how much money does a phd cost

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

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:38 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?

Benefits of a PhD

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 youwant 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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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

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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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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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• 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 2023-2024 is $48,300.

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 ($48,300 for 2023-2024)
• a 12-month stipend (minimum of $40,530 for 2023-2024)
• 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  

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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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PhD Program Costs

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Costs listed below reflect the 2023-2024 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 2023-24, the University minimum stipend is $38,000; 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. 

Living Expenses

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How much does a ph.d. cost.

Regardless of your career field, you have an opportunity to excel in your area through a doctorate-level program . It is your path if you are interested in carrying out life-changing research or teaching . A doctoral degree also adds value to your CV and opens up many high-paying job positions.

However, it’ll take a while before you get to that high-paying and respectable position. It is a long-term commitment that pays little in the process and requires determination to continue research no matter what. Ph.D. programs are expensive, and while most of them are funded by means other than your own pocket, the latter option is also possible. Therefore, you have to clearly understand that you are positive about spending the next 4–8 years living on a salary that is hardly on par with the average living wage.

How Much Does Education before Ph.D. Cost?

Fully-funded ph.d. programs, ph.d. funding options, ph.d. and future career, salaries for doctoral graduates, the final thoughts.

Before we get to a Ph.D. cost and its funding options in detail, we have to note that a Ph.D. or a professional doctoral degree isn’t something you can apply for and get just because you want to. You can’t enter grad school before you’ve completed earlier stages of your education (which are not free of charge in the US as well). Before you get to a Ph.D., you have to complete at least one of the two first stages—a bachelor’s degree or/and a master’s degree.

Undergraduate Studies

University level first stage : Associate Degree (Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS)), Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)), Advanced Certificate, First Professional Degree

Graduate Studies

University level second stage : Master’s Degree (Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.), Master’s Degree in Accounting (MAcc), Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH), Master’s Degree in Engineering (M.Eng.)), Post-Master’s Degree/Certificate, Diploma/Certificate, Degree of Education Specialist

University level third stage : Research Doctorate (Ph.D.) , Professional doctoral degrees

Source: k12academics

Average Cost of an Associate Degree

Associate of arts (aa), associate of science (as), associate of applied science (aas), associate of nursing (an)/associate degree nurse/nursing (adn), associate of engineering (ae/aeng), etc..

In 2020-2021, the average cost of an associate degree ranged around $11,557 per year from a public institution and $25,667 per year from a private institution, according to NCES .

An associate degree is a 2-year undergraduate academic program that covers the fundamental knowledge of a subject and allows getting a profession twice as fast and at a lower cost than a 4-year college.

Average Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor of arts (ba), bachelor of science (bs), bachelor of applied arts (baa), bachelor of fine arts (bfa), bachelor of technology (b.tech.),  bachelor of engineering (be/beng), etc..

In 2020-2021, the average cost of a bachelor’s degree ranged around $21,337 per year from a public institution and $46,313 per year from a private institution, according to NCES .

The bachelor’s degree is a four-year academic program where students learn about a broad range of subjects and choose their major. It may or may not be preceded by an associate degree.

Average Cost of a Master’s Degree

Master’s degree in business administration (mba), master’s degree in education (m.ed.), master’s degree in accounting (macc), master’s degree in public health (mph), master’s degree in engineering (m.eng.), etc..

The cost of a master’s degree ranges broadly from $30,000 to $120,000 on average, depending on the program, field, school, additional fees, and other factors. STEM programs are more expensive than programs in education, for instance.

A master’s degree gives an opportunity to get deeper into a specific field of expertise. Master’s degree programs require a prior bachelor’s degree (either from the same school or at least in the same subject field) and a follow-up thesis or internship to graduate. 

The cost of a Ph.D. in the US ranges from $28,000 to $40,000 per year

With this being said, we should explain that when it comes to Ph.D. costs and funding, you can have a range of options from full funding plus a stipend to no funding and no stipend

Depending on the school, the type of research, and field of study, the department resources as well as some other things, the amount of the tuition waiver, the stipend, and any other allowances will vary greatly.

Some Ph.D.s are funded as a combination of teaching assistantships and research assistantships, which means that some of the funding comes from the university department, and some come from the individual faculty member grant funding. In this case, a Ph.D. student doesn’t pay anything and usually gets a stipend (=salary). 

Other universities offer doctorate-level degree programs that are either not funded at all or not fully funded. In this case, to pay for a Ph.D., a student has to take loans or work full-time and do a Ph.D. simultaneously, which is quite a challenge, as a Ph.D. is no less than a full-time job.

What Does Ph.D. Cost Depend On?

