)
• Tax documents or tax returns for yourself and your spouse (if married)
• Records of any untaxed income, savings, cash or investments

The FAFSA form for becomes available for course starting the following year on 1 October annually. So if you’re planning to study a Masters or PhD starting in Autumn 2024, you’ll be able to fill in the FAFSA from 1 October 2023 .

The FAFSA deadline for 2023-24 is 30 June 2024 .

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Cost of PhD in the USA – Complete Analysis

• Universities in USA

Updated on 16 April, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

Upgrad abroad editorial team.

The United States of America is not only the most sought-after study destination in the world but also offers a unique experience to international students from all over the world. When compared to other countries, graduate programs in the USA are relatively more structured based on major and minor degrees that facilitate extensive training along with independent research. 

Table of Contents

• What is a Ph.D.?

How do Ph.D. Programs Work?

• Admission Requirements for Indian Students
• Top Universities in the USA for PhD
• Cost of Living in the USA

Alternatives to a PhD

Frequently asked questions, what is a ph.d. .

Ph.D. is an acronym for Doctor of Philosophy. It is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree that requires students to complete a thesis or dissertation based on thorough and original research in their field of study.

In most countries, a Ph.D. degree is a minimum qualification that qualifies an individual to teach their chosen subject in the universities or work as an expert in their chosen field. 

Generally, the length of a Ph.D. program is three to four years in which a student works on an original research project presented as a thesis or dissertation. The Ph.D. programs differ from the universities’ requirements, while some universities require a student to submit a publication and not course work, others may ask for both to meet their criteria for selection.

Along with the research project, the students are also required to give a viva or oral presentation for their Ph.D. in front of the examiners and research students, which lasts for about two to three hours.

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Admission Requirements for Indian Students 

To get admission into Ph.D. programs in the USA, students are required to fulfill the following criteria:

• An honors degree
• A master’s degree with excellent academic performance
• Proof of language proficiency in which a student intends to study, if it is English then IELTS or TOEFL scores are needed
• Academic/ Employment references
• Personal statements
• Ph.D. research proposals

Note: There may be some additional admissions requirements that students may be required to meet depending on the program they are applying into.

Top Universities in the USA for PhD 

Some of the top universities in the USA that offer PhD programs are listed below 

Cost of Living in the USA 

Along with the tuition fees for Ph.D. programs, students should acquaint themselves with the estimated living costs to sustain themselves.

In general, living expenses include accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses. Although the cost of living varies with the territory a student chooses to reside in, the average costs for each category are enlisted in the table below:

There are many alternatives to research degree in which the research conducted by the students gets published in peer-reviewed journals. One form of such research degree is called MD (Doctor of medicine) and is considered equivalent to a Ph.D. in some countries. 

Some universities offer dual degree programs that offer both professional and research training. These programs are called MD-PhD programs. Medical professionals willing to make their career in research can opt for these programs. Other degrees in the USA that are similar to a Ph.D. are as follows:

• Doctor of Science (DSc)
• Doctor of Juridical Science
• Doctor of the Science of Law and Doctor of Theology

Funding and Work Opportunities

Although the USA shares a reputation of being the most expensive country for higher education, there also exist excellent opportunities to fund one’s Ph.D. Some of these opportunities come in the form of fully funded Ph.D. programs that remit all the tuition fee expenses. To fund your Ph.D. journey, you need to bear in mind some of the key points that are listed below:

If you are an international student you will not be charged more than the state student in public universities. Private universities do not differentiate between state and international students. Also, many universities have the provision of full-ride Ph.D. scholarships dedicated solely to meritorious students that cover their tuition fees and living expenses. Fulbright commission offers several funding opportunities for international students to execute their research in the USA. USA nationals can avail of federal loans to complete their research in the USA. 

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When it comes to work and employment opportunities, many universities offer assistantships to their Ph.D. students. This is a form of employment opportunity wherein there is a fee waiver or a stipend in return for the fulfillment of a selection of responsibilities. Some of the assistantships are as follows:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantship
• Administrative Assistantship
• Fellowships
• Research Assistantship

Besides this, there is a graduate research fellowship program run by the National Science Foundation. This federal grant scheme is limited to talented STEM graduates in the USA providing them with multiple benefits like a $34,000 annual stipend and tuition fee allowance of $12,000 for three years.

Also Read: 

• What is the acceptable study gap in the USA?
• A guide on IELTS Score to study in the USA
• Here are 50 Interesting Facts about the USA
• Key Requirements for Studying in the USA
• A guide to settle in the USA from India!
• All about the cost of studying in the USA!
• Part-Time Job Options in the USA for International Students

What is the average cost of a Ph.D. from the USA?

The average cost for pursuing a Ph.D. degree differs from university to university. It also depends on the status of the students whether he or she forms a part of in-state or out-of-state students. In the case of in-state students, it costs approx $12,410 for a year. For out-of-state or international students the cost is higher than $12,410.

What are the work opportunities during the Ph.D.?

There are myriad work opportunities for a student pursuing a Ph.D. He can enroll in the assistantship programs sponsored by the same university and teach the graduate students and in exchange, he can earn a stipend. Apart from this, they can also enroll themselves in various research-based work or administrative work.

What is the average cost of expenditure that one incurs when pursuing a Ph.D. in the USA?

The average cost of expenditure varies on an individual basis. However, the estimate falls under the range of $93,226 or more(including tuition fees, accommodation, food, etc ) each year.

What are some of the premier institutes in the USA to pursue a Ph.D. from?

There are many premier institutes in the USA to pursue a Ph.D. based on your area of interest like Harvard University, University of Chicago, Yale University, and Johns Hopkins University to name a few.

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• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21
• Finding a PhD

A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 – 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 – $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.

Why Do a PhD in USA?

The United States has long had some of the most distinguished universities and advanced PhD programmes in the world. Combined with curriculum flexibility, rigorous teaching methods, vast funding opportunities, breathtaking campuses and significant career prospects, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after study destinations for research students.

In addition to comprehensive training standards, here are a few other reasons why a student may choose to undertake their PhD in the United States:

• Longer learning timeframes – A PhD in the US lasts longer than a PhD in the UK or Europe. This allows students to more confidently transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies; more commonly referred to as ‘graduate studies’ in the US. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your subject, research methods and academic writing in general before starting your research project.
• World-class universities – It’s no secret that some of the most well-known higher education institutions that continue to dominate global rankings are based in the United States. Although many factors go into determining whether a position is right for you, a PhD at a high-ranking American university will undeniably have many benefits, from excellent learning standards to access to innovative equipment and deep expertise.
• International network – The US has long been a popular choice among PhD students around the world. As such, the US hosts a diverse and multicultural learning environment in which many research students will quickly feel at home.
• Opportunities – With over 4,000 universities in the US, we can safely say you will have plenty of opportunities to find the ideal combination of project, supervisor and university that works for you.

Universities in USA

Universities in the United States can be divided into two types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities are financed by the state in which they are based. Because of this, public universities charge less for students from within the state and more for students from outside the state, including international students.

Private universities are not financed by their state, but by private donors, research funds and tuition fees. For this reason, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees than public universities and require all students to pay the same amount, regardless of whether they come from out-of-state or abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

The main difference between a PhD in the US and a PhD in Europe lies in the program structure. Whereas a European PhD essentially consists of a single phase lasting three to four years , an American PhD consists of three different phases, each with its own time frame.

• Phase One – The first phase lasts approximately two years and focuses on building a basic foundation for the doctoral student. This phase consists largely of taught components such as lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, in which the student learns more about theoretical concepts and research methods within their discipline.
• Phase Two – The second phase can be considered an assessment phase, which runs both periodically alongside and at the end of the first phase. Here, students complete coursework and take exams on the basis of the material they have covered of which they must pass in order to proceed to the third phase.
• Phase Three – The third phase lasts approximately three years and resembles the European PhD structure. During this period, the student undertakes an independent research project, including forming a research design, conducting experiments, writing a thesis (more commonly referred to in the USA as a dissertation) and sitting a viva exam.

Teaching Requirements

Besides structure, a key difference between a PhD program in the US and in Europe is the focus on teaching requirements. In the US, doctoral students are expected to lecture, lead tutorials, host laboratory sessions, mark coursework and provide office hours for undergraduate students. Although students studying in European will likely contribute to these at some point during their study, this would normally be on a voluntary basis and involve less time commitment.

Research Flexibility

Another difference is project flexibility. In Europe, students typically apply to a PhD project predetermined by a supervisor, and although there may be some scope to adapt the project, depending on the funding provider , it will usually be limited to how the project is carried out rather than what it is about. In the US, however, a student applies to become a doctoral candidate within a department rather than applying for a particular research project. This is because students are expected to decide on their thesis topic (also commonly referred to as a dissertation research topic) near the end of their first phase after they have developed a better understanding of their subject and know where their interests lie. Therefore, research students in the US generally have more flexibility and influence in the direction of their research than students in the United Kingdom or Europe.

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

PhD admission into US universities can be highly competitive, both because of the limited number of positions and the large number of annual applicants.

The eligibility requirements for a doctoral program in the USA can generally be divided into four sections:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) – in the US, a scoring system known as Grade Point Average is used to measure academic ability. A student’s GPA is calculated as a weighted score of the subjects they study during their undergraduate degree; an equivalent score is calculated by universities for international applicants. Although universities rarely set minimum GPA requirements for doctoral study, it’s worth being aware that a GPA of 3.0 is equivalent to a UK second class honours (2:1); the typical entry requirement for UK universities.
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE) – most universities will require you to take a series of examinations known as Graduate Records Exams, which are used to determine your suitability for graduate study. GREs will assess your analytical, reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as your depth of your subject.
• Student aptitude – in addition to academic ability, US universities also look for characteristics of a strong researcher. These include traits such as engaging in the subject in your own time, e.g. by attending talks and conferences, demonstrating a high degree of independence and enthusiasm, and a general passion for your subject.
• English Language Proficiency – international students whose first language is not English must sit language exams such as IELTS or TOELF to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

International students will also require a F1 student visa in order to study in the US, however, you would typically apply for this after you have secured a place into a doctorate program.

How to Apply for PhD in USA

When applying for a PhD position at a graduate school, the application process will differ between universities, however, they will all typically ask for the following:

• Academic CV – a short document summarising your educational background and current level of experience .
• Personal statement – a document which outlines why you believe you are suitable for PhD study and your passion for the subject.
• Academic transcripts – a complete breakdown of the modules and their respective marks you have taken as part of your previous/current degree.
• GRE scores – a transcript of your Graduate Records Exam results.
• Research statement – a condensed version of a research proposal outlining your general research interests, if required.
• Recommendation letters – references from several academic referees who endorse your qualities as a person, your abilities as a student and your potential as a doctoral researcher.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Since PhD programs in the United States have taught components, they commence at the same time as all other taught degrees, and therefore share the same application deadlines and start dates. This corresponds to an application period that typically begins in August and ends in February. Admission decisions are typically made in April, with successful students starting in August/September.

When you apply to a graduate school, you will be expected to pay a fee for each doctorate application to cover the school’s administrative costs for processing your application. The fee varies from university to university, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 .

Funding your PhD in USA

It’s very common for a PhD student to receive financial aid in the form of a PhD scholarship; in fact, this will be the case for the vast majority of students in the US.

PhD funding can be ‘fully funded’ covering the student’s graduate program tuition fees, accommodation and living costs, or ‘partially funded’ covering the student’s tuition fee only in part or full.

Besides funding, a graduate student can take on an assistantship, such as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, in which they take on a part-time salaried position at the university alongside their studies.

Due to the international and collaborate nature of American universities, there are also a number of international scholarships available, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship .

PhD Duration in USA

In the US, a PhD takes approximately 5 – 6 years to complete if studying full-time, and 8 – 10 years if studying part-time.

If you already have a Master’s degree, your first phase can be shortened by one year at the discretion of the university.

Cost of a PhD in USA

The cost of a PhD program in the US can vary considerably depending on the type of university, i.e. whether it’s a public or private university, the doctoral course, i.e. whether it’s in a STEM subject such as computer science, engineering or a non-STEM subject, and whether you are a home or international student.

