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• PhD Funding in the USA – A Guide for 2024

PhD Funding in the USA

Written by Ben Taylor

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

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

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

On this page

American phd funding – what you need to know first.

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

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

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

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

The cost of a PhD in the USA

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

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

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

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

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

In-state vs out-of-state

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

Living costs

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

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

Other expenses

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

Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships

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

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

A Fulbright Postgraduate Award offers the following benefits:

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

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

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

Eligibility for Fulbright Postgraduate Awards

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

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

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

Applying for a Fulbright Postgraduate Award

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

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

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

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

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

Other Fulbright PhD scholarships

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

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

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

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

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

University PhD scholarships

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

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

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

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

Assistantships

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

Common types of assistantship include:

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

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

Federal grants and aid

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

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

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

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

Applicants for the NSF GRFP must be:

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

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

There are four main elements to an NSF GRFP application:

• Graduate research plan statement
• Two or three reference letters

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

You can find out more on the NSF GRFP website .

Federal Student Aid for US students

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

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

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

The types of federal aid available for postgraduate students include:

#1 Federal loans

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Work-study

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

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

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

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

Applying for financial aid

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

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

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

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

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

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The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs

If you’re concerned about grad school costs, you’re not alone. Even with financial aid, many students find themselves taking on large amounts of debt. However, there are a number of options that can cover most – if not all – of your doctorate costs.

Table of Contents

What Is a Fully Funded PhD Program?

“Fully funded” means that the university offers sufficient funding to cover tuition fees and even a stipend to cover other grad school expenses . To cover gaps, many institutions offer additional support in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities.

Though rare, some PhD programs offer full funding for all accepted students. Understandably, the admission process is highly competitive for fully funded PhD programs.

Students who don’t meet strict criteria – and aren’t offered full funding – will be expected to pay for their tuition and other study expenses. Most take some form of government funding to do so.

The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs in the US

1. the university of chicago, the department of anthropology, phd in anthropology.

• Courses : Development of Social/Cultural Theory, Archeological Theory & method, and archeological data sets.
• Credits : 18 courses
• Delivery : On-campus
• Full funding : Full tuition, health insurance, and stipend (up to 9 years).
• Other support : Grants, fellowships, and teaching opportunities.
• Acceptance rate : 2.5%
• Location : Chicago, Illinois

With a culture that encourages independent thinking, the University of Chicago has produced more than 90 Nobel Prize winners and produced defining research in several fields. In this interdisciplinary PhD in Anthropology program, students can study with many of the university’s other departments, including: Political Science, History, and Comparative Human Development.

2. Harvard University, T. H. Chan School of Public Health

Phd program in biological sciences in public health  (bph).

• Courses : Biological sciences communications, principles of biostatistics & epidemiology, and computing environments for biology.
• Duration : Approximately 6 years
• Full funding : Stipend, tuition, and health insurance.
• Other support: Fellowships, awards, and grants.
• Acceptance rate: 6%
• Location:  Boston, Massachusetts

As the third-best university in the US , Harvard’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health has incredible prestige. With several specialized public health departments (e.g., Environmental Health, Health & Population, Epidemiology), this program also offers incredible flexibility. Students can courses from the Department of Public Health, Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS), and even MIT.

3. Stanford University, Graduate School of Education

Phd in curriculum studies and teacher education  (cte).

• Courses: Introduction to statistical methods in education, research in curriculum & teacher education, and statistical analysis in education.
• Credits:  135 units
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Full funding : Tuition aid, assistantship salary, and fellowship stipend (for 5 years).
• Other support : Grants, travel fellowships, and emergency funds.
• Location: Stanford, California

Stanford University tops the list  of the best universities for Education Policy Studies, making this one of the best options if you want to earn a PhD in Education. This doctorate is one of the top fully funded PhD programs in education and offers six specializations, including elementary education, teacher education, and science & environmental education.

Note : In addition to this on-campus PhD program, many recognized institutions also offer free online PhD programs in education .

4. Duke University, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences

Phd in literature.

• Courses: Wide range of literary topics, including African American Studies, modern European short fiction, gender studies, and more.
• Duration: 6-7 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Full funding  includes: Tuition, fees, stipend, and health insurance.
• Other support: Grants, loans, childcare subsidies, and financial hardship aid.
• Location:  Durham, North Carolina

As one of the country’s most renowned private research institutions, Duke University has ten Nobel Laureates under its belt. Their PhD in Literature program encourages students to pursue both independent studies and inter-institutional courses from other affiliated universities. Students are able to take as many programs outside literature as they wish. Typically, all PhD students receive a “stipend, tuition, and fees support, plus six years of full coverage for health and dental insurance premiums.”

5. Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

Phd in business.

• Courses:  Microeconomics, econometrics, theory, and dynamic optimization.
• Duration:  4 years +
• Full funding : Tuition waiver and $40,000 yearly stipend (earned as a research/teaching assistant).
• Other support:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment.
• Location: Houston, Texas

Rice University is a well-known institution and is regularly recognized as one of the best business schools in the country. As part of its PhD in Business program, students can choose between one of four different concentrations: accounting, finance, organizational behavior, and strategic management.

Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering

Phd in biomedical engineering.

• Courses:  Experimental design & measurement, biological performance of materials, and advanced physical & applied optics.
• Duration: 5-6 years
• Full funding : Tuition scholarship and stipend.
• Other support: Fellowships, grants, assistantships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 15%
• Location: Evanston, Illinois

Northwestern University is renowned for excellence across numerous disciplines, and its biomedical engineering (BME) program was among the first of its kind. The school offers a wide range of courses, from cell and molecular engineering, medical devices and instrumental, neural engineering, and more.

7. Columbia University, Teachers College

Phd in clinical psychology.

• Courses:  Brain & behavior, social problems for clinical psychologists, and personality & behavior change.
• Credits: 95
• Duration: 5 years (at least four years of residency)
• Full funding : Tuition, stipend, and health fees (up to 4 years).
• Other support:  Scholarships, grants, fellowships, federal work-study, assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location:  New York City, New York

Columbia University offers a leading clinical psychology PhD program that focuses on the intersection between education, psychology, and health. Their fully funded, need-blind “Doctoral Fellowship” is given to incoming students for three years, in addition to financial aid in the fourth year (i.e., a $25,000 stipend). PhD students who receive this scholarship may be asked to work as research assistants or graduate teachers.

8. California Institute of Technology, Division of Engineering & Applied Science

Graduate degree in computer science.

• Courses:  Functional programming, computability theory, and advanced digital systems design.
• Credits: 54 units
• Duration: 3+ years of residence
• Full funding : Tuition charges and stipends.
• Other support: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Pasadena, California

Caltech is a huge name in technology education, with over fifty cutting-edge research centers and laboratories. This includes NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and astronomical observatories around the globe. To manage their rigorous course load, graduate students of the computer science program receive full tuition and a stipend of $45,000 .

9. Emory University, College of Arts and Sciences

Ph.D. in Economics

• Courses: Microeconomic theory, health economics, and market structure & imperfect competition.
• Credits: 55
• Duration: 4-6 years
• Full funding : Tuition, stipend, health insurance subsidy, and professional development support.
• Other support:  Grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment.
• Acceptance rate: 19%
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Emory University provides a liberal arts college’s atmosphere and opportunities combined with an urban research university’s facilities. This cross-registration program allows students to take classes at the university’s partner institutions, including Georgia Tech and Georgia State University, alongside their in-house courses.

Can I Earn a Free PhD Degree Online?

If you aren’t eligible for a fully funded program, that’s okay! We’ve written an article outlining the most affordable online PhD programs , the benefits, and how to apply to them!

Key Takeaways

Many US universities – including some of the country’s top institution – offer fully funded PhD programs and tuition-free online programs across various disciplines. You’ll just need to demonstrate that you’re eligible for the program through your academic performance and merit.

Once you qualify for full PhD funding, congratulate yourself on a job well done!

If you’re still weighing your options, did you know there are 1-year PhD programs online ?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a phd be free.

Yes. Eligible students can obtain a doctorate for free if a university offers fully funded PhD programs.

How Do I Get a Fully Funded PhD?

To qualify for a fully funded PhD, you’ll be required to meet certain criteria and put together a strong application. You’ll also need to have an excellent undergraduate academic record, recommendation letters, persuasive personal essay, and graduate school entry exam scores .

Fully funded PhDs are incredibly competitive, so it’s important to plan ahead. As an undergraduate student, identify your dream school, and be sure to check the requirements and eligibility criteria. Next, work hard to meet these requirements – and set yourself apart – throughout your undergraduate studies.

Can I Study a PhD in the USA for Free?

Yes. Many US universities offer opportunities to obtain a PhD for free. For example, fully funded doctoral programs will cover your tuition and expenses. Free PhD programs don’t have tuition fees but students are responsible for covering their own expenses.

However, if you aren’t successful in securing a fully funded PhD and don’t like the free options, there are plenty of other ways to pay for grad school .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Top Fully Funded PhD Programs

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Fully funded PhD programs offer students seeking their doctor of philosophy degrees the ultimate experience. With the average cost of a PhD at nearly $81,000 , students are able to focus on their studies without worrying about paying for their degrees or living expenses. Keep reading to learn about some of the top fully funded PhD programs in a variety of majors.

What is a “Doctorate of Philosophy” degree?

A “doctorate of philosophy” degree, better known as a PhD, is among the highest level degrees in the United States. A PhD is awarded after the successful completion of an extensive research and writing project known as a dissertation. Students can earn a PhD in a variety of fields, with most majoring in the humanities or social sciences. 

Further reading: What is a PhD?

How we chose the fully funded PhD programs on our list

We looked for programs that have stellar reputations in their respective majors. It makes sense that the most reputable programs offer the resources that are most important to  PhD students. Working with distinguished professors in their field and having access to outstanding libraries, PhD students will be immersed in the ideal learning environment. 

Opportunities to learn under and network with the most well regarded academics is invaluable for students’ future careers. Finally, we looked for fully funded programs that include not only full tuition coverage, but also living stipends and health insurance. A few of the programs might require students to “give back” in the way of graduate assistantships , so keep that in mind as you read the fine print on each website. 

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The top fully funded phd programs.

The following list is in alphabetical order with no preference for one particular program. We included a variety of majors in different regions, but remember, this is just the start of an exhaustive listing of fully funded PhD programs across the USA and the world!

Boston College

The PhD in English Program at Boston College prepares students for careers in academia or other English related fields. With a focus on critical thinking, writing, and research, the program explores  literature through abstract, cultural, and historical contexts. Students are able to focus on various literature periods, creative writing, and literary theory. Working closely with renowned faculty, the program offers abundant resources and support services including fellowships and publishing opportunities. 

• Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Creative writing, critical theory, and literary and cultural studies
• What is included : Full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend

Brown University

Brown University offers a PhD program in Computer Science for students interested in a strong foundation in computer science theory and applications and opportunities to conduct research in collaboration with faculty and peers. Brown’s computer science department has research strengths in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computer graphics, and theory. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research in computer science and to prepare them for academic or industrial careers.

• Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Focus of study : Algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer systems, databases, and more
• What is included : Full tuition, health insurance, and living stipend

Cornell University

Cornell University offers a PhD program in Chemical Engineering to provide students with a broad foundation in chemical engineering principles and their application to solving real-world problems. The program aims to train students in core courses in chemical engineering, including transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering, while providing them with opportunities to conduct original research. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, funding opportunities, and a supportive community of faculty and fellow students.

• Location: Ithaca, New York
• Focus of study : Chemical engineering principles and research topics including biotechnology, energy, materials science, and process systems engineering
• What is included: Full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance

Duke University

Duke University’s PhD program in literature prepares students for careers in academic research and teaching. The program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, criticism, and methodology, as well as opportunities to specialize in specific genres, periods, and cultures. The program also encourages interdisciplinary work, with opportunities to collaborate with scholars in other fields across the university. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in academia, publishing, journalism, and other areas.