Choice of school.

The more prestigious college with a long-standing reputation and location offers the most expensive Ph.D. programs. Private programs also usually cost more than public ones. 

Here is an example of average graduate tuition for Ph.D. candidates at Columbia University from 2009 to 2021 (according to Statista ):

Field of Study

STEM and medical programs are usually more expensive than programs in social sciences. 

Type of Ph.D.

There is a difference between a Ph.D. and a professional doctorate degree , though both will give you a doctorate title. The former is an academic and research-focused degree; the latter is a research degree that is focused on the application of research findings into practice. Doctorate programs differ in terms of research complexity. For instance, if you are considering a doctorate program in Psychology, a Ph.D. is heavier on research than Psy.D., which focuses more on clinical training. A Ph.D. also gives you an advantage in the competition for a teaching position.

Location of School

If you live in the same state where the college or university of your choice is located, your doctorate program will cost you less. In-state and out-of-state students pay differently for the same studies. For instance, in the Leeds Ph.D. Program from the Leeds School of Business, “ The 2020-2021 stipend is $30,000 for the academic year. Ph.D. students funded by Leeds School of Business are required to work 20 hours per week as a research or a teaching assistant. The tuition waiver is equal to approximately $16,866 for a Colorado resident and $35,100 for a non-Colorado resident. ”

Amount of Student Loans

If you are unlucky and your program isn’t fully funded, you may consider taking a loan in the amount that’ll cover your program and additional costs. In this case, the overall cost of your Ph.D. will be even higher as interest should be added to the initial loan amount.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The average cost of a Ph.D. is $98,800.

A Ph.D. is one of the longest doctorate programs that takes up to 8 years to complete. While some universities offer full funding, most Ph.D. students offset the cost of their degree with teaching assistantships.

Doctor of Education

The average cost of a Doctorate in Education is $111,900.

Doctorate programs in Education are funded on a smaller scale than the ones in STEM subjects. Therefore, students have to offset the cost of the degree with their own funds. They usually choose between a Doctorate in Education and a Ph.D. in Education. The former is more focused on professional practice and is shorter, while a Ph.D. in Education focuses on research and teaching and takes longer to complete.

Doctor of Psychology

The average cost of a Doctorate of Psychology is $132,200.

The same applies to doctorate programs in Psychology: less generous funding, more time to complete a Ph.D. in Psychology (focused on researching and teaching), and less time to complete a Psy.D. in Psychology (focused on direct clinical practice).

How Much Does an Online PhD Cost?

Nowadays, online Ph.D. programs are also broadly available. The average cost of an online Ph.D. program can range from $4,000 to $20,000+ . Over 400 colleges and universities offer online doctorate programs. According to the Research website, here are the five most affordable online schools for doctorate programs:

While some universities claim that they have fully-funded Ph.D. programs, in reality, you need to check the terms and conditions of each in detail. In fact, fully-funded Ph.D. programs are a great privilege, such positions are few, and the competition is insane. Fully-funded Ph.D. programs let a student focus on the research entirely without the need to spend half of the time teaching or assisting others or meeting any other conditions. However, such cases are rare. Here are some of the examples where a Ph.D. program is claimed to be fully funded:

• Columbia University provides full funding to its Ph.D. students doing research in the field of medicine, sciences, public administration and policy.
• Boston College’s Department of Psychology offers a fully-funded, research-oriented doctoral program (to cover 4 or 5 years of research).
• Duke University offers a Ph.D. program in History with multi-year funding packages.
• The Joint Program in Social Work and Social Science at the University of Michigan is also covered by a funding package that includes tuition, stipends, and health care.

A full list of such options can be checked on the Profellow website, where they give comprehensive lists of fully-funded Ph.D. scholarships in every field.

Yet, most of the time, students don’t get full funding, or the funding is conditional and should be compensated by doing certain teaching and research assistant-level work on campus. In other cases, students have to cover all Ph.D. expenses themselves.

Ph.D. Stipend (Salary)

The amount of stipend depends on many factors:

• The amount of a grant that an advisor or a professor has received
• The number of workers needed in the research
• The university rules
• The department’s overall funding potential
• The minimum/average living wage for the county in which the university resides
• The level of program competition

While getting a stipend/salary is better than not getting it at all, its amount is usually not high. In some cases, it’s not enough to cover average living costs.

You can check the information about Ph.D. student stipends and salaries on Phdstipends in many disciplines at universities all over the US and compare the real facts with your expectations. For instance, if you are considering applying for a Ph.D. program at Auburn University, you may find this information useful:

Source: Phdstipends

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported that residents and fellows receive, on average, a mean unweighted stipend of $59,279 for each program year. We retrieved the data as of July 1, 2021, from the AAMC Survey of Resident/Fellow Stipends and Benefits Report:

Also, according to the recent research carried out by two Ph.D. biology students , Ph.D. student salaries in the biological sciences are way below the basic cost of living. We recommend checking the research, as it’s regularly updated, mostly focused on biology science programs, and can serve as a very good illustration of the overall grad student salary situation: a very small percentage of institutions and departments seem to be able to offer salaries above the cost of living threshold.

Source: https://rhettrautsaw.app/shiny/BiologyPhDStipends/

How to Fund a Ph.D.?

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) (Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2020—the most recent report we’ve found; the next release is expected in November 2022), major sources of Ph.D. funding are

• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Fellowships
• Scholarships
• Dissertation grants
• Student’s own resources (loans, personal savings, personal earnings; spouse, partner, or family assistance)
• Other resources (employer reimbursement, foreign support)

Source: NCSES

So, if your Ph.D. program is not fully-funded, here is what you can consider to cover the program parts that are not funded (or an entire program if that’s the case).

Make a Thorough Plan

First of all, you have to clearly understand why you want to pursue this path. Since an average doctorate program lasts for 8 years, which is a very long time, you have to be passionate about your research and have a clear vision of your goals and milestones. This is especially relevant for programs that offer insufficient funding. Do not overestimate your financial potential.

Check Your Ph.D. Program Conditions

If you plan to do research in STEM subjects or medicine, seek the programs that are funded by the National Research Council . There may be options to get financial help either individually or via scholarships. They also fund group and department research projects.

Nongovernmental Research Grants

Apart from governmental, federal, and state grants, there are many other funding alternatives that can be sought out to support research on a particular topic. We encourage you to learn about them all in your field of study. Check Educationusa for more information.

Apply for Assistantships

As an assistant, you will be expected to officially work up to 20 hours a week; however, in reality, you may be working more. There are three major assistantship paths:

• Research assistants help faculty in their research.
• Teaching assistants either assist faculty in teaching or teach classes themselves.
• Graduate assistants usually combine the functions of the ones mentioned above.

Assistantships are usually paid in the form of a salary (stipend) we’ve discussed earlier. Keep in mind, however, that not all departments have resources for assistants, and you will most likely have to compete with other Ph.D. students to get the position.

Apply for Fellowships

Ph.D. fellowships in the US help you get your tuition waived, get a stipend in the amount sufficient enough to cover your living expenses, and allow focusing on research without the need to fulfill any assistantship obligations. To become a fellow, you may need to apply separately to other organizations, as fellowships are frequently offered outside universities. The drawback is that Ph.D. fellowships are highly competitive and, as a rule, don’t cover the full duration of the studies.

Consider Getting Funds from Your Current Job

If you are a Ph.D. student and a current employee at a company, you can also inquire about their employee funding opportunities. Some businesses have financial assistance programs for workers who are getting a Ph.D.

Consider Getting a Loan

While this is an unfavorable option, you shouldn’t wave it aside at once. If your research is important and, at some point, you run out of all funding options, you can take a loan as a last resort.

Here is the number of doctoral degrees earned in the United States in 2019/2020 by field of research (according to Stataista ):

Source: Statista

So where did all those people go? Where can you go after getting your Ph.D.? There has been a clear trend recently for doctorate graduates to go into non-academic employment; however, many stay in the academic field as well. Here are the options that post-doc graduates can choose to pursue:

• A post-doc position at the institution where you got a Ph.D.
• A faculty position at the institution where you got a Ph.D. or at another university
• An adjunct position at your university (non-tenure-track position)
• Teach at an undergraduate institution
• Join a company in your field of specialization
• Become a consultant to policymakers and help put research into practice
• Become a business consultant
• Become an entrepreneur and start your own business
• Work for government and public services
• A career in science communication and science journalism
• Take any path you like

It is true that the job market for new Ph.D. recipients is better or worse in some fields of study than in others every year. While degree and specialization play a crucial role, the industry and the position also influence the amount of the annual pay. According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) , in 2020, in every field, the “ median expected salaries for doctorate recipients committing to jobs in industry or business​ were higher than those in postdocs and academe. ” 

The median salaries for postdocs in almost every field ranged from $50,000 to $55,000 in 2020.

• Postdocs in mathematics and computer sciences were an exception, as their median salary was $61,000 .
• The highest median academic salaries— $85,000 and $90,000 —were reported in engineering and other non-science and engineering fields, such as industry or business. 
• The highest median salaries in industry or business positions— $144,000 —were reported in the fields of mathematics and computer sciences.

Yet, as we’ve already mentioned, getting a Ph.D. comes with financial strings attached. Here is another chart that shows the correlation between the expected salary in a chosen field and the education-related debt. Apparently, doctorate recipients in the science and engineering fields have the lowest median cumulative debt and the highest median expected annual salaries; in business management and administration, graduates have a higher debt but also the highest expected salary of all. As opposed to these, doctorate recipients in the fields of psychology and other non-science and engineering fields are reported to have the highest median cumulative debt and the lowest median expected annual salaries.

As you can see, the topic of Ph.D. cost is quite an extensive one. There are many things that you should be aware of before deciding to pursue the doctorate path, as apart from being a respectable one, it also requires a huge investment .

Remember that your program may not be fully funded, so you’ll have to cover the rest of its cost by other means. Besides, the years you’ll spend doing your doctorate can be spent getting valuable practical experience and gaining a promotion, which is not what Ph.D. programs focus on.

Yet, if research is what you are solely interested in and passionate about and the academic field is where you excel, getting a doctorate degree is well worth the cost and a perfect choice for you.

References:

• 20 most affordable online doctorate programs in 2022 . Research.com. (2022, May 30). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://research.com/degrees/most-affordable-online-doctorate-programs
• AAMC survey of resident/fellow stipends and benefits . AAMC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/aamc-survey-resident/fellow-stipends-and-benefits
• Average graduate tuition for Phd students at Columbia University 2021 . Statista. (2021, December 13). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/939141/ivy-league-average-graduate-tuition-phd-students-columbia-university/
• Biology PhD Stipends 2022 . Rhett Rautsaw’s droplet. (2022). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://rhettrautsaw.app/shiny/BiologyPhDStipends/
• Digest of Education Statistics, 2021 . National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (2021). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/tables/dt21_330.10.asp
• Doctorate recipients from U.S. universities . NSF. (2020). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22300/
• Hanson, M. (2022, February 3). Average cost of a doctorate degree [2022]: Ph.d., psy.D. more . Education Data Initiative. Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-doctorate-degree
• MBA tuition fees (2020/2021): Calculating the cost of your studies . MBA Today. (2021). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://www.mba.today/guide/fees
• PhD Stipend Survey Results . Results – phd stipends. (2021). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://www.phdstipends.com/results

Natalie Meyers

Natalie Meyers is a freelance writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. As an English major and a psychology graduate, she worked as a teacher and a counselor. As a writer, she's covered a diverse range of topics from technology to publishing. She is an avid reader who believes that books help us become more authentic versions of ourselves. At BookScouter, she's a smart writer and an expert in all things books.

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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This question is about doctoral student education .

How much does a Ph.D. cost?

A Ph.D. costs an average of $114,300. The cost of a Ph.D. depends on several different factors, including the type of school you obtain the doctorate degree from, the specific doctorate degree and program, the length of the program, and also the available amount of financial assistance.

It takes between four to eight years to complete a doctoral program on average. There is also grant aid available for those seeking a doctoral degree than those seeking a bachelor's or master's degree.

Because the cost of a P.h.D can vary widely, here are some statistics to reference to help you gain a firmer idea of how much your specific doctoral degree will cost:

The cost of a Doctorate in Philosophy from a traditional 8-year Ph.D. program at the University of Florida may be as high as $235,360 in total cost.

The cost of a Doctorate in Philosophy from a traditional 8-year Ph.D. program at New York University might be as high as $294,200 in total cost.

The University of Southern California: School of Education estimates that their online Doctoral degree in Education would take only 3 years and cost up to $86,298.

Thomas University approximates that their online Doctoral degree in Education takes up to two years when full-time, and costs as much as $47,500.

The average cost of a Ph.D. from a public university is $92,200.

The average cost of a Ph.D. from a private university is $127,100.

Institutional grants for a Doctorate in Philosophy average at $10,560 yearly.

Institutional grants for an MBA average $3,290 yearly.

The average grant aid for a Doctoral degree is around $12,811 yearly.

Obtaining a Ph.D. is often considered the longest educational track to be on. Most Ph.D.s take at least eight years to complete. The average cost of a Ph.D. in the United States is $114,300. Financial assistance in the forms of grants and other aid often affects the costs of obtaining a P.h.D. from a specific university.

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• How Much Does A Ph D Cost

Does a PhD cost money? [Price Data]

Doing a PhD can take a toll on your stress levels, mental health, and personal life. But, does it also wreak havoc with your bank balance? Entering into a PhD can be costly depending on where you do the PhD and how long you take to finish.

Yes, a PhD can cost money. In some countries, a PhD can cost up to $29,000 per term. In others, a PhD is often subsidised with a PhD stipend that pays for your living costs and tuition fees. In my experience, getting a scholarship is the best option for students.

Ensuring that you do not put yourself under too much financial stress during your PhD is very important.

In institutions where you get a stipend, you must make sure that the money goes as far as possible because it is quite often not very much money at all.

This article will go through everything you need to know about the cost of a PhD and provide you with some real-world figures for the amount of money you need to pay.

Average PhD Tuition costs

The average PhD tuition cost varies from country to country and university to university.

Here are the amounts of money you can spend at various institutions around the world. It is only a selection of universities available but will be able to draw some good conclusions from this small sample set.

When we look at the data in the above table, we can see various trends pop out including:

• the United States of America is typically the most expensive place to do a PhD
• the UK, Auckland, and Australia are between $4453 and $13,000 per year depending on the University.

Because every university reports its tuition costs differently it can be difficult to work out how much you will actually pay for your PhD in total.

In the United States of America, you will be paying much more for your PhD because your typical duration is over five years.

Degrees in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are typically only three years in length for international students. There are some opportunities to extend your PhD if you needed for another year.

Domestic vs international/out-of-state students

Most universities have a two-tier system for pricing their postgraduate degrees.

If you are a domestic student doing a PhD in your own country or state the PhD cost is typically lower.

Universities charge more money if you are an out-of-state student or an international student.

Also, international students typically find it harder to find a fully funded PhD’s to offset the cost.

For example, in order to get my full international student fee waiver and scholarship at the University of Newcastle I had to apply with my supervisor and demonstrate that I had achieved the highest undergraduate and master’s degree possible.

The bar can be set higher for international students reaching out to a potential PhD supervisor or institution will help you understand the requirements for getting a fully funded PhD as an international student.

Prices are rising

It is becoming evident that the prices of education and obtaining a PhD is increasing.

A 2018 study looked at how much students pay for graduate and professional education.

It found that tuition and fees for in-state graduate students at public universities grew rapidly. It grew as much as 37% per year.

The study also found that the average tuition fees for in-state graduate students are public universities increased by approximately 30% between 2005 and 2011.

Given the trend of an ever-increasing price of a graduate education, it is likely that we will see these numbers only go up in the future.

You can often find scholarships and financial aid for a PhD program including a fully funded program.

Scholarships

In my experience, I have only ever seen PhD students with a full scholarship. All my academic experience was at an Australian university.

For example, the scholarship details from an Australian university states that a scholarship is available to students for the following amount of time:

A minimum of three years and up to a maximum of four years at a full-time student load, at the discretion of the University. For part-time students, a minimum of six years and up to a maximum of eight years at the discretion of the University.

It is very uncommon for Australian PhD students, and those in other countries such as the UK and New Zealand, to have to pay for their PhD education.

Universities can struggle to fund the amount of PhD students that have applied to their programs and some may miss out. It is common for PhD scholarships to be first offered to the students with the highest undergraduate and masters grades.

Besides the actual monetary cost of a PhD, there are a number of other factors that potential students need to take into account.

Other costs

There are plenty of other costs associated with doing a PhD.

A PhD is an activity that takes you away from other opportunities and commitments for multiple years.

Delaying participating in adult life or a career outside of academia in the early stages of your life can have a detrimental impact later on.

Plenty of my fellow students who did not pursue a PhD ended up with a much more fulfilling career and higher pay packets after only a few years in a professional career.

Opportunity costs

It is common to hear people say that you there are opportunity costs associated with doing a PhD.

A PhD will take up a large portion of your life and may consume much more of your time then you were expecting. You may miss out on opportunities related to networking, career growth, exposure to other skills and areas, as well as personal opportunity costs.

Nonetheless, there are many people who have done a PhD due to the extra experiences that it provides. It all depends on what you value the most and where you want to end up after your PhD as to the true opportunity cost of postgraduate research.

Delaying adult life

Another important aspect that needs careful consideration before taking on a PhD is the fact that it delays your participation in “adult life”.

If you decide to pursue a PhD it is likely that you will not decide to progress onto the next stages of life such as deciding on a career, marrying a spouse, and having children.

I know of plenty of academics who waited for stability in a more permanent job before committing to any of these life milestones.

For each year that you are doing a PhD you are not laying the foundations of the next stages of your life.

Depending on their priorities, this is a price that many people are willing to pay.

Lastly, one of the biggest costs of a PhD is time.

Many people feel like a PhD can be a huge waste of time if it does not contribute significantly to post-doctoral life.

PhD’s can easily take an extra one or two years than desired.

However, spending a good chunk of time on an area of research that you consider important, interesting, and worthy of your time may be rewarding to you. Therefore, it is very important to choose a PhD subject area that you find interesting and worthy of low pay, and a significant number of years of your life.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to know about how much it PhD costs and other considerations beyond the monetary.

PhD’s can cost anywhere from US$4500 to US$72,000 a year.

The cost of a PhD varies wildly depending on the country in which you do your PhD, the institution that you have chosen and the number of years that it takes you to complete the qualification.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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How much does a PhD cost?

Study tips Published 29 Jan, 2024  ·  5-minute read

A PhD is a big commitment – you've heard it before. It’s a commitment of time, energy and (yep, you guessed it) money. But financial help is available. So, realistically, how much does it cost to do a PhD?

There’s how much a PhD costs, and then there’s how much a PhD costs after you factor in tuition scholarships . It’s also important to note that the cost of the program itself is only one component of how much you will actually spend doing your PhD.

You also need to consider:

• general living expenses and how you will afford these during the 3-4 years you’ll be studying your Doctor of Philosophy
• student services and amenities fees
• travel and accommodation expenses for non-essential workshops or conferences, should you wish to attend.

Scholarships and financial assistance programs can give you a leg up financially. After all, deciding whether or not to do a PhD shouldn’t just be about if you can afford it.

What is the cost of a PhD?

Let’s tackle this systematically and break down each of the main costs associated with a PhD.

How much do PhD programs cost?

There are 2 key factors that affect the cost of your PhD program:

• the field in which you’re studying
• whether you’re studying full time or part time.

UQ annual PhD tuition fees (based on 2024 figures)

For the most up-to-date tuition fees, visit the HDR tuition fees page .

Of course, everyone’s PhD journey differs, and students can take anywhere between 3 and 4 years to complete their PhD full time, and 6 to sometimes 8 years to complete it part time. This is why we’ve broken down fees per year, even though they’re actually charged per research quarter at UQ.

With this in mind, we’ve also included the below table, to outline how much an average PhD at UQ would cost, based on our findings that students typically finish their PhD in 3 years and 9 months .

UQ total PhD tuition fees (based on a PhD duration of 3.75 years and 2022 figures)

These figures can look super daunting at first, but it’s important to note that most students in Australia don’t undertake a PhD without securing a scholarship that will cover all of their tuition fees.

Browse PhD scholarships

Student services and amenities fees (SSAF)

Another key cost of doing a PhD is the student services and amenities fee, which is also charged per research quarter. It’s typically the same amount per quarter, but the cost does differ depending on whether you’re studying full time or part time, and if you’re away for a short period on field work (remote).

UQ student services and amenities fee for HDR students (based on 2022 figures)

*UQ does not offer fully remote PhDs.

You can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer your SSAF. There’s no limit to the amount you can charge to the loan; however, you will need to start paying it back once you begin earning a salary over the compulsory repayment threshold ($51,550 as of 1 July 2023).

For the most up-to-date SSAF details, visit the student services and amenities page .

What’s the cost of living during a PhD?

This expense isn’t quite as straightforward to calculate as tuition costs and is largely dependent on your lifestyle and where you live. If you’ve been a student for some time already, you probably have pretty strong budgeting game – but here are a few essential expenses that you can break down to better assess your weekly cost of living while doing your PhD:

• bills (utilities, internet, phone)
• transport (public or fuel)
• recreation.

Explore the cost of living in Brisbane .

You can apply for a living stipend scholarship while you do your PhD to assist with the cost of living while studying. This scholarship provides  $33,641 a year  (for 3.5 years with the possibility of extension), so that’s about $647 a week to cover all the costs listed above. If that doesn’t quite fund your living expenses, you can look at a range of other scholarships that may provide further financial support.

Find out more about how to secure a living stipend scholarship while you complete your PhD.

What kind of travel and accommodation expenses are associated with a PhD?

Some PhD projects require you to travel outside the area in which you live to conduct research. Any travel that’s essential for your research should be factored in by your supervisor and school or institute at the time of application. However, sometimes there are conferences or workshops that you may wish to attend, that aren’t ‘essential’, but would be beneficial to your professional development. There may be scholarships available to you that include travel and accommodation allowances for these additional, non-essential research-related activities.

PhDs obviously don’t come cheap. But the upside is that there’s accessible funding and scholarship support for both tuition and living expenses. And unlike undergrad student loans, you don’t have to defer fees and pay them back down the track (except for your SSAF).

At UQ, you’ll apply for tuition and living stipend scholarships offered by UQ at the same time as your PhD application. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, evidence of research capability and the quality of your research project – much the same as the criteria for having your PhD proposal approved (if required).

The important thing is to go into your PhD with a realistic outlook and a backup plan when it comes to finances. You want to know that you can carry your research through to completion, and that means having a financial plan, as well as the academic drive, to make this possible.

To find out more about the PhD application process, read our comprehensive guide on how to get a PhD .

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How to get a PhD

• How Much Does a PhD Cost in the UK?
• Funding a PhD

Choosing to dedicate the next few years of your life towards a PhD is no light decision. Not only will it require you to dedicate an extensive amount of your personal time, but you’ll also need to consider how you’ll fund it. This raises the question, how much does a PhD cost in the UK?

The cost of a PhD can be divided into three key areas; tuition fees, living expenses and research expenditures. The combined cost of these are approximately  £20,000 per year  for UK students and can increase to over  £40,000 per year  for international students. A more in-depth breakdown of these costs can be found below. We’ve also compared these costs to other countries and outlined the various methods available to you to fund your PhD studies.

Tuition Fees

For UK ‘home’ students, the tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. For 2023/24 programmes, most universities opt for £4,712 per year within this range. Although this number may seem a little odd, it’s commonly adopted due to being the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for UK universities.

International Fees

Unlike for UK applicants, the rates for international students don’t align with the indicative level set by UKRI. Following the implementation of Brexit, EU students now follow the same fee rates as other international students. International students will find that their tuition fees are higher than those of home students. For example, at the time of writing, the average annual PhD tuition charge at the University of Dundee is £4,825 for home students undertaking an Engineering PhD. This same average is £25,305 for international students.

International applicants will also find that the fee for PhDs in STEM subjects are greater than those in non-STEM subjects. For example, at the University of Bristol, a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering costs £25,300 per year whilst a doctorate in Medieval Studies costs £20,100 per year.

To summarise, international students can expect a tuition fee of between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average of around £19,600 per academic year. Non-STEM subjects will generally be at the lower end of the range, whilst STEM subjects will be at the higher end of the range.

Part-time Fees

The above fees are based on full-time postgraduate study. If you’re doing a part-time PhD, you can expect the fee to be half of these amounts. Although this may appear to be a cheaper option, keep in mind that the average duration of part-time PhDs are twice that of full-time PhDs. Therefore, the total tuition cost will amount to the same value and the end of both courses.

Other Degree-related Costs

Research support fees.

If your research project requires a high use of consumables, equipment or other resources, you may have to support the cost of these through an additional annual fee. This additional annual fee, often referred to as either a ‘research support’ or ‘bench’ fee, often apply to laboratory-based STEM research projects. Bench fees vary between different projects, even those within the same field. Therefore, it is best to speak to the admissions team on a project-by-project basis to receive anything useful.

Another cost you will need to account for is travelling. As part of your degree, many supervisors will expect you to attend conferences, training workshops, or other collaboration opportunities. As a result, you will often need to travel to various destinations which aren’t always limited to the UK. Although some programmes will cover these costs, it’s not unheard of that some positions will expect you to fund this yourself. It’s impossible to put a value on this, as the extent of travel depends on each project. Therefore, it would be wise to speak with the admissions team and current PhD students. They can provide you with an accurate estimate and let you know whether the university will cover the expenses.

Overtime Period Fee

When you’re enrolled into a PhD programme, you will be given a period to complete your PhD within. This period is known as your ‘registration period’ and is usually 3-4 years for a full-time PhD and 6-7 years for a part-time PhD. If you’re given an extension due to not completing your PhD study within this time, you will need to pay an overtime registration fee. Although the amount depends on each university, the University of Leeds sets theirs as £290 for 2023/24.

Living Costs

From a 2022 survey of over 2,300 university students , the average living cost, covering expenditures such as rent, bills, food and recreation, was £924 per month. This equates to £11,088 per year.

Although this is an average cost, your true cost of living will depend on your location. Living in major cities such as London will draw significantly higher rent and travel costs than living in more rural locations. Although your living situation will in large be driven by the university you undertake your PhD with, you should factor it in when deciding which universities to apply to.

To put this into perspective, the survey average of £11,088 per year uses a rent average of £418 per month. In London, this average increases to £650 a month and can surpass £1,000 if staying in university halls or private student accommodation. This is supported by University College London (UCL) who state you should expect an average rent of £1,028 per month if living in private accommodation around their university.

Tip  – You can use this handy calculator for an estimated average cost of living for any UK university. All you need to do is select the university, and the calculator does all the rest.

If you’re an international student, you should factor in return flights back home. Although this may seem like a small expenditure compared to tuition fees and rent, they can add up quickly depending on the frequency and distance of your trip.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Fund Your PhD

Studentships.

A studentship is a form of scholarship for doctoral students. They can either be partially funded, which cover tuition fees only, or fully funded, which also covers living costs through a ‘stipend’.

Studentships can be found in various places. Research Councils (RCUK) and European Social Fund (ESF) make funding available to university departments, who in turn make the funding available to doctoral students. Therefore, you will find that there are many postgraduate funding opportunities available to you, with the best places to look being the RCUK and ESF websites and the university departments themselves. External institutions which focus on research and development such as research trusts and charities would also be a useful place to look for a funded PhD.

Doctoral Loans

If you’re a UK student, you may qualify for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from Student Finance England. This form of financial aid is available for nearly all postgraduate research degrees undertaken in a higher education setting. They will allow you to borrow up to a total of £28,673 for 2023/24 courses .

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are a form of studentships which allow you to teach undergraduates as part of your research degree. This not only helps improve your academic skills, but it also enables you to receive a salary whilst you’re studying. As well as teaching assistantships, some departments also provide opportunities for demonstrations, marking papers, and tutorial support. The amount you can earn through these schemes will depend on how many hours you work and what agreements you make with your supervisor or course leader.

Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs

A research student may opt for a part-time PhD as opposed to a full-time one. Although this would double the duration of their studies, it allows them to take on a part-time job to improve their financial situation. For students going down this route, it would be highly beneficial to pick up a part-time role in a position related to your industry. This will help refine your skills and increase your employability within this career role should you choose to pursue it after your degree.

If you’re an international student, keep in mind that you’ll likely be on a study visa. Therefore, there’ll be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do alongside your study.

How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?

When considering the tuition fee of PhDs across different countries, the United Kingdom is generally considered as being in the ‘middle-ground‘ region.

A handful of countries offer PhD programmes for free. These include, but are not limited to, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Norway and Poland.

The middle-ground region comprises countries such as Austria, Spain, Russia and New Zealand where postgraduate fees range from £1,400 to £4,000 per academic year.

The upper-end region comprises countries such as Hong Kong and the United States, where postgraduate tuition fees for a PhD student can go up to £33,000 per year.

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Doctoral fees

Find out the fees you will pay when studying a doctoral programme.

You can find the estimated 2024 domestic, and 2024 and 2025 international student tuition fees for doctoral programmes in the tables below.

Student Services Fee

In addition to the tuition fees below, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full time study (120 points) in 2024.

Domestic fees 2024

International fees 2024, international fees 2025.

*To be eligible for the domestic PhD fee, you must reside in New Zealand for the duration of your doctoral programme. However, you may undertake research activities overseas during your doctoral programme for a cumulative total of no more than 12 months.

As an international student, you are required to have health and travel insurance. See, Health and travel insurance.

International PhD students pay domestic fees

If you are a new international PhD student, you will pay the same annual tuition fee as New Zealand PhD students. The 2024 PhD tuition fee is NZ$7,874.40 per annum.

In additional to the tuition fee, there is a Student Services Fee estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study.

To be eligible for the domestic PhD fee, you must reside in New Zealand for the duration of your doctoral programme. However, you may undertake research activities overseas during your doctoral programme for a cumulative total of no more than 12 months.

Other benefits for international PhD students

• Your dependent children are classified as domestic students and can attend New Zealand’s primary and secondary schools at the same subsidised rate as New Zealand children.
• Your spouse/partner is eligible for an open work permit valid for the duration of your PhD programme.
• As a PhD student you have unlimited work rights under the terms of your student visa.
• On completion of your PhD, you can apply for a three-year post study open work visa through Immigration New Zealand, which allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand. During the period of this work visa, you may be eligible to apply for residence under the skilled migrant instructions, provided you meet the points requirement set out by Immigration New Zealand. 

How to pay fees as a doctoral student

Tuition fees will be applied after you are enrolled by the School of Graduate Studies. Tuition fees are normally due at the end of the first month of enrolment.

If you are externally funded, you will normally need to generate your own statement and present this to your scholarship provider.

For more information, please see:

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International

As an international student, you can pay for your tuition fees using the payment information on the fees estimate you received with your offer. Please note that for online credit card payments will need to enter the amount to be paid manually. Once payment has been made and processed, you will be able to generate a receipt of payment. Both a receipt of payment and the offer letter are required to support your visa application. If you are a scholarship recipient, you may be able to present a letter from your scholarship provider as evidence of financial support.

Related links

• Paying your fees