In general, however, the typical annual tuition fee for a PhD in the US is between $12,000 and $45,000 per academic year.

As with any doctoral degree, additional costs may include travel for collaborations, bench fees, accommodation and living expenses.

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Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

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The USA is a favourable postgraduate study destination for international students due to the high standard of academic study and the wide variety of subjects. By undertaking a PhD in the USA, you will find yourself becoming an internationally recognised expert in your chosen field.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the USA is considered the highest awarded degree in many US universities and institutes for most fields of study. For many international students, it's a dream course that offers an exciting new life chapter.

Attending Grad School for a PhD in the USA is not the same as undertaking a PhD in Europe or the UK , it can often be a different experience. However, studying abroad will improve your global cultural understanding in addition to your network of contacts for your future career. A PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.

There are a multitude of reasons why the United States is a fantastic choice for your PhD studies. Here’s everything you need to know about studying a PhD in the USA.

1. PhD course length

The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 years of dissertation work. In the USA, the academic year is divided into two teaching semesters: August to December and January to May. 

Having a longer duration for your PhD allows for greater opportunities to adjust to your course and find your footing. This enables you to concentrate on developing a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen subject at a more relaxed pace.

2. World-class universities

The US repeatedly tops the charts of worldwide ranking universities , so what better place to do your PhD studies? Although rankings shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when making your PhD choice, they're a great indicator of educational expertise.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the location for your PhD. Does the university have a high employability rate after graduation? Are you wanting to go public or private university? What kind of research facilities do they have? 

Be sure to do some research before making a decision on your perfect place of study.

3. International community

The United States is a popular choice for international students from all over the world – making it an inspirational and cosmopolitan choice for your PhD studies. No matter what your choice of academic study is, you are guaranteed to find a diverse community that welcomes students from all backgrounds. 

4. Affordable tuition fees 

There are various tuition fee options available for PhD students regardless of your budget. The American higher education system is often associated with high fees and substantial student debt, but in fact, studying at an American university isn't always expensive, and many institutions offer affordable courses. For instance, PhD costs range from $28,000 to $55,000 annually, which shows that finding a PhD course that’s more affordable is possible. 

5. Student experience

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

6. Student support

American universities typically provide comprehensive support services to assist you on your PhD journey. These services may include academic advising, counselling, career services, libraries, writing centres and various student organisations aimed at fostering your personal and professional development.

7. Land of opportunity

It's fair to say that student life in the USA offers something for everyone, regardless of what you're looking for from a PhD. With 50 states, six time zones, and thousands of higher-education providers, there's an opportunity waiting for every individual across the globe.

So let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when studying for a PhD in the USA.

Studying a PhD in the USA: top tips

Who is eligible for a phd in the usa.

To be eligible for PhD in the USA, generally students should have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, provide proof of English language proficiency, GRE scores and other supporting documents.  The eligibility criteria for a PhD in the USA can vary depending on the specific university and program. 

Can I get a PhD without a masters degree?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD without having a masters. Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

The eligibility criteria and requirements for direct entry PhD programs vary among institutions and fields of study, so it is advisable to check the entry requirements of the specific university or course you are interested in.

How to apply for a PhD in the USA

When applying for your chosen subject in the USA, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This will include:

Completed application form – provided by your preferred university.

A personal statement – on why you want to study the subject, your research interests and career goals. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References – universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades – you will generally need to submit scores from standardised tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). 

English language proficiency – international applicants whose native language is not English usually need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Samples of work – it is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

The application fee. 

Method of study

Compared to the UK and Europe , studying a PhD in the USA involves several key differences. Students in the USA are usually in direct contact with their professor, compared with those in the UK where students might find that their PhD program is headed by a professor who gives them a little less flexibility to change their research and study areas. There can be several cultural differences between UK, Europe, and USA university lifestyles. US students are expected to undertake a great deal of teaching and marking, as opposed to PhD students in Europe. 

As a result, you may have less free time outside of the university when pursuing a PhD in the USA.

Application for PhD In USA

When applying for your chosen subject, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This might include:

A personal statement on why you want to study the subject. Be sure to include any extra-curricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References. Universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades. It is important that you provide a list of your awarded grades from previous courses you have studied.

Samples of work. It is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

UK and Europe students decide on their PhD thesis subject area before they apply . While taking classes at a graduate level, prospective PhD students in the USA spend up to a year or two deciding on their specific research subject. It is normal to apply for up to six institutions for a PhD in the USA, and students apply to each institution separately as there is no central organisation. 

Students in the UK and Europe are expected to apply with an understanding of the subject already, usually in the form of a masters degree, and be ready to start studying at the PhD level straight away. In the USA it is expected that students do not have an in-depth understanding of their subject as they usually only have an undergraduate degree when they apply. 

When should I start applying for a PhD in the USA?

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs in the USA tend to be between December and February, and institutions should let you know about your application by April. Most US institutions recommend that you apply as far in advance as you possibly can to give them, and you, plenty of time to make arrangements. 

Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply as well. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Funding your PhD in USA

PhD students are very likely to receive financial support in the form of PhD scholarships ; some USA PhD students also receive PhD studentships .

Making your PhD application in plenty of time allows you more time to apply for and arrange your PhD funding. Many students find that funding can cover much, or all, of the cost of their PhD studies in the USA, which ranges between $28,000 and $40,000. Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December before starting your studies in the Autumn/Fall. 

There are two types of PhD funding: fully funded, which pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, or partially funded, which pays for the student's tuition only partially or fully.

Can a PhD be fully funded?

Yes, many top universities in the USA offer fully funded PhD programs for eligible students. This funding pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Partially funded PhDs only cover the student's tuition in part or in full.

Some PhD students will receive a stipend from their institution with an assistantship position, but this varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. Other students can find funding from both their own and the American government, and there are plenty of American government schemes like The Fulbright Program that offer funds.

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How long does it take to study a PhD in the USA?

For part-time students in the USA, a PhD can take eight to ten years, but it usually takes five to six years for full-time students. PhDs can be completed in four to five years rather than five or six for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject.

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Do PhD Students Pay Tuition? Unpacking the Cost of a PhD

Choosing to pursue a PhD is a major milestone, but it comes with a host of concerns and questions. As a prospective doctoral student, you might wonder if you pay tuition for a PhD and how much that will cost.

In many cases, the answer is no, PhD students do not pay tuition. Instead, universities often provide their doctoral students with tuition waivers and funding packages to carry them through their years of study. 

However, it's important to bear in mind that this isn't always the case and the specifics can vary greatly. Navigating PhD funding can seem daunting at first, but understanding how tuition, stipends and other sources affect the out-of-pocket cost of a PhD can help you feel more confident in your decision.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Contrary to popular belief, the costs of a PhD program aren't set in stone. Factors like the institution, geographic location, field of study and funding support all play a role in how much you’ll actually pay for a doctoral program. Depending on your field, some PhD programs pay you . 

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down expenses and potential support.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are typically the most substantial expense. How much you pay depends on the institution offering the program and the field of study you choose. According to the Education Data Initiative , the average cost of a PhD specifically is $106,860, while the average cost of a doctorate degree in general is higher at $150,835.

You can expect a lower cost at public institutions ($93,670 on average) compared to private universities ($129,395 on average). Considering the time to complete a doctorate degree ranges from approximately 4 to 8 years, the duration of your studies can influence the total price.

While figures like this seem substantial, it's important to remember that scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for most PhD students. For instance, the average grant aid for a doctoral degree is $16,502 annually, and 21.4% of PhD students surveyed by the Education Data Initiative offset their costs with teaching assistantships. 

As a result, actual paid expenses are often much lower than the listed tuition and fees.

Books and Materials

The cost of study materials, including textbooks and research supplies, varies depending on the specific requirements of your field of study.

For example, PhD students in Earth Sciences or Chemistry might need to invest in lab equipment and materials, while students in Humanities may require numerous books and subscriptions to academic journals.

However, it's essential to note that many programs provide funding resources that help offset or eliminate these costs. Universities often offer subsidies or funds for research materials, and there are numerous grants and scholarships specific to different fields of study. Libraries and interlibrary loan systems can also be a valuable resource for accessing required books and academic journals.

Healthcare and Living 

Cost of living and healthcare can vary greatly depending on your circumstances and location. Major cities, for example, tend to have higher living costs than smaller towns or rural areas. 

The higher expenses in cities often correlate with increased access to resources, research opportunities and a wide variety of entertainment and lifestyle choices. On the other hand, smaller towns or rural areas might offer lower cost of living and fewer distractions but may limit access to extensive resources or opportunities.

Luckily, many universities offer annual stipends as part of their financial aid packages for PhD students. These stipends are designed to help you manage your living and healthcare expenses, allowing you to concentrate on your studies and research. Some universities may also provide budget-friendly on-campus housing options to help mitigate overall costs. 

Navigating the Financial Landscape of a PhD

The path to earning a PhD isn't just an academic journey, but a financial one too. While it's true that in many cases, PhD students don't pay tuition, it's crucial to understand that it’s ultimately variable depending on where and what you choose to study. Financial aid packages and stipends can be a substantial help, providing relief to both domestic and international students.

At the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, we pride ourselves in providing an environment that fosters academic excellence, research innovation and professional development. With the generous support of the Moody Foundation, we have expanded our funding opportunities, enabling a diverse range of talented students to become part of our community.

Our suite of financial resources, including fellowships, assistantships, and travel grants, aim to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and reduce financial barriers. By helping our students focus on their academic and research pursuits, we build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment that sets the stage for future leaders to thrive.

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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Obtaining a PhD is a great way to open up your career options and fulfill personal goals. If you’re deciding whether to go back to your school for a doctorate degree, make sure to get a picture of what it will cost you beforehand so you can make an educated financial choice. In this article, we take a deep dive into how much a PhD costs, including non-tuition expenses and hidden costs. We also list the pros and cons of earning a PhD, as well as ways to fund your degree if it is the right choice for you. Let’s get started! 

What is a PhD? 

“PhD” is the abbreviated title for “Doctor of Philosophy.”  A PhD is an academic degree that qualifies the degree holder to teach at the university level or work in specialized positions in certain fields. PhDs generally focus on STEM research and teaching fields. 

Keep reading : Everything you need to know about a doctorate degree

How much does a PhD cost? 

It usually takes around eight years to earn a PhD at an average tuition cost of 81,000 . 

The true cost of a PhD is very dependent on the following factors: 

• Choice of school
• Field of study
• Type of PhD 
• Location of school
• Dollar amount of student loans

Also see: What is the average amount of graduate school debt?

Other costs associated with receiving a PhD

Living expenses .

In addition to the cost of tuition involved in earning a PhD, there are numerous outside factors that add to the total spent. These predominantly include living expenses such as housing, food, insurance, and transportation. The cost of these necessities will vary depending on the state, city of residence, and number of years it takes to earn a PhD. Therefore, it is important to consider all these factors when planning to earn a PhD. 

Hidden costs of a PhD

Besides just the monetary cost of a PhD, receiving this degree has some hidden costs that can affect whether a PhD is truly worth it. Let’s look at some of the most important hidden costs.

Receiving a PhD takes a long time! If you want to earn a PhD, it will take up to eight years to do so. 

Delayed opportunities

Because receiving a PhD takes time, this means there may be work and life opportunities and experiences you miss out on or have to delay.

Lost income

While focusing on earning a PhD, you will need to focus on your education rather than maintaining a steady flow of income from a job. You will most likely not be able to hold down a full-time job while completing your PhD schooling. 

The chance of not finishing

Unfortunately, it is quite common to start but not earn a PhD. There are a lot of factors that hinder students from receiving their PhD, including the following: 

• Realization they do not want a PhD
• Lack of ability to pay for a PhD
• Inability to maintain a school work balance

Ways to fund your PhD 

Luckily, prospective PhD candidates have numerous options to help them fund their education. Typically, PhD students turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, studentships, loans, and employer sponsorships. 

PhD Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships out there intended for PhD students to help them on their academic journey. These funds can typically be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Try checking out our very own Gutsy Graduate Scholarship to get started!

Grants are very similar to scholarships. They provide money for students for tuition and other academic expenses.

Studentships

A “studentship” is a name that is most often used for PhD scholarships. Studentships are an opportunity for PhD students to receive funding in order to ease financial pressures. Traditionally, studentships are awarded based on merit and achievement. 

Loans are a common way of funding PhD students. The US Department of Education offers Direct PLUS loans as well as Direct Unsubsidized Loans to graduate and professional students. 

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are opportunities to earn money while taking on a position that allows you to make connections and obtain skills in your field. There are various types of assistantships such as teaching and research assistants. Depending on your institution and professor, your role may vary widely depending on what your professor is working on. So, it is important to do your research before accepting an assistantship to determine if it is the right role for you. An assistantship typically functions as a job where you serve a certain number of hours and will be paid for your labor. 

Fellowships

Fellowships can vary widely depending on the institution; however it is essentially funding granted to students to help lower the cost of education. A fellowship is typically a merit-based scholarship for advanced study of an academic subject and is granted to the top candidates in their class. Graduate fellowships typically will cover the cost of tuition as well as a stipend to be used to cover the cost of living which makes graduate studies affordable for academically-driven students. 

Further reading : Assistantships vs. fellowships: What’s the difference? 

Employer sponsorships

In some cases, you may be eligible to receive employer sponsored funding to earn a PhD. In order to do this, you will usually need to demonstrate to your employer that receiving a PhD will also benefit the company as a whole. 

Also see: Top graduate school scholarships

Is a PhD worth it? 

The answer depends on the individual student’s goals and financial situation. There are many pros and cons associated with receiving a PhD. We include a few of the most common reasons below. 

• Access to more prestigious and high-paying jobs
• Development of skills
• Networking opportunities 
• Can make significant contributions to your field of study 
• Financial costs/debt
• Isolating and lonely experience for some
• Stress associated with academic rigor
• Limited job openings after graduation 
• Loss of valuable job experience and opportunities
• Length of time to earn a PhD

Some questions to ask yourself before pursuing a PhD

• Why do I want a PhD? 
• Am I financially prepared to fund a PhD?
• What jobs will be available to me after receiving a PhD?
• Do I have the prerequisites and experience to move forward to a PhD program? 

Related: What is a research university?

Overall cost of PhD

In total, earning a PhD involves a considerable investment of time and money. It can also put you in touch with incredible peer support, mentors, and resources, and be incredibly rewarding and help you start down the path towards your dream career. Be sure you are confident in your decision before starting your PhD journey, and best of luck to you! 

Also see: Grad school financing options

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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

How much does a PhD cost? Before you enroll in a doctoral program, you may have this pressing question on your mind.

The price of earning your PhD can vary greatly from one school to another, so it can help to pay close attention to the average costs at different institutions.

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Once you have a better idea of the cost of earning this degree, you can make a plan for your doctoral studies and work toward achieving your goals.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average doctoral student earning a research degree pays $16,526 in tuition per year. [1]

Plus, on average, there’s an additional $16,320 in non-tuition fees and expenses each year. That makes the average annual cost of a PhD $32,846. [1] It’s common to spend 3 to 5 years or more in a PhD program. That can seem like a staggering amount of money at first. You may be relieved to know, though, that you might not have to pay the entire amount yourself.

Many PhD candidates receive a good deal of support to help with their studies. PhD students fund their educations in a variety of ways, including:

• Fellowships
• Program-based funding

Program-based funding may include a stipend, a tuition waiver, and even benefits like health insurance. Fully funded online PhD programs are available, and in these programs, students are not responsible for covering any of the expenses associated with their doctoral education. It’s not always necessary to go into debt to pursue doctoral studies. Many students graduate from PhD programs without having incurred any debt.

One of the biggest assets that can help you graduate debt-free is an assistantship opportunity. You may be able to secure a role as a teaching or research assistant. In exchange for your work, you might receive a tuition waiver, a stipend, and other benefits.

Both the tuition at your school and the stipend you may receive will vary depending on where you enroll. To learn more about Ivy League costs, you can review the following table.

• Brown University: Tuition , stipends
• Columbia University: Tuition , stipends
• Cornell University: Tuition , stipends
• Dartmouth College: Tuition , stipends
• Harvard University: Tuition , stipends ( Engineering & Biological Sciences )
• Princeton University: Tuition, stipends
• University of Pennsylvania: Tuition , stipends
• Yale University: Tuition , stipends

This chart will give you an idea of typical PhD expenses at some of the top public universities.

• University of Arizona: Tuition , stipends
• Florida International University: Tuition , stipends ( Business & Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship Program )
• Georgia State University: Tuition , stipends
• Ohio State: Tuition , stipends
• Texas A&M: Tuition , stipends ( Chemistry & Chemical Engineering )
• University of Central Florida: Tuition , stipends
• University of Florida: Tuition , stipends ( Engineering & English )
• University of Illinois: Tuition , stipends ( Math & Communication )
• University of Minnesota: Tuition , stipends ( Management & Public Health )
• University of Texas: Tuition , stipends ( Computer Science & Biology )

These rates reflect general tuition and stipends at the above schools, but the rates may vary somewhat depending on your program and the terms of your assistantship.

For example, you’re likely to earn more for a half-time assistantship than for a quarter-time one, and you’re likely to earn more for a 12-month assignment than for a 9-month one.

Factors That Affect the Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree

Many different elements will play into the overall price of earning your degree. One major factor is the type of school you attend. The following figures are based on data from the Urban Institute. [4]

Choice of School

• Private for-profit : $13,520 average annual tuition
• Private nonprofit : $25,160 average annual tuition
• Public in-state : $11,000 average annual tuition
• Public out-of-state : $22,590 average annual tuition

How long it takes to earn your degree can make a difference as well. The National Science Foundation offers data on how long PhD students in various fields are often in school. [5]

Program Length by Field of Study

• Education : 5.7 years
• Engineering : 5.3 years
• Humanities and arts : 6.8 years
• Life sciences : 5.5 years
• Mathematics and computer sciences : 5.7 years
• Physical sciences : 5.6 years
• Psychology and social sciences : 6.0 years

Online studies may change your costs. The tuition is often similar, but on-campus residency can be more expensive than living at home. Consider, for example, the graduate housing costs at the University of Miami. [6]

Online vs. On-Campus Housing Costs

• Living on-campus : $24,120 annually
• Living with a relative : $8,664 annually

On the other hand, teaching and research assistantships are less common for online PhD programs than on-campus ones. Even with housing costs, you may, then, spend less for on-campus studies.

Professional Doctorate Degree Cost

A PhD is not the only type of doctorate. There are also professional doctorates available, such as a Doctor of Podiatry (DPM) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

The following data from the National Center for Education Statistics provides an overview of the average doctoral degree cost annually. [1]

• Books and materials : $1,196
• Non-tuition costs and fees : $23,745
• Tuition : $34,910

In general, professional practice doctorates are more expensive than PhDs. According to the Urban Institute, 30% of professional practice doctoral programs have published annual tuition rates of more than $30,000. [2] Only 22% of PhD programs fall into that price category.

It’s also worth noting that doctoral students in professional programs are less likely to receive stipends, tuition waivers, and other benefits that often make school more affordable for PhD students.

Paying for a PhD

There are many ways to handle your PhD program cost. Perhaps you have the means to pay for your schooling on your own. If not, you may benefit from an assistantship, federal student aid, or the financial support of your workplace.

According to the National Science Foundation, the majority of students fund their PhDs through assistantships. [7] Further NSF data about primary funding sources is listed here.

Also, data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that students earning research doctorates took out, on average, $20,500 in loans. [3]

Graduate students may be eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans.

Student Loan Debt of PhD Graduates

When it comes to the cost of a PhD, what you study can be as important as any of the other factors. As a general rule, people who get research doctoral degrees in education are much more likely to graduate with debt than other doctoral students.

The following data from the Urban Institute supports this idea. [8]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average non-education PhD graduate had a loan balance of $98,800. [9] For those with degrees in education, the average balance was $111,900.

If you are interested in a degree in education, you may want to pay particular attention to the tuition costs and benefits available at the schools you’re considering.

Is a PhD Degree Worth It?

Yes, a PhD degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that unemployment rates are quite low among people with doctoral degrees. The overall American unemployment rate is 4.7%.

Among people with doctorates, the unemployment rate is only 1.5%. [10] Plus, a PhD can put you on the path toward a research role or a tenured career in academia. In addition, it is an impressive personal accomplishment.

If you’re considering pursuing a terminal degree, then you’ve probably been wondering, “How much is a PhD?” Now that you know, you can start your search for the accredited school that’s right for you.

[1] National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: 2016 Graduate Students (NPSAS:GR). US Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics.

[2] Figure 3. Baum, Sandy and Patricia Steele. The Price of Graduate and Professional Schools: How Much Students Pay (PDF). Urban Institute. NCES, NPSAS 2012.

[3] Table A-8: Average amounts of selected types of financial aid received by graduate students. US Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics.

[4] Appendix A. Baum, Sandy and Patricia Steele. The Price of Graduate and Professional School: How Much Students Pay (PDF). Urban Institute. NCES, NPSAS 2012.

[5] Table 31. Median years to doctorate, by major field of study: Selected years, 1994–2019. National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

[6] 2023-2024 Estimated Graduate Cost of Attendance . University of Miami. Graduate Professional Financial Assistance.

[7] Table 35. Doctorate recipients’ primary source of financial support, by broad field of study, sex, citizenship status, ethnicity, and race: 2019. National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

[8] Baum, Sandy and Patricia Steele. Graduate and Professional School Debt: How Much Students Borrow (PDF). Urban Institute. 2018.

[9] Trends in Student Loan Debt for Graduate School Completers (PDF). Spotlights. The Condition of Education 2018. National Center for Education Statistics.

[10] Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment, 2021 . Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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A PhD is the highest degree awarded at global universities. The study is based on a substantial research project in an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which must be defended in an oral examination at the end of the program. All PhD students are assigned a supervisor, and the duration of a PhD is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.

Very few research degrees feature taught modules, and as such a student is expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule. Universities in the USA are known for their academic excellence and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, along with their support for enterprise partnerships.  

PhD Entry Requirements

US institutions are free to admit anyone to a PhD program, with admission generally conditional on the prospective student having completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours, as well as a master's degree . English language ability proof is a must, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is generally required. There is usually a first-year assessment to remain in the study, and the thesis is submitted at the end of the completed program.

Once you have decided on an area of research and have looked into how you will fund your study, there are a number of documents required when submitting your application. They include:

• Academic transcripts
• Academic references
• Personal statement
• Research proposal

- PhD Research Proposal

A research proposal is required by all students when applying to study for a PhD. The proposal should address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. A panel of experts must accept the proposal before your program can begin.

How much does a PhD cost in the USA?

Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive. A PhD can cost between $20,000 and $40,000 per year, but dedicated scholarships can help support your PhD. It is rare for a PhD student not to be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship .

Study a PhD in the USA

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PhD Program Costs

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Costs listed below reflect the 2024-2025 academic year.

Most of our PhD programs are fully funded, meaning that for 4-5 years, the program will pay for your tuition and fees, as well as provide you with a stipend. In 2024-25, the University minimum stipend is $39,425; some PhD programs provide more. After your guaranteed funding period, you may be responsible for paying reduced tuition and fees. These details can be explained by the PhD program to which you are applying. Living expenses and the cost of books should also be considered as you plan your budget for the academic year. 

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• Study in USA /

Cost of PhD in USA

• Updated on  
• Mar 13, 2023

PhD is an abbreviation for doctor of philosophy . It is a postgraduate academic degree that is recognised throughout the world that calls for students to finish a thesis or dissertation based on in-depth and unique research in their area of study.

In most nations, a PhD degree is a minimum requirement for employment as an expert in one’s chosen profession or as a university professor in that field.

The United States of America is not only the most popular study destination in the world, but it also provides international students with a distinctive educational experience. Graduate programmes in the United States are generally more structured than those in other nations because of the major and minor degrees that enable in-depth training and independent study.

Must Read: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students

This Blog Includes:

How long does it take to get a phd in the united states, eligibility requirements, stem courses, non-stem courses, top universities in the usa for phd , cost of living in the usa , employment opportunities and scholarships , how to choose the right university, work along with phd in the usa.

PhD studies in the United States are divided into three stages, the first of which is coursework that takes 1-3 years to complete, followed by a preliminary, comprehensive, or series of cumulative examinations.

The first phase of the examination focuses on the breadth of knowledge rather than depth. 2 to 8 years are normally required for the writing of a substantial and original addition to human knowledge in the form of a written dissertation.

Depending on the topic of study, a PhD programme requires 4 to 8 years of study after a bachelor’s degree , with students who already have a master’s degree taking a year or two less.

To pursue a Doctorate in the United States, international students must submit university-specific documentation. The following are some of the general eligibility requirements:

• Application fee: Each university has its own online application and application price.
• Academic transcripts : Students must submit transcripts from high school. Graduate transcripts in relevant subjects are required by the majority of universities.
• GMAT or GRE Scores: Most courses, such as Business, Engineering , and Biotechnology , require GMAT or GRE scores.
• LOR : Most courses require two or three professional recommendation letters.
• Test results for English proficiency.
• A motivational letter
• PhD admission examination for research proposals
• Interview: The personal interview is your finest opportunity to demonstrate your dedication, passion, and determination to pursue the PhD programme.

Must Read: Study in USA Without IELTS

PhD in USA: Specializations

PhD programmes in the United States are available to Indian students in a range of subjects. Whether a student is seeking a Doctorate in science, business, or the humanities , the United States has it all. Nonetheless, some of the most popular PhD programmes in the United States are divided into two categories: STEM Courses and Non-STEM Courses

STEM courses are highly valued in the United States. The majority of overseas students intend to study STEM courses in the United States because the country grants a 24-month visa extension. Some of the most popular STEM courses include:

• PhD in Natural Sciences
• PhD in Engineering
• PhD in Computer Science

Non-STEM courses are equally well-liked by international students. Non-stem courses are taken by 22% of Indian students. As a result, some of the most popular non-stem programmes are listed below.

• PhD in Sociology
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Anthropology

Must Read: Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students

Below is a list of some of the top colleges in the USA that provide PhD programmes.

Students should be aware of the estimated costs of living to survive in addition to the PhD tuition fees.

As a general rule, everyday costs incorporate convenience costs, utilities, transportation, and food costs. The average costs for each category are listed in the table below, although the cost of living varies depending on where a student chooses to live:

Many universities provide assistantships to their PhD students in terms of work and career possibilities. This type of work opportunity involves receiving a fee waiver or a stipend in exchange for completing a list of duties. The following are just a few of the assistantships:

• Teaching Assistantship for Graduates
• Assistant Administrative
• Fellowships
• Assistantship in research

In addition, the National Science Foundation administers a fellowship programme for graduate research. This federal award programme is only available to talented STEM graduates in the United States and offers them several incentives, including a $34,000 (INR 27.91 Lakh) annual stipend and a $12,000 (INR 9.85 Lakh) per year tuition price grant.

The Doctorate degree is awarded by 282 universities in the United States. Some significant variables to consider when selecting the ideal location for your studies include:

• Program availability
• University ranking
• Faculty and staff reputation
• Research facilities
• Scholarships  and funding options offered by the university
• Graduate employability rate
• Tuition fees

The F-1 student visa allows you to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. Furthermore, as a PhD student, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) comprises work assignments and opportunities that are required as part of your PhD programme.

Yet, if you are an extremely hard worker, you can study for a minimum Doctorate while working full-time in an unrelated career. But there’s a big if there. The risk of working full-time is that you won’t make much progress unless you put in a lot of effort. As a result, unless you have extremely modest ambitions for what you want to achieve with your degree, working full-time while studying for a Doctorate is often discouraged.

Must Read: Study in USA for Indian Students After 12th

Obtaining a PhD generally costs more at some universities than others. The status of the student, including whether they are an in-state or out-of-state student, also influences this. For in-state students, the annual cost is roughly $12,410. Out-of-state or international students will pay more than $12,410 in tuition.

For a student obtaining a PhD, there are numerous employment prospects. He can apply for assistantship programmes run by the same university, instruct graduate students, and receive payment in return. In addition, individuals can sign up for a variety of administrative or research-based jobs.

Each person’s average cost of expenditure is unique. However, the estimate is within the range of $93,226 or more per year (including tuition, living expenses, food, etc.).

If you want to get into a high university, you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so you can realize your study abroad goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute consultation.

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Tuition, Fees, and Ph.D. Stipends

NOTE: All numbers below require annual approval by the Board of Trustees

Last updated April 17,2024

PDF version

View full cost to attend . 

  * - Projected rates for tuition, fees, and stipends are tentative and subject to change.

** - For longer term projections, the tuition remission rate can be assumed to increase 0.7% per year.

*** - Teaching assistant and grader rates are established by the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences.

Tuition and Costs

There are many factors to consider when choosing a graduate program and cost is certainly one of them. Learn more about HGSE's academic programs in addition to our tuition and cost of attendance.

Tuition Charges

The following tuition and fee charges are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change for future years. Tuition and fee charges for the 2025-2026 academic year are published in March 2025. Summary (PDF) of tuition and cost information for the current 2023-2024 academic year.

HGSE is committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals – and offers many financial aid options to support you.

Full Cost Details

Please note the Standard Student Budget includes actual tuition and fee amounts as well as estimated allowances for related educational expenses. Tuition and Health Insurance Fees are expenses that are directly billed to students, while all other categories are estimated allowances that should not be exceeded. Financial aid eligibility is determined using the following standard cost estimates, updated estimates are published annually in March for the upcoming academic year. Summary (PDF) of tuition and cost information for the current 2023-2024 academic year.

View Standard Residential Ed.M. & C.A.S. Details

View Standard Part-Time Online Ed.M. Details

View Full-Time Ed.L.D. Details

^ Ed.L.D. students receive a guaranteed funding package to cover these costs.

* Year 2 in the Ed.L.D Program is a 10 month academic year, while Years 1 and 3 are 9 month academic years.

For full details regarding Ph.D. Program costs, visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Cost of Attendance .

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee costs are subject to change and are determined each year. Please be aware that future tuition costs, fees, and standard student budget amounts may differ from year to year. Updated figures will be published on this website and in future editions of the Financing Your Education guide , which is updated on a yearly basis. Information regarding health insurance fees, coverage, and waivers can be found on the Harvard University Student Health Program website . Online part-time Ed.M. students will not be automatically enrolled into the comprehensive student health insurance program. Information regarding billing and payment dates can be found through Harvard Student Accounts .

• Full-time and part-time student tuition and course credit policies

Questions regarding tuition and course credit policies can be directed to the  HGSE Office of the Registrar . 

PhD Handbook

Cost of Studyin...

Cost of Studying PhD in USA: Know PHD in USA for Indian Students Cost in 2024

The US is considered to be a top destination when it comes to studying for a PhD degree. It is home to the world's best, widely renowned universities that will k ickstart your doctorate career with endless possibilities. You can also get the benefits to do research with top university professors in your chosen field. Apart from that , some other reasons why you should consider the USA for a PhD include its innovative experiential learning, right resources and the brilliant education system.

The annual cost of PhD in USA from the top universities ranges from 28,531 USD to 57,590 USD. On average, studying a PhD in USA for Indian students is between 15 to 62 lakhs. The best time to apply for this program is August and May. This blog will help you to know more about the different colleges, PhD fees in USA, living expenses, miscellaneous costs & more.

Factors Influencing Overall Cost of Studying PhD in USA

The cost of Studying PhD in USA includes the university tuition fees and your cost of living. Once you go through the overall costs of PhD in the USA then it may seem you quite a bit because the living expenses in the USA are on the higher side and may change based on your location. Factors which influence the overall costs are categorised are:

• The tuition fees of PhD in USA
• Living costs of PhD in USA
• Pre-arrival and post-arrival cost.

But before we discuss the PhD tuition fees in USA, let's take a glance at the pre-arrival costs for PhD in the USA:

Suggested: Cost of Studying in USA

Pre Arrival Costs to Study PhD in USA

Before starting your journey to study in  USA , there are some other costs you need to add to your PhD in USA fee structure. Here we have considered a list of fees you have to pay in the pre arrival costs in the country.

Entrance Exam

Flight tickets, medical checkup, student visa fees, medical insurance.

Let's have a look at each of the cost one by one:

The English language Tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are well known entrance exams in the list of PhD fees in USA for Indian students. The IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by most colleges in the USA. Apart from the language test, international students will also have to pass the GRE or GMAT test to be considered for admission. The cost of these entrance exams are given below:

The average time required to travel from India to the US is around 15 hours and 15 minutes. Although, the flight fares from India to USA might vary based on the airline you are choosing. However, the average ticket price may vary between INR 48,999 to INR 91,999.

Most US universities require international students to submit their health policies and programmes before the date of your arrival. It is recommended that students must have their own insurance coverage at universities who are not offering any school sponsored plan. Along with PhD fees in USA for Indian students, the medical check costs range between INR 14,500 to INR 21,000.

The US Student Visa fees is also a key factor in the pre arrival cost of doing PhD in USA. These costs may vary from the type of your US student visa and the visitor type. The student visa for PhD in usa for indian students cost are given below:

Suggested: Everything About DS-160 Form for US Student Visa

Your health insurance is also a factor in determining the cost of PhD in USA for international students. The estimated cost to pay for one health insurance ranges between INR 38,000 to INR 77,0000 per year. This may depend on your level purchased, however it will increase dramatically for older students.

These are some pre arrival costs you have to pay before starting your PhD admission. Let's take a look at the post arrival costs that are required for PhD in USA for Indian students cost or fee structure:

Post Arrival Costs to Study PhD in USA

The structure of the cost of PhD in USA may contain some post arrival costs too that you have to spend after arriving in the country. Here we have given some expenses that you have to pay after arriving in the country.

Tuition Fees

Cost of living.

To study a PhD course in the USA, the tuition fees range from 28,531 USD to 57,590 USD per year. So, the tuition fees of Phd in USA for Indian structure fees ranges between INR 15 Lakhs to 62 Lakhs per year.

On the other hand, the living costs in the USA are around 1,200 USD to 2,500 USD per month. These costs may include all your extra expenses such as accommodation fees, room, board, food, travel, study materials etc.

Now that we understand about the pre arrival and post arrival costs for an international student looking to study in the USA. Let's discuss the cost of studying for a PhD in the USA:

Cost of Studying PhD in USA

The PhD tuition fees in USA is one of the critical aspects in deciding the costs of studying a PhD in the USA. The PhD course fees in the USA range between 28,531 USD to 57,590 USD based upon the type of your university and the specialisation.

To help you with the tuition fees, here we have given an overview of some of the top universities along with the PhD fees in USA for international students.

Suggested: Part-Time Jobs in USA for Indian Students

Cost of Living While Studying PhD in USA

The next element that impacts the cost of studying PhD in the USA for Indian students is their living costs. On an average, you have to spend around 10,000 to 20,000 USD per year to live in the US.

Most of the living expenses of your would be rent from the accommodation facilities, groceries, transportation, food, internet and other miscellaneous expenses etc. However, this may differ from one student to another and the lifestyle they choose.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in the USA:

Suggested: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA

So this was all about the cost of PhD in USA. If you could manage your expenses in the US, it would be easy for you to enjoy your academic and social life there. The US has always been on the top list for studying for a PhD in study abroad. Now that you have the complete information regarding the average cost of PhD in USA, it is easier for you to plan the journey. However, if you need any assistance regarding PhD in the USA, do connect with our Yocket Professionals now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cost of PhD in USA

Is GRE required for PhD in the USA?

Yes. The GRE is required to apply for admission to PhD courses in the USA. You must have at least 300 or above in order to be eligible for admission at US universities.

How much does it cost to do a PhD in the USA for Indian students?

The tuition fees for PhD in the USA are estimated between 28,000 USD to 57,000 USD per year. However, the universities might waive a significant portion of the total tuition fees for deserving students.

How many years is the PhD program in the USA?

In total, the total duration of a PhD program in the US is usually 4 to 6 years on a full-time basis. Students need to spend 1 to 4 years on the coursework stage of their program and 2 to 4 years working on the dissertation.

What do the living expenses for PhD in the USA include?

The living expenses for studying PhD in the USA include your accommodation fees, books and supplies, transportation, food, electricity, recreational expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses.

What is your monthly expenditure for the cost of PhD in the USA for Indian students?

On average, students need to spend between 950 USD to 1,750 USD per month that including everything. If you are studying for a PhD in the USA, you will end up spending around 16,500 USD (1,315,001 INR) in a year.

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Financing Your Education - Doctoral Programs

A doctoral degree is a significant investment in your future, and financing your education is a critical factor to consider. While the funding we provide covers the basic standard cost of attendance determined by Stanford University for a modest life as a graduate student, accepting an offer from a doctoral program has significant personal, professional, and financial implications. Below you’ll find information on GSE and Stanford financial support for doctoral students, as well as other important considerations when it comes to financing your PhD.

Funding guarantee

Stanford GSE offers all admitted PhD students a five-year funding package that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary which covers the standard cost of attendance. The funding is based on meeting the basic financial need of the student alone for the first five academic years of the doctoral program and entails assistantship work. The cornerstone of the GSE doctoral experience is the apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well. In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a funding package that consists of opportunities to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the coursework, students are prepared to excel as university faculty, education researchers, and leaders in the field.

All funding is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and performance on the research and teaching assistantships. There is no separate application for this funding.

Assistantships

As part of the academic and professional training and development, students undertake assistantships which provide both salary and tuition. Research assistantships are funded by faculty research grants, other faculty funds or as needed, by the GSE Dean’s Office, and can lead to joint publications with faculty or to dissertation topics. Students who have sufficient expertise and experience may also be selected as teaching assistants for courses at the GSE or other Stanford schools and departments. Assistantships are typically secured in consultation with faculty advisors. Students work 10 hours (25% assistantship) or 20 hours (50% assistantship) a week depending on their year in the program. 

• Research assistantship (RA): Various duties for research projects
• Teaching assistantships (3 types):
• Course Assistant (CA)—course preparation and grading
• Teaching Assistant (TA)—leads regularly-scheduled discussion sections
• Teaching Affiliate (TF)—full responsibility for course

Funding Details 2023-2024

Note: The above figures reflect 2023-2024 rates. Actual amounts will be adjusted to the rates for 2024-25 and future years.

Cost of attendance

Tuition depends on the units taken by the student. In addition to tuition expenses, the cost of attendance of a PhD program involves living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. The sum of tuition and non-tuition expenses constitutes the standard cost of attendance. 

As you consider applying to graduate school, you can use the standard cost of attendance of your program —plus any additional expenses you might have—to create your financial plan, keeping in mind that tuition and non-tuition expenses of the standard cost of attendance are set by the university on an annual basis.

What you can do now to prepare financially if admitted

• Prepare for how your standard of living may change as a graduate student, especially if you are coming from a full-time job.
• Consider the length of your program, any dependents, existing debt, and additional financial commitments you may have. Students with children may review Stanford support programs for families.
• If you have personal or special circumstances that require additional expenses above and beyond the standard cost of attendance, plan accordingly.
• Start saving as much as you are able to cover any unexpected expenses you may incur while in graduate school.
• Familiarize yourself with federal as well as private student loans, their interest rates, fees, repayment options, deferment policies, and eligibility requirements, so that you are informed if you need to borrow.
• Be ready to cover all initial expenses, since fellowships and stipends will not be disbursed until a few weeks into your first quarter. Onboarding into a PhD program often requires up front out of pocket expenses for relocation.

Additional GSE resources

Once PhD students matriculate, the GSE has a variety of resources available to support academic work and unanticipated needs.

Students are eligible for up to three travel fellowships during their time at GSE if they are attending a conference or other professional development opportunity.

GSE Student Emergency Fund assists graduate students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing financial hardship. This fund is meant to support those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. 

GSE Dissertation Support Grants help advanced PhD students who require additional financial support for dissertation research activities. These grants, available at up to $6,500 total per student, are available to students who do not have access to other funds to cover their dissertation costs.

Stanford University resources

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program aims to prepare the next generation of global leaders to address the increasingly complex challenges facing the world. The program selects up to 100 students each year and provides three years of financial support that is integrated into the GSE’s funding package for PhD students.

Vice Provost for Graduate Education awards various fellowships for doctoral students and maintains a list of other Stanford fellowships that students may consider.

Cardinal Care subsidy is an automatic university-wide subsidy program for graduate students. Vaden Health Center manages the university’s Cardinal Care student health insurance.

Stanford Financial Aid Office oversees a number of financial support programs specifically for graduate students with challenging financial situations. 

Additional hourly work is available to students who wish to work for pay as "casual labor" at Stanford up to eight hours a week, provided work does not adversely affect the academic program. Requires approval from the student’s advisor and the Academic Services team.

Other funding sources

External fellowships are integrated into the GSE’s funding package. There are many funding opportunities offered outside of Stanford. The GSE admissions team has compiled an external fellowships and grants document for you to explore, though you should plan to do your own research as well. International students can find additional sources of funding on the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website and this publication .

Stanford is committed to providing benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to students in degree-seeking programs. GSE students who qualify for Chapter 33 benefits at the 100% level may be eligible for additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please note that for GSE students receiving tuition fellowship funding, the Yellow Ribbon match may reduce and in some cases replace institutional grants and scholarships. For instructions, visit the page, Activate VA Education Benefits at Stanford .

International students are guaranteed the same funding package as domestic students. However, there may be restrictions regarding the number of hours and opportunities to work during the summer months. To learn more, please contact the Bechtel International Center .

To meet immigration regulations, international students must show proof of adequate financial support to cover the length of time of their graduate program. While international students are not eligible for U.S. federal loan programs, they may qualify for private/alternative loans. Many lenders, however, require that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-sign the loan. You can find information and tools to help you choose private loan programs most frequently used by Stanford students here. A comprehensive list of private loan programs is available at FinAid.org .

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Graduate Education

The real cost of grad school in the us, nearly everyone gets funding, but the financial demands of getting a phd can catch some off guard, by wynne parry, special to c&en, november 2, 2021 | a version of this story appeared in volume 99, issue 41.

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Graduate school has a reputation of being difficult, but when Nyesa Enakaya moved to Washington, DC, to start her PhD in chemistry at Howard University, she found the pressures were more than academic. Nearly all chemistry PhD programs come with a guaranteed income, but for some students, the money goes only so far.

Enakaya started in a stronger position than many. Not only was she debt-free, but she had savings, and with her parents’ help she made a down payment on a condo near her new institution. Together, her monthly mortgage and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees cost less than renting in the area. This arrangement will also make it possible for her to sell when she graduates.

Her 9-month teaching assistant’s salary of $20,000 sounded like a lot at first, even though it’s less than the average chemistry stipend of $26,000. But as her first school year began, it became clear that her monthly paychecks amounted to roughly the same amount as her mortgage, HOA fees, and utility costs. She had little to nothing left over for all the expenses that typically accompany graduate school, such as health insurance, fees charged by the school, and, of course, food, let alone anything unexpected.

“I just saw my bank account draining,” says Enakaya, now in her fifth year at Howard. “I wasn’t making enough money to support myself, and I was losing all of my savings.”

In chemistry and closely related fields, PhD students almost always receive financial support to cover the cost of their tuition and their living expenses. That’s not true of those in chemistry master’s programs or many who pursue degrees in other areas, such as the humanities and medicine, for which funding is much less consistent. Even so, PhD student stipends in chemistry are never lavish.

While many manage just fine, others quickly learn that their stipends cover much less than they expect or need. Routine costs, including taxes and health insurance, add up quickly. A high cost of living, as in a place like the District of Columbia, undergraduate debt, and unforeseen expenses can all contribute to a financial shortfall and the stress and frustration that accompany it.

However, not everyone struggles. Overall, funding appears to meet students’ needs more often than not. In an American Chemical Society survey conducted in 2019, 62% of US graduate students in the chemical sciences said their financial support was adequate, a decrease of roughly 7 percentage points from 2013.

Amrit Venkatesh says the financial package for his chemistry PhD at Iowa State University, which included a stipend that reached $26,600, seemed reasonably well matched to the cost of living in Ames, Iowa. “I would definitely not call it underpaid,” he says.

After he finished his master’s degree in his native India, Venkatesh at first didn’t seriously consider going to the US for a PhD. He wanted to take time to consider his options, and he assumed that programs in the US would be too expensive for him to afford. After deciding to pursue a PhD in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, he began looking for a strong program. In the process, he learned that the school that would become his top pick, Iowa State, offered a stipend that he believed he could live on. “I only applied after I was convinced I could make it work,” he says.

Tips from experts and grad students

Before starting a PhD program

Talk to current or recent grad students

When undergraduates give Sarah Goh, a professor of chemistry at Williams College, lists of programs that interest them, she connects them with Williams alums. “I will say, OK, so email these six people and ask them what the program is like and what their life is like.”

Learn about loans

Payments on many, but not all, student loans can be deferred while you’re in graduate school. Federally subsidized loans are the only ones that won’t accrue interest while you are in a grad program, says Ryan Stuart, a family life and finance educator at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Compared with undergrads, grad students pay higher interest rates and are more likely to encounter lifetime borrowing limits.

Ask yourself whether you can afford to live there

When you are close to selecting a program, draft a detailed budget tailored to your individual needs and the local cost of living, says Emily Roberts, owner of Personal Finance for PhDs. As part of your research, ask current students if the stipend is livable, she says.

Prepare yourself

Before you start your program, Roberts recommends paying down any credit card or other debt and establishing a cash reserve to keep you afloat, in case it takes some time to get your first paycheck. If you anticipate needing additional income and think you’ll have the time, energy, and freedom, she recommends establishing a side job before you start your program.

Talk to fellow grad students

Your colleagues are the “biggest encyclopedia for budgeting finances,” says Katie Johnson, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno. “The graduate students that have been there for 2, 3, 4 years, they already know how to do it,” she says. Not only do other students know where to find the cheapest rent and phone bill, but they also may become your roommates.

Make a spending plan (aka budget)

“There is literally no way to figure out if you can survive on any amount of income if you don’t have a plan in place,” says Stuart, who finds that people are generally more receptive to the prospect of making a “plan” versus a “budget.” He recommends using PowerPay’s free online planning tools.

Rightsize your housing

Financial experts typically recommend spending no more than 30% of your monthly income on housing. If that share creeps up much higher, “that is a big red warning flag that you need to do the best you absolutely can to downgrade your housing costs,” Roberts says. That can mean getting a roommate or moving, if feasible.

Establish an emergency fund

Whether it’s a car accident or a last-minute trip home, unexpected expenses come up. Stuart recommends that students put aside at least $400 just in case. If you can manage $1,000, all the better; if not, aim to build up to that amount. Once you have a more regular, stable income, try to set aside 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses, he says.

Start saving now

You may have a hard time imagining retirement right now, but Stuart and others recommend that you start putting something aside for it. Thanks to compounding interest, “even little amounts over longer periods of time are going to be much higher in the long run,” he says.

While US chemistry graduate students can receive funding from a number of sources, for most students, the institution where they study provides a stipend as compensation for teaching or research. To keep students focused, some institutions discourage or even forbid them from taking on outside jobs.

On average, US schools pay $26,814 for doctoral students working as research assistants and $26,082 for their counterparts working as teaching assistants, according to another ACS survey in 2019, this one of chemistry programs. These numbers, however, obscure enormous variation between both programs and students, who sometimes receive funding from additional sources, such as certain fellowships.

In spring 2014, after struggling to find accurate and up-to-date stipend information online, Emily Roberts launched the PhD Stipend Survey , which now has almost 11,000 entries. The results aren’t perfect—a few entries list unbelievably high amounts—but the survey is the closest thing to a clearinghouse for PhD stipends.

Roberts, who holds a PhD in biomedical engineering, cautions that a dollar amount on its own is meaningless. “Without putting that stipend in the context of the local cost of living, you really don’t yet have any idea of whether that stipend can pay even for basic living expenses,” says Roberts, now the owner of Personal Finance for PhDs .

To account for the cost of living, her survey uses data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator for a single person with no dependents to calculate a living-wage ratio. A ratio less than 1 raises “a red flag,” Roberts says.

Housing, in particular, can strangle students’ finances. The high cost of living near the University of California, Santa Cruz, drove graduate students at this institution to strike in December 2019. They demanded a $1,412 per month raise, an increase they calculated would allow students to spend less than 30% of their pretax income on rent, the proportion recommended by financial experts.

On July 1 of this year, Connor Brandenburg, an organic chemistry student at UC San Diego, got a raise that brought his finances nearly in line with this rule. After his department increased students’ stipends from $31,000 to $34,000 per year, his rent—$897 a month for a studio in university-run housing—accounted for about 32% of his pretax income.

But, within a year and a half, this share may grow substantially. In April 2023, he will have exhausted the 2 years of on-campus housing the university allotted him as a graduate student. Off-campus rents for a comparable studio can run up to $1,700, Brandenburg says, so he’s planning to downgrade.

“I’m 24. I don’t necessarily want to share a room with someone anymore, [but] financially, that may be my only option,” he says.

In addition to rent, graduate students face an expense familiar to undergraduates: fees, which some institutions levy separately from tuition. Like so much else, fees can vary considerably between schools.

This fall, the bill for graduate students at the Georgia Institute of Technology amounted to as much as $1,097 for 10 fees , which include money to fund student organizations, transportation services on campus, and a general-purpose “special institutional” fee.

Most of these charges are recommended by the school’s president and set by the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, which includes Georgia Tech. The largest of these fees, the special institutional fee, is an exception. The board instituted it in 2009, at first temporarily, to compensate for state budget cuts. But funding reductions remained in place and so did the fee, growing from $100 to $344 for graduate students.

While Georgia taxpayers may benefit from this shift, the accumulating fees make a difficult situation worse for Krista Bullard, a fifth-year PhD student in chemistry and biochemistry at Georgia Tech. Through a fellowship at the school’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute, Bullard earns $29,000 a year, an amount that she has found doesn’t match the cost of living in Atlanta.

“I have my parents’ car. They pay my car insurance; they pay for my phone,” she says. “I don’t think I could do it on my own.”

Like many other students, she has loans from her undergraduate degree, which add to the financial pressure. The end may be in sight, however, because she plans to graduate in May.

“I’m really pushing for that, mostly because I really can’t afford to stay any longer,” she says.

Fees typically don’t include another common cost: health insurance. Some institutions, including Georgia Tech, require students to purchase plans offered through the school or prove they have comparable coverage. But some programs provide free coverage.

Roughly a year after finishing his PhD, Venkatesh says his financial experience turned out “about the same as what I expected.” That doesn’t mean it was easy. Like many other students, he made the money work through a combination of hard work, self-discipline, and, on occasion, painful trade-offs.

After moving from India, Venkatesh faced a distinct set of financial challenges: he needed to send money back home to his family and, after he got married at the end of his first year, to support his wife, whose visa restrictions severely limited her options for earning income in the US. Tight finances, as well as the demanding work culture of American academia, contributed to the most difficult part of his entire PhD experience: traveling home only twice.

Together, he and his wife carefully managed their money, and Venkatesh figured out a way to supplement his stipend. While at Iowa State, he earned a series of academic honors—fellowships, scholarships, and a prize for research publications—that brought in between $1,000 and $10,000 after each year of his program.

“I have seen graduate students who manage the stipend significantly better than even I did,” he says. “But there were also students who might say the exact opposite, who were really struggling from month to month.”

In contrast, Enakaya’s expectations of living on her stipend evaporated after she started her program at Howard. At first she made do by using her savings and credit cards. She also found work tutoring and teaching, as well as paid summer internships, and her adviser provides her with some additional funding for her research. Her success lining up outside income, however, has come at a cost.

Over the most recent summer, for example, she interned at Brookhaven National Laboratory while teaching biochemistry and a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) prep course virtually. For 12 weeks, this arrangement kept her away from her research lab at Howard, where she had originally intended to focus her time and energy.

“Going into Howard, I truly didn’t believe that I would have to be taking internships, that I would have to be getting extra jobs,” she says.

The financial prospects for future Howard students may improve, at least to a degree. By 2023, the university plans to increase the 9-month teaching assistant stipend in chemistry and other departments by 20%, to $24,000, according to Dana Williams, dean of Howard’s Graduate School. This decision was based on the cost of living in the DC area, she says in an email.

Others besides teaching assistants may benefit too. Although funded by faculty members’ grants, research assistant stipends match those of teaching assistants and will likely increase too, according to Hua Zhao, the chair of Howard’s Chemistry Department.

The raise would bring Howard’s stipend more in line, although not quite on par, with funding offered to PhD students in chemistry at other DC institutions. Georgetown University and George Washington University both offer full-year support, versus Howard’s 9 months, of more than $35,000.

Looking back, Enakaya says that even if she had fully understood the financial picture, and the prospect of a larger stipend elsewhere, she would not have reconsidered her decision to go to Howard.

“I wanted to go to an HBCU [historically Black college or university]. I want to be surrounded by people that I know support and love me and really want to help me grow not just as a chemist, but as a Black chemist,” she says. “I want to learn from the faculty here, because they’ve had similar stories and similar experiences as me.”

When told her scramble to make the money work sounded stressful, Enakaya says: “Graduate school is stressful. We make it work. We definitely make it work.”

Wynne Parry is a freelance writer based in the greater Philadelphia area. This article is copublished in inChemistry magazine in partnership with ACS Education.

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• Tuition, Funding, & Living Costs
• PhD/Master's Application Process

All PhD students at Yale are fully funded. On average, doctoral students at Yale receive more than $500,000 in tuition fellowships, stipends, and health care benefits over the course of their enrollment. Some terminal Master's degree students also receive funding.

Tuition for full-time study at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the academic year 2024-2025 is $49,500.

More information on Tuition & Fees is available in our Programs & Policies handbook. Please note that we do not charge many of the fees common to other schools (e.g., technology fee, library fee, gym fee, student activities fee).

See Student Accounts for billing and payment inquiries.

For PhD Degree Applicants

All PhD students at Yale receive the following financial award, typically for a minimum of five years:

• a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition ($49,500 for 2024-2025)
• a 12-month stipend (minimum of $49,538 for 2024-2025)
• comprehensive health insurance, including hospitalization coverage and specialty care for students, their legal spouse, and their children
• a family support subsidy for graduate students with children under the age of 18

Additionally, a Dean's Emergency Fund is available to help students with eligible, unanticipated emergency expenses. In some cases, the Continuing Registration Fee for advanced PhD students is also covered by the Graduate School.

Most PhD students complete their degrees without incurring debt.

For Master's Degree Applicants

Most students pursuing Master's degrees do not receive financial support from the Graduate School and are responsible for paying tuition, but some programs offer limited funding. Please check with the program that interests you for more information.

All Master's students registered at least half time receive Student Basic Coverage at Yale Health. You are also eligible to purchase Hospitalization and Specialty Care coverage at a group rate through the university.

Other Sources of Funding

Many of our students win external fellowships and grants. See our External Fellowships & Awards page for more information on how an external award will affect your Yale funding.

Some students choose to take loans, participate in work-study programs, or engage in part-time employment to supplement their funding while in Graduate School. More information is available on Other Means of Financing Graduate Education .

Living Cost Estimates

To ensure that our financial aid package provides enough support to enable you to live in New Haven and study full time, we developed a cost-of-living guide (see below). The Office of Financial Aid also uses these calculations to determine financial need as required by certain funding sources and for immigration processes.

Estimated average living expenses include housing and food, transportation, personal and academic expenses (excluding tuition), and hospitalization coverage and specialty care. Expenses for doctoral students may actually be less than the estimate below, since PhD financial packages cover the full cost of single-student hospitalization and specialty care coverage in the Yale Health Plan, as well as half the cost of two-person coverage (for spouses and partners), and the full cost to cover children.

2023-2024 Academic Year Living Cost Estimate:

9-MONTH LIVING COST (Master's Students):

• Single Student: $29,778

12-MONTH LIVING COST (PhD Students):

• Single Student: $38,260  

Graduate Financial Aid

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How much does a phd cost, published by steve tippins on february 1, 2019 february 1, 2019.

Last Updated on: 6th June 2024, 01:36 am

Many people have dreams of getting a PhD and returning to the classroom to guide young students. Others want to complete a doctorate to embark on a career of cutting-edge research.

These are admirable reasons to embark on the road towards getting a PhD. However, it’s important to consider the cost of a PhD before embarking on this journey. How much does a PhD cost? And more importantly, is it worth the price?

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Average Cost of a PhD

The average time it takes to complete a PhD is just over 8 years. That’s right, 8 years. The average cost of a PhD program is $30,000 per year, which comes to a grand total of $240,000 over the course of eight years. Almost a quarter of a million dollars.

Of course, this is just the average cost of a PhD–chances are your specific program will cost either more or less, and you might not take as long to finish. Then again, you might take longer. So, these are just estimates. You may be able to come up with a more accurate estimate by looking at your specific program and field. But no matter the details, it is vital to consider how much money you’ll actually be spending and whether it’s worth the investment.

However, when considering the cost of a PhD, tuition is just the beginning. If you only look at the price tag without considering the hidden costs, you may be in for a rough few years. In order to fully answer the question, “How much does a PhD cost,” we have to look at some other factors as well.

The Hidden Cost of a PhD

There are more costs than just dollars and cents when pursuing anything, and a PhD is no exception. Here are some of the hidden costs to be aware of when considering the cost of a PhD.

Eight years is a long time. Even three years is a substantial time investment. Getting a doctoral degree means that you will be investing a great deal of time into this quest. Before you begin, remember that you can only be in one place at a time so you will inevitably miss out on other opportunities. What do you spend your time on now? Consider whether you’re willing to give that up for the most part for a few years.

Lost/Delayed Opportunities

If you go to graduate school full-time you most likely will not be able to hold down a full-time job. That means that your career will be put on hold. If you go to graduate school part-time you can still keep your job but the demands of graduate school may mean that you might miss potential promotions.

Missed time with family and friends

The demands of a graduate program are substantial. There are classes and then there is homework. It is not like in undergraduate school where you might have been able to dash off a homework assignment 15 minutes before class. In graduate school you are expected to provide thoughtful and considered submissions. This can take a great deal of time.

This time commitment may mean missing events with your family and friends . I have seen many cases where a graduate student attends a soccer game or dance recital with her/his laptop and works on an assignment through the entire event. They are there, but are they really present? Make sure that your family is on board with you getting your degree. Their support can be invaluable, but their lack of support could mean having to pay back debt for a degree you never finished, or worse yet, resentment from those you love the most.

Income you could have had

If you do give up a career, you will lose that income. If you maintain your career, you may miss out on promotions and larger raises. This means lower income while in school. Recognize that there is no guarantee you will make this income back once you finish your degree. Depending on your field of study, you may actually make less money as a professor than you could at a professional job outside academia.

Foregone future benefits

You may have a number of benefits at work. For example, a 401(k) with employer matching. If you are not working, you will lose both your contribution and any employer matches. If your income is diminished, your 401(k) contributions may be lower. This will not impact your current income but it may reduce your retirement income.

The cost of not finishing

While your intention will obviously be to complete the program and get hooded at the end of the journey, the reality for 50% of those beginning a doctorate don’t finish . If you end up among them, will you regret beginning the program? How will you repay the student loans?

Is It Worth It to Get a PhD? Benefits of a Doctorate Program

With all of those costs, there must be some reasons people go through the mental and financial hardship of getting a PhD. And of course there are. Here are a few.

Positive income

On the bright side, at many schools PhD students go to school tuition free (at this point, tuition waivers are not considered income for tax purposes) and get small stipends to teach and help do research. This benefit can offset many of the costs, but you will find that these stipends do not allow for a lavish lifestyle. Many people in this position take out loans to cover living expenses.

Non-monetary benefits

If your ultimate career includes a full-time faculty job, then one of the benefits is a flexible schedule. Rarely do teaching faculty have to comply to a strict 9 to 5 schedule. Additionally, they get time off when students get time off. A flexible schedule can allow you to be more present in other areas of life, such as with your family. As a professor, I took the summers to spend time with family and explore the world. We bicycled through Northern France one summer and traveled to the Galapagos Islands another. These are experiences that I’ll always cherish.

There are also non-monetary benefits relating to creating a life of meaning. If you feel a sense of purpose in your job, you’ll have a happier daily existence than if you toil away at something that feels pointless. Since people with more education often get more control over their careers, the doctorate may enable more opportunities to find or create meaningful work.

Your getting a PhD might also be meaningful to those who know and love you. Will it serve your family or community to get a doctorate? How might your personal sacrifices be worth the effort, once you have achieved this goal on behalf of those you care about?

How Much Does a PhD Cost? Final Thoughts

The dream of getting a PhD drives many to enroll before considering all of the costs. I urge you to consider all possible costs and benefits when considering a PhD program. If you decide to enroll in a PhD program, consider options that can help you finish your degree faster, saving you money in the long run.

Asking the question, “How much does a PhD Cost” should always be followed by a second question: “Why do I want to get a PhD?” It’s important to consider the amount of money you’d be spending and consider whether it’s worth the investment. What else could you do with a quarter million dollars? Start a business? Buy a home? Feed the hungry?

Your reasons for getting a PhD are where you’ll find the answer to whether it’s worth the cost. If you’re confident your research could contribute to advances in developing a cure for cancer and you want to contribute what you can no matter the cost, it may be worth spending the money to get a PhD. If you’re deeply passionate about a certain subject and feel it’s your life purpose to ignite the same passion in young minds, getting a PhD may be the perfect choice for you.

But if you’re doing it to get a promotion or a better job, you might be better off looking into other options. In these cases, a PhD may not be worth the cost.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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Cooperative and Practice-School Programs

Summer tuition subsidy, mit sloan school of management tuition, other programs with non-standard tuition, special student tuition.

Visiting Student Fees

The table below reflects standard graduate tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year (which are reviewed and likely to increase next year). Graduate programs in the MIT Sloan School of Management have their own tuition rates . Certain other graduate programs, such as the Real Estate Development master's program and the master's programs in Supply Chain Management, also employ “non-standard” tuition .  Special students and  visiting students  should refer to the tuition and fee information specific to them.

If the student was registered for thesis as a resident student in the immediately preceding term, regular or summer, tuition for thesis will be adjusted after acceptance by the department of the completed document on the basis of a charge of $2,485 per week from the starting date of the term, with a minimum of $2,485 for the master's or engineer's degree and $4,965 for the doctoral degree. If the immediately preceding term was the summer term and if the graduate student was not registered for thesis in that summer term, but was registered for thesis in residence in the previous second term, the minimum tuition for thesis is $14,940.

Key points:

• Tuition for thesis students is based on registration and residency status. The Registrar’s Office provides further tuition information by academic year .
• Resident graduate students making progress toward a degree are expected to register as and are considered full-time students. Tuition is prorated if a student withdraws early.
• A student who continues to hold a fellowship, traineeship, or graduate staff appointment for the remainder of the term after delivery of the thesis is still considered a full-time student and tuition will not be adjusted. In unusual circumstances, the Office of Graduate Education may set special tuition rates for graduate students.
• Students in approved programs registering for thesis work or other approved research subjects in the summer are eligible for a  summer tuition subsidy .
• Students who are permitted to undertake nonresident thesis research must register as nonresident doctoral candidates. Following completion of the nonresident period, the student must return to resident status for completion and presentation of the doctoral thesis. If the student requires only part of this first term back in residence to complete the thesis, the tuition will be adjusted subject to a minimum of $14,940. Consult Graduate Policies and Procedures for additional information on nonresident status . The minimum term tuition charge for registration for doctoral thesis upon readmission as a resident student is $44,815 if not registered during the preceding regular term.

The tuition for all regular graduate students, including fellows, trainees, and academic staff in the 2023 summer session was $20,640.

• A number of miscellaneous fees may apply each term, unrelated to tuition.

For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please  visit the SFS website .

Cooperative and practice-school programs offered by MIT provide industrial and research experience through a series of work assignments interwoven with regular study at the Institute. The tuition fees for these programs are the same as those for regular graduate students.

Cooperative and practice-school program tuition, per term, fall and spring, 2023–2024

Graduate students who are enrolled in a research degree program and who are not taking subjects are eligible to have their summer tuition subsidized from Institute general funds. The subsidy applies to new or continuing graduate students in normal resident status during the preceding spring term, and who are only registered for thesis or pre-thesis research credit during the summer session.

• Graduate students who register for other summer subjects will be charged tuition on a per unit basis up to the maximum tuition. This tuition may not be charged to research grants.
• Students registering for summer internship subjects are not eligible and will be charged the per unit rate, up to a maximum of four units.

Full details on the Summer Tuition Subsidy [PDF] are available online. Email the Registrar’s Office with questions about the subjects that currently qualify as thesis or pre-thesis in each department.

Graduate students who are enrolled in a research program, and who are not taking courses, will have their summer tuition subsidized (that is, paid from other Institute resources).

MIT Sloan master's programs, annual tuition rate (unless otherwise noted), 2023–2024

Certain other graduate programs have non-standard tuition rates.

Tuition for non-standard programs, 2023–2024

Special students are non-degree students who are taking classes at MIT for personal or professional reasons.

• Graduate special students, including Sloan students, should contact the Advanced Study Program for information about admission and tuition rates.
• There are additional miscellaneous fees associated with registering at MIT.

  Visiting Student Fees

Students who are pursuing a degree at an institution of higher education other than MIT and have been invited by faculty in an MIT department, laboratory, or center to do research here may apply for visiting student status. Current regular or special MIT students, or MIT students who have withdrawn or are on a leave of absence, are not eligible.

Visiting students are subject to a monthly fee that includes registration, MIT's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) , and student life fees. The fee entitles visiting students to conduct research, use our fitness facilities, participate in student life programming, and have access to care at MIT Health. Full monthly fees are charged regardless of whether the student starts on the first or the 15th of the month. The total fee for the duration of their stay must be paid in full and in advance. Additional costs will be applied for those who wish to enroll family members in SHIP.

Visiting student fees, 2023–2024

  Withdrawal

A student withdrawing before the start of a term is not charged any tuition for that term and any tuition payments previously made for that term will be refunded. Students withdrawing during the fall or spring term are charged one-twelfth of the stated tuition for the term for each week from the starting date of the term, with a minimum two-week charge. A student must pay full tuition and fees at the beginning of the term. Any subsequent reduction in fees is based on the date that cancellation of a subject or withdrawal from the Institute is effected. At that time, any excess payments which the student has made will be refunded.

All students pay a student life fee each term. Late registration or applications may result in additional fees. See the Academic Calendar for relevant dates and deadlines.

Miscellaneous student fees*, 2023–2024

Processing Charges for Late Changes in Registration

A late change in registration , which requires a petition to the Office of Graduate Education, is defined as adding a subject after the fifth week or dropping a subject during the last three weeks of a term. The processing charge for late changes is $50. There is an additional charge of $50 for a retroactive change after the end of the term.

Payment of tuition entitles all regular and special students to receive many health care services at MIT Health at no charge. The MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers hospitalization due to accidents or illness, along with other services and prescription medications, and meets the state’s requirement for comprehensive health insurance.

Enrollment in MIT SHIP is automatic for full-time students, unless they can demonstrate that they have comparable coverage through another insurance program, in which case they may submit an online request to waive coverage . Complete details on MIT SHIP are available on the MIT Medical website.

MIT Student Health Insurance Plan, cost per year for single student, 2023–2024

Updated rates for the MIT Student Insurance Plan can be found on the MIT Health website. Students can also purchase MIT SHIP coverage for family members, including partners and dependents. Refer to the Medical Requirements section for additional details or read more about the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan .

Graduate Payment of Tuition and Other Charges

An individual who registers as a student at MIT agrees to pay all charges on their account when due, and acknowledges that the Institute may charge a hold fee, suspend registration, revoke Institute services, and withhold the degree if these charges are not paid.

Student Financial Services (SFS)  gathers, bills, and collects student charges and provides a student account statement of all activity. These charges originate in the offices from which the student receives Institute services. SFS bills by posting a monthly billing statement on MITPay —MIT's secure, online billing and payment system. The statement is posted on the 10th of the month and SFS sends students a monthly email reminder to check the statement and pay any balance due. The statement includes charges (e.g., tuition, fees, housing, and library fees), payments (financial aid, tuition awards), additional amounts due, and payment deadlines.

Payment in full or a satisfactory arrangement for payment is due by August 1 for the fall term and by January 1 for the spring term. New charges that occur after the initial statement will appear on a subsequent statement. If a student anticipates that they may not be able to pay the entire amount due by the term bill due date, they should consider the MIT Monthly Payment Plan.

The MIT Monthly Payment Plan allows students to pay their balance in monthly installments interest-free. The terms and conditions of the monthly payment plan are available on the SFS website. Enrollment can be accessed through MITPay.

SFS also offers information on  federal student loan programs  as additional options for eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

A student who does not pay the balance due or make satisfactory arrangements for doing so will have a registration or degree hold placed, as well as being charged a hold fee of $100. The balance due, including the hold fee, must be paid in full before the hold can be released.

Notifications to Graduate Students with Unpaid Balances

In the fifth week of the term, SFS will reach out to graduate students who have an unpaid balance on their student account and who have not made satisfactory arrangements for payment of the balance. These students will be notified of MIT’s financial hold policy through the billing system as well as by email. SFS will send out a second reminder email and billing notification after the 11th week of the term, again notifying students of MIT’s financial hold policy.

Policy on Graduate Student Financial Holds and Other Actions

Graduate students who have not paid their prior term balances or made satisfactory arrangements to resolve their financial situation will not be allowed to register for subsequent terms, will not receive credit retroactively, will be charged a $100 hold fee, and may be restricted from Institute services. The student account must be paid in full before a degree can be awarded.

Student accounts unpaid after the student has left MIT for any reason may be reported to credit bureau agencies and/or sent to an outside collection agency and assessed additional fees on the outstanding balance. Please visit the  SFS website  for more information and to review the  Student Financial Responsibility Statement .

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• Cost of Attendance

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Master’s and PhD Students

Special students, visiting fellows, health fees.

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Family Expenses

In addition to tuition and fees, Harvard Griffin GSAS students should budget for living expenses and other costs associated with their academic program. This page outlines what you need to know about tuition, health fees, and more.

Harvard Griffin GSAS students are required to register continuously from the time they enter the Graduate School until they receive their degree or, in the case of special students and visiting fellows, until they complete their program. Harvard Griffin GSAS charges tuition or enrollment fees based on student status. 

Master’s students are charged full tuition; some programs have different cost structures. Students in some master's programs may receive grants and fellowships that cover this cost. 

PhD students are charged tuition based on a tiered tuition structure that reduces over time as they progress through their degree program. Because circumstances vary from student to student, the chart below is only a guide to potential tuition charges. PhD students may receive grants to cover the cost of tuition and fees as noted in their individualized Notice of Financial Support received upon admission. 

Students are required to register continuously from the time they enter a degree program until they receive their degree. 

Master’s and PhD Student Tuition Fee 2024–2025

Note: Subject to annual increases

SEAS Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and Data Science Master’s Programs

The  SEAS Computational Science and Engineering  (CSE) and Data Science master’s programs have different tuition structures than other degree programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences:

It is not uncommon for students in the above SEAS Master's programs to elect to be less than full-time status for part of their program length. In these cases, the tuition charged would be at the following per course rates. 

NOTE: In order to be eligible to receive financial aid in the form of loans, students must not fall below half-time status, which requires a minimum of 2 course per term. 

Special students  engage in coursework or a combination of coursework and research for academic credit for one term or one year only. While not candidates for any degree, special students are admitted to Harvard Griffin GSAS and access student privileges, which include a Harvard transcript with coursework and grades listed. Full tuition and student health fees are charged; Harvard Griffin GSAS does not offer financial aid, work-study opportunities, or student loans to special students. Audited courses and supervised independent research projects are charged the same tuition as courses for credit.

Payment of tuition and fees is due prior to registration.

Special Student Tuition Fee 2024–2025, Per Term Costs 

Scholars intending to conduct independent research, who hold a doctorate, have equivalent professional experience, or are advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework may register at Harvard Griffin GSAS as a visiting fellow . Visiting fellows are considered full-time research students, with access to Harvard University’s libraries and facilities, and may apply for membership in the Harvard Faculty Club. Visiting fellows are charged reduced tuition and student health fees . Harvard Griffin GSAS does not offer financial aid, work-study opportunities, or student loans to visiting fellows. Tuition cannot be waived or prorated and is non-refundable.

Visiting Fellow Tuition Fee 2024–2025

Students enrolled in a comparable health insurance plan may be eligible to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. Waivers of the Student Health Fee may be accepted in very limited cases. Please visit the Harvard University Student Health Program website for more detailed information.

Required Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) Fees

Graduate Student Council Fee 

All enrolled Harvard Griffin GSAS students are required to pay an annual fee of $35 to support programs and initiatives run by the Graduate Student Council. Students who are on leave during either the fall or spring semester, pay 50% of the fee (or $17.50). This reduced fee will be charged during the semester they are enrolled. 

Other Costs

Harvard Griffin GSAS students will incur additional costs for housing and food, books and supplies, and other necessities. 

Estimated 2024-2025 Living Expenses by Budget Category

Total Estimated 2024-2025 Living Expense by Housing Type 

The chart below takes the information above in the Estimated Living Expenses by Budget Category chart and provides a sum for each housing option. 

This estimated budget does not include the costs of fees for required tests, application fees, or such initial expenses as home furnishings. Your individual expenses may vary from these figures. 

Many graduate students are accompanied by their spouses, domestic partners, and children. Harvard Griffin GSAS maintains policies and provides access to resources that help balance family needs with the demands of graduate study. You can find a list of  family resources on the Harvard Griffin GSAS website (please note some resources are specific to PhD students).

If you plan to bring your family, it is important to understand how additional family expenses will impact your budget and expected resources. Most financial aid sources, including loans, have limitations on whether family expenses can be included when determining eligibility.

You must plan ahead to ensure that you have sufficient resources to cover these costs. The chart below provides an estimate of how much you will need to support a spouse and/or dependent(s). Keep in mind this is a general budget and your personal expenses may be higher or lower, but it is a great place to start when developing your own budget.

Estimated 2024-2025 Living Expenses Budget for Families

Financial Aid

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University announces tuition rate for 2024-25

Article by UDaily Staff Photo by Kathy Atkinson June 24, 2024

Ranked as one of the nation’s top universities and best values, UD sets tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year

In order to continue its delivery of a high-quality academic and campus experience for its students while managing costs and rising inflation, the University of Delaware has announced a 4% tuition increase in its undergraduate and graduate programs for the upcoming academic year.

In the 2024-25 academic year:

• Undergraduate tuition will increase by $560 for Delawareans (to $14,600) and by $1,510 for non-Delaware residents (to $39,190).
• The graduate base tuition rate will increase to $1,069 per credit hour.
• The Student Comprehensive Fee will increase to $624 per semester.
• The Student Center Fee will increase by only $5 to $124 per semester.
• The Student Wellbeing Fee will increase by only $5 to $357 per semester.

The University of Delaware continues to experience upward momentum in national ranking and recognition while also delivering exceptional academic and financial support for its students.

Increased financial assistance

The University of Delaware ranks among the country’s best value propositions , according to U.S. News & World Report , the Wall Street Journal , and The Princeton Review . In addition, UD scored 4½ stars out of a possible five in Money magazine’s 2024-2025 rating of America’s best colleges. The University is recognized by Money as a public college providing an excellent value for in-state students , as well as among the Best Colleges in the Northeast .

In its commitment to offer an accessible and affordable education, UD makes substantial investments each year to provide students with competitive financial aid packages. Total undergraduate financial aid from UD has increased 68% since fiscal year 2018. Also, Delawareans pay 33% lower tuition thanks to the state of Delaware’s annual operating appropriation and additional support from UD. 

What’s more, UD’s First State Promise aims to cover total tuition costs for Delaware-resident undergraduate students with family incomes of $75,000 or less. For the lowest-income students, the University also provides support for room, board and fees, while those above $75,000 may be eligible for partial aid. 

During the 2023-24 academic year, First State Promise benefited about 2,300 Delawareans enrolled at UD—roughly a third of UD’s 6,800 in-state students. Of those students who received First State Promise funds, about two-thirds were also eligible for federal Pell grants, further assisting those with extreme financial need.

Student success

Interest in a UD education remains at an all-time high. For the seventh consecutive year, the University received a record number of first-year undergraduate student applications. Nearly 40,000 prospective undergraduate students (an increase of 50% since fall 2016) applied to UD for roughly 4,300 spots in fall 2024.

UD also maintains:

A 90% retention rate among first-year students who remain at UD into their second year.

A 73% four-year graduation rate, according to the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS 2022-23 graduation rates survey — which is the sixth-best in the nation among large, primarily residential four-year public universities. 

A 94% employment or continuing-education rate among students within six months of their graduation from UD.

National and global renown

Regarded for the high quality of its academic programs, the University of Delaware is ranked No. 76 by U.S. News & World Report among all universities and No. 36 among public universities. U.S. News placed six of UD’s undergraduate programs among the top 100 nationally in their fields, including a No. 5 ranking for chemical engineering . U.S. News placed nine of UD’s graduate programs among the top 100 nationally in their fields, including a No. 2 ranking for physical therapy . The Princeton Review placed the University’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program among the top 50 in the nation and among the best in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Additional information

For details on approved undergraduate and graduate tuition rates, room and board and student fees, visit the Student Financial Services site at www.udel.edu/rates . Undergraduate students will receive notification in the coming weeks when their official billing and financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year is made available.

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Utah’s middle class is ‘fairly stable.’ Here’s why it might not feel that way.

The state has a larger middle class proportionally than most other states, but housing costs are a big reason why people might not feel like they meet the label, a panel said..

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Ballpark neighborhood in Salt Lake City, photographed on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, is one area of Salt Lake City that a report said has been hit particularly hard by gentrification. Family households have four jobs, on average, and the neighborhood has one of the lowest percentages of internet connectivity in the area.

This story is part of The Salt Lake Tribune’s ongoing commitment to identify solutions to Utah’s biggest challenges through the work of the Innovation Lab. [ Subscribe to our newsletter here ]

Utah has a larger middle class proportionally than most of the rest of the country, and that share has increased slightly in recent decades.

The Beehive State has a diverse middle class — including about half of the state’s population that identifies as Hispanic or Latino and more than 40% of every race group — that makes up about half of the state’s population, according to a fact sheet from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean people who make enough to qualify as part of the middle class feel the security traditionally linked with the label, panelists said Wednesday morning.

Housing is the biggest reason for that, said Bill Crim, president and CEO of the United Way of Salt Lake.

“Young people who grew up solidly middle class and maybe even have gone onto post-secondary education feel like and maybe legitimately don’t have much of a chance to buy a home and start to do the thing that provides an aspect of middle-class ability, which is asset accumulation,” Crim said during the panel discussion at the Gardner Institute in Salt Lake City.

The event focused on the middle class in Utah and was co-sponsored by The Salt Lake Tribune and Gardner, as part of their quarterly “Storytelling Through Data” conversation series.

Utah’s middle class has been “fairly stable,” said Levi Pace, a senior economist at the institute.

However, housing affordability could be a long-term “ticking time bomb” threatening that stability, Crim said.

Households throughout the community are overburdened by housing costs, said Christine Richman, the principal at GSBS Consulting , a firm working with the city to reenvision Smith’s Ballpark .

Those costs puts their housing and stability at risk if there is an unexpected health emergency, car repair or other major cost, she said.

If the state wants to continue having a strong middle class, panelists said, Utah policymakers need to work to build broad resiliency, give people opportunities to get people into post-secondary education and pull together to work to solve the state’s housing crisis.

Utah’s middle-class population higher than country

Economists at Gardner blended two income-based approaches — a percentage of median household income and percentiles related to the federal poverty level — to define what incomes fall into the middle class.

Based on that, the institute defines middle class as a person making between $24,500 and $64,600, or a family of four with a household income between $70,700 and $166,400.

About half of Utahns — 1.6 million people — were in the middle class by that definition in 2022, according to the institute’s report. That was up from 1.3 million people in 2020.

But the proportion of Utahns making middle income is down from the start of the new millennium.

More than 51% of Utahns were middle class in 1980, and more than half made a middle income in 1990 and 2000. That dipped to 48.2% in 2010 and has been slowly increasing — to 48.9% in 2020 and 49.1% in 2022.

Utah’s rate of middle-class residents, while lower than in past decades, is still higher than the national rate of 45% and is among the top states, based on Gardner’s analysis.

A Business Insider study that used a different method to define “middle class” found 58.3% of Utah households were in the middle class. That was second in the country and only slightly behind South Dakota, with 58.7% of households.

Who is middle class in Utah?

The state’s middle-class population is diverse.

More than 40% of Utahns in each race group fall into the middle class, and half of Utahns who identify as Hispanic or Latino are in the middle-income group, according to the Gardner Institute analysis.

The fact sheet notes that while Utahns identifying as Hispanic or Latino have the highest portion of middle-class people, they also are overrepresented in the state’s lower class, along with Black and Native American residents.

Meanwhile, Utahns identifying as Asian and white with no Hispanic or Latino heritage have the highest shares in the upper-income category.

Housing costs and education

Though Utah’s diverse middle class is holding steady, some things could threaten that. Rising housing costs, for one.

A recent analysis by The Tribune of U.S. Census Bureau and real-estate industry data found that the average renter can only truly afford to buy a home in Beaver County. Even the highest middle-class salary for an individual — $64,600 — would only allow someone to buy a home in Emery and Beaver counties.

Richman said renters also are typically cost-burdened — meaning more than 30% of their income goes to housing.

That means parents working more jobs, she said, and kids who grow up less connected to their family.

“It seems to snowball from there, in terms of school performance,” Richman said.

As GSBS Consulting talks with people in the Ballpark neighborhood, Richman said, they hear again and again that people want their core needs for a happy life met:

Enough pay to cover basic expenses.

Time to spend with family and neighbors.

Opportunities to build relationships.

Health and the chance to get out into nature .

Respect within their community.

There are simple ways to solve some of those, she said, like creating green space where there aren’t parks and improving walkability in neighborhoods with connectivity issues.

Others — like “investing in opportunities for households to work at living-wage jobs” — will take more work.

A need for action over talk

Utah also needs to act like — not just say — it’s in a housing crisis and pull together to work on the problem, Richman and Crim said.

Everyone talks about the need for attainable housing, Richman said, but people end up pointing fingers at developers for making too much money, cities for not changing zoning or the Legislature for not passing housing policies.

Crim added that part of the problem is the Legislature “overwhelmingly” hears from people who are the most secure in their housing situation. They want the problem solved, he said, but they don’t want multi-family housing in their backyard .

Beyond coming together to solve the housing crisis, Utah policymakers also need to support teachers and schools to do their best work, Crim said.

That means not waiting for “data at the end of the year to tell us we didn’t make much progress,” he said, but instead monitoring the numbers monthly.

It also means setting children’s aspirations high early, he said.

The United Way of Salt Lake works to set a four-year degree as the goal for children in elementary school, Crim said, then start to individualize goals for students who might be better off getting a certificate or a two-year degree.

That’s key because Utahns with four-year degrees generally make more than their peers who didn’t graduate from college.

Crim said the state also needs to work to build broader resiliency, especially around health care.

Health care costs can hurt everyone, he said, and even people with coverage can go into debt and a downward spiral if they can’t afford their co-pay or deductible.

Richman suggested looking at how households survived the pandemic to see what things the state can do to help Utahns weather other issues.

Megan Banta is The Salt Lake Tribune’s data enterprise reporter, a philanthropically supported position . The Tribune retains control over all editorial decisions.

Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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