• Location: Durham, North Carolina
• Focus of study : Literary theory, research methods, and a range of cultural and literary texts
• What is included : Five years of living stipend, tuition, and fees support as well as six years of health and dental insurance

Harvard University

The PhD program in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard University is designed for students who want to pursue research in the field of public health with a focus on biological sciences. The program focuses on the intersection of biology and public health, specifically emphasizing understanding the biological mechanisms underlying disease and developing strategies to prevent and treat illness. PhD students receive a rigorous education in both biological and public health sciences, preparing them to become leaders in advancing our understanding of human health and disease.

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Cancer biology, environmental health, genetics, global health and infectious diseases.
• What is included : Competitive funding packages, including tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance

Johns Hopkins University

The PhD in Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to prepare nurse scientists who will conduct research to advance nursing science and improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from nursing, social and behavioral sciences, and biostatistics. PhD students may work as nursing faculty members, researchers, or policymakers, contributing to advancing nursing practice and developing nursing knowledge.

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Focus of study : Aging and dementia care, cardiovascular and chronic care, community and public health, health systems and outcomes, and more
• What is included: Full tuition with a stipend for the first three years of study

New York University

New York University offers a PhD in Education through its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The program provides a solid foundation in education theory and research methods, including coursework, research apprenticeships, and independent research. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, research, policy, and leadership in educational organizations. They are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to developing and implementing policies and practices in education.

• Location: New York, New York
• Focus of study : Learning sciences, educational policy, educational technology, and curriculum development. 
• What is included: Annual stipend, tuition coverage for required course work, and health insurance through the fifth year

Princeton University

Princeton University offers a PhD program in mathematics that is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, or government. The program aims to provide a rigorous and comprehensive mathematics education, emphasizing both the theoretical foundations and applications of the discipline. Students take advanced courses in various mathematical fields, such as algebra, geometry, analysis, topology, and applied mathematics. Princeton’s program in mathematics is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and rigorous programs.

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey 
• Focus of study : Algebraic geometry, mathematical physics, number theory, and topology
• What is included: Full tuition and student health plan coverage

Rice University

Rice University offers a PhD in Business through its Jones Graduate School of Business, designed to prepare students for academic careers and research-oriented positions in industry and government. Students in the program take courses in microeconomics, econometrics, statistics, research methods, and business ethics. In addition to coursework and research, students in the program are encouraged to work as teaching or research assistants. Rice University’s PhD program provides students with a strong foundation in business theory and research methods, with opportunities to work with world-class faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Focus of study : Accounting, finance, management, marketing, and strategic management
• What is included : Waived tuition fees, a stipend to cover living expenses, health insurance, and may be eligible for research and travel funding to support their research projects

University of Chicago

The PhD program in History at the University of Chicago is a demanding but rewarding experience that prepares students for a career in academia as scholars or teaching in the field of history. The program focuses on developing students’ knowledge of cultural, intellectual, economic, political, and social history under the guidance of highly qualified faculty advisors. PhD students also have the opportunity to present their research at conferences and publish articles in academic journals.

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Focus of study : Ancient, contemporary, early modern, medieval, or modern history 
• What is included: Tuition, student health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses and research support

University of Michigan

The PhD in Engineering at the University of Michigan is a top-rated program that prepares students for research and academic careers in various engineering disciplines, including biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and many more. PhD students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent research, develop new technologies, and advance the engineering field. The University of Michigan has a strong reputation for research and innovation, and the PhD program in Engineering provides students with ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry partners.

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan 
• Focus of study : Materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
• What is included: Tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, and health insurance 

University of North Carolina

The PhD program in Media and Communication at the University of North Carolina provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in media and communication theories, research methods, and critical analysis. Students can tailor their studies to their research interests by choosing from a variety of electives and seminars offered by the department. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in academia, media organizations, research institutions, and other industries where communication skills and media literacy are highly valued.

• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
• Focus of study : Media and politics, journalism studies, digital media, global media, media effects, and cultural studies
• What is included: Tuition and fees for three years, health insurance, a $20,000+ annual stipend, and support for research and travel

Keep reading: PhD vs. Doctorate: Everything You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions about fully funded PhDs

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