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How To Pay For A Ph.D.

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Updated: Jan 25, 2024, 12:13pm

If your heart is set on earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, you’ll join an elite club. In the United States, only 4.9 million people—about 2% of adults—hold a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree.

A Ph.D. can lead to a significantly higher salary. According to The College Board, the median earnings for those with doctoral degrees was $120,700, 38% more than the median for those with master’s degrees.

However, earning a Ph.D. can be an expensive endeavor. To avoid racking up too much debt, learn how to pay for a doctorate with grants, scholarships and other sources of financial aid.

What Does a Ph.D. Cost?

If your goal is to earn a Ph.D., be prepared for a significant investment of both time and money. Depending on the type of university you choose and your program, a Ph.D. usually takes three to five years to complete. If you attend school part-time, it can take even longer.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and fees cost, on average, $20,513 for the 2021-2022 academic year, so you’ll spend anywhere from $61,539 to $102,565 to complete a Ph.D. program. In addition, you’ll need to account for about $16,000 to $20,000 per year in added costs, such as room and board, supplies and other fees.

That total is on top of what you spent on a bachelor’s and master’s degree, so your education will likely cost well into the six figures. With such a high cost, it’s no surprise that many Ph.D. earners have substantial student loan balances.

7 Ways To Pay For a Ph.D.

Ph.D. costs can be significant, but a variety of financial aid opportunities can make the price tag more manageable. Paying for a Ph.D. is possible using the following options:

1. Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

Fully funded Ph.D. programs typically cover the cost of tuition and fees, and they also provide a monthly stipend for living expenses and health insurance. Some examples of fully funded Ph.D. programs include:

• Boston University . Attendees of Boston University’s Charles River Campus can take advantage of a fully funded model. The program includes 100% tuition coverage, a health insurance credit and a living expense stipend. Depending on your program, the stipend ranges from $27,318 to $40,977 per year.
• Duke University . At Duke University, Ph.D. students are guaranteed five years of tuition and living stipends and up to six years of full health and dental insurance coverage. The amount of financial support varies by program and stipend amounts range from $2,538 to $3,217 per month.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management . MIT’s fully funded Ph.D. program covers students for up to five years. The program pays for the full cost of tuition and provides students with a monthly stipend of $4,497, student medical insurance and a new laptop. Students also receive up to $4,500 for travel and conferences.

Not all universities offer fully funded Ph.D. programs, and existing programs are highly competitive. For example, the Stanford University Department of Political Science Ph.D. program selects 12 to 15 students per year.

2. Ph.D. Fellowship Programs

A fellowship program provides students with financial support so they can focus on their academic work. Issued based on the student’s academic merit or research achievements, fellowships may or may not have a service requirement attached.

Fellowships can come from universities, nonprofit organizations or government agencies. For example:

• American Psychological Association (APA) Doctoral Fellowship in Health and Substance Abuse Services . The APA fellowship is for full-time doctoral students who are committed to working in behavioral health. It provides up to three years of financial support, and the stipend amounts vary by year and program.
• Cornell Fellowship . Cornell University operates several fellowship programs. The Cornell Fellowship pays for one academic year of tuition, fees, health insurance and a stipend.
• U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program . The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a five-year fellowship that gives students three years of financial support. The fellowship includes an annual stipend of $37,000 and pays up to $16,000 per year in tuition and fees.

You can search for fellowship opportunities through the ProFellow database .

3. Doctoral Scholarships

Scholarships are available to Ph.D. students, and these merit-based awards can come from nonprofit organizations, private companies, states and government agencies. The award amounts vary, ranging from smaller awards that may only cover incidental expenses to more substantial awards of $20,000. For example:

• Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program . Certified public accountants (CPAs) intending to earn a Ph.D. in accounting can qualify for up to $20,000 through the Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program.
• American Library Association (ALA) Century Scholarship . The ALA Century Scholarship gives up to $2,500 to library school students with disabilities pursuing a doctoral degree.
• Washington State American Indian Endowed Scholarship . In Washington, Native American students can receive $500 to $2,500 to pay for their education at an eligible school within the state.

You can search for additional scholarship opportunities with tools like FastWeb or Scholarships.com .

4. Ph.D. Grants

Unlike scholarships, grants are usually awarded based on the student’s financial need. Ph.D. grants can be issued by states and nonprofit organizations. For example:

• José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund . This grant, issued to Hispanic students in Florida, is both need-based and merit-based. Eligible recipients can receive up to $2,000 per year.
• Organization For Autism Research Graduate Research Grant . Doctoral candidates conducting autism research can qualify for a grant of $2,000.
• Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program . Virginia residents attending an eligible university can receive between $5,000 and $12,500 per year in financial assistance.

You can find Ph.D. grant opportunities through your state education agency or CareerOneStop .

5. Employer Reimbursement

If you’re currently working full- or part-time, your employer may be willing to help with some of your education expenses. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 48% of employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits.

Contact your human resources department to find out if tuition reimbursement is available and what you need to do to qualify for the benefit.

6. Federal Student Loans

Depending on the other financial aid you qualify for, you may need to borrow some money to cover your remaining expenses. Federal student loans are a good starting point since they have more borrower protections than other options, and you may qualify for loan forgiveness later on based on your employment.

Ph.D. students may qualify for either direct unsubsidized loans or grad PLUS loans. Unsubsidized loans have lower interest rates but have annual and aggregate borrowing maximums that your program may exceed. If that’s the case, you can use grad PLUS loans to pay for your remaining expenses.

To apply for federal loans, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact your university’s financial aid department.

7. Private Student Loans

If you aren’t eligible for federal loans or need to borrow more than the federal limits allow, private student loans are another way to pay for your Ph.D. Private loans come from banks, credit unions and other lenders, and your loan eligibility is based on your credit, income and whether you have a co-signer (someone who agrees to repay the loan if you miss payments).

If you have excellent credit, you could qualify for private loans with lower rates than you’d get with federal loans, and private student loans can have terms as long as 20 years.

If you decide to take out a private loan, compare quotes from several lenders offering loans for Ph.D. programs. Consider the rates, terms and overall repayment costs to find the best loan option.

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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

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

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

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

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.

Cost to Attend

Ph.d. students, master's students, other cost information, explanation of fees.

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

Last updated: January 5th, 2024

Students must be registered each fall and spring semester until all degree requirements are completed. In some cases, they may also need to be registered for a summer term ( see policy ). For each term in which students are registered, they are charged the following tuition and fees. Rates are subject to change each year. Tuition typically increases by no more than 4 percent per academic year.

Generally speaking, The Graduate School covers the tuition and fees for a Ph.D. student’s first five years. After that, students are responsible for tuition and fees, and most students obtain external or departmental funding that helps cover those costs. The Graduate School also covers health insurance for years 1-6 if students choose the Duke student medical insurance plan. Visit our Statistics section to see the typical time to completion for your degree program.

More details on financial support for Ph.D. students

2024-2025 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Ph.D. Students in Years 1-3

Note: Tuition, fees, and health insurance (for the Duke student medical insurance plan) in years 1-3 are generally covered by The Graduate School's financial support package .

2024-2025 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Ph.D. Students in Years 4+

Note: The Graduate School's financial support package generally covers tuition and fees for years 4-5, as well as health insurance (for the Duke student medical insurance plan) for years 4-6. Starting in year 6, students are responsible for tuition and fees, and most of our students obtain external or departmental funding to help cover those costs. Duke also provides sixth-year tuition and fees scholarships for students who applied for but did not obtain external or departmental tuition-and-fees support.

Master's students are required to enroll in and pay tuition for at least three semesters of full-time study. After that, they will be charged per credit ( 24-25 estimated at $3,780 per credit ). Master's summer tuition will be charged at the per-credit rate up to a maximum of one-half the fall/spring full-time tuition. 

Rates are subject to change each year. Tuition typically increases by no more than 4 percent per academic year.

Information on financial support for master's students

2024–2025 Estimated Cost of Attendance for DOMESTIC Master's Students

2024–2025 ESTIMATED Cost of Attendance for INTERNATIONAL Master's Students

* – Estimated amounts due to bursar

Exceptions to the cost listed above

• Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• MFA (Dance or Experimental and Documentary Arts)
• Master of Arts in Bioethics and Science Policy

For all students: Estimated cost for room, food, transportation, personal, and miscellaneous: $2,994 per month

For international students:  

The chart below references funding required for international students to bring a spouse and/or dependent(s) into the United States while enrolled at Duke University Graduate School:

Tuition and Costs

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

Tuition Charges

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

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

Full Cost Details

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

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

View Standard Part-Time Online Ed.M. Details

View Full-Time Ed.L.D. Details

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

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

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

Tuition and Fees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

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

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

Tuition and Fees

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

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

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

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

Books and Materials

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

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

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

Healthcare and Living 

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

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

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

Navigating the Financial Landscape of a PhD

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

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

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

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How Much Does Grad School Cost?

Data Reporter

Editor & Writer

Data Summary

• Check The average total cost of graduate school comes out to roughly $42,270 per year. [1]
• Check Private, nonprofit institutions cost the most, but this is before factoring in financial aid, grants, and scholarships. [2]
• Check The average cost of a two-year master's degree program was $71,400. [3]
• Check Online master's degree programs are typically cheaper than in-person programs by 30% or more. [4]
• Check The average cost of a Ph.D. totaled $163,600-$387,730 for a 4-8 year program before grants and assistantships. [5]
• Check The average cost of graduate school has increased by nearly 180% in the past 33 years. [6]

The average total cost of graduate school comes out to roughly $42,270 per year. This includes the average cost for all master's, doctoral, and professional programs. Note Reference [1]

Knowing the cost and value of a graduate degree can help you decide whether it is right for you. This report covers average graduate student loan amounts, average costs by institution type and degree program, and earning potential for graduates with advanced degrees.

Average Cost of Graduate School

The average cost of graduate tuition and fees is $21,730 per year. The average total cost, which includes housing and course materials, is around $42,270 per year. The median cost is less at $29,070 per year. Note Reference [1]

Private, nonprofit institutions cost the most, but this is before factoring in financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Private, for-profit schools cost over $20,000 less than private, nonprofit schools.

Behind the Numbers

To calculate the costs in the tables, we used data from the 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey of Graduate Students (NPSAS:GR), a nationally representative student survey conducted by the Department of Education. We then converted the amounts to 2023 dollars using the Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator. [7]

Cost of Graduate School by Program Type

The cost of graduate programs can vary depending on the length of a program, the institution type, and the degree type. The following sections break down costs by program type, including master's, doctoral, and professional programs.

Research Graduate Programs

Research-based programs are intended for those pursuing academic positions. These program types are not typically chosen to prepare for professional practice.

Master's Degree

The average cost of a master's degree amounts to $35,700 per year, or $71,400 for two years. Note Reference [3] Costs vary by institution and can range anywhere between $51,060 and $85,400 for a two-year program.

The median cost of a master of public health (MPH) degree is the highest of all master's degree types. Master of social work (MSW) degrees cost the second highest with a median total cost of $35,780 per year. [8] As shown in the chart below, living expenses and course material costs can double or even triple the actual cost of attendance.

Median prices for fully online master's degree programs are typically cheaper than in-person programs by more than 30%. Note Reference [4]

• Some of the most affordable online master's degrees may cost as little as $4,000-$7,000 a year.
• The median total cost of completing a fully online master's program totals roughly $24,290 a year.

Ph.D. Programs

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average total cost of a Ph.D. comes out to roughly $48,470 per year. Note Reference [5] Since students typically take 4-8 years to complete a Ph.D. program, it can cost anywhere from $193,880-$387,760 before grants and assistantships.

While Ph.D. programs take longer to complete than other graduate programs, doctoral students receive more financial support on average than master's degree and other progressional graduate degree students. This includes tuition waivers or stipends in exchange for teaching or research.

Professional Graduate Programs

Unlike research-based graduate programs, professional graduate programs are intended to prepare students for professional practice. This includes degrees in dentistry, business, law, medicine, and nursing.

Cost of Graduate School Over Time

The average cost of graduate school has increased by over 123% in the past 33 years. Note Reference [6]

• At public institutions, it rose from about $4,440 to $12,600: 184% increase.
• At private schools, it went from roughly $17,505 to $28,020: over 60% increase.

Is Grad School Worth It?

Is graduate school worth the money? Having a graduate degree may help you progress faster in your career or qualify for higher-paying jobs. It is important to also weigh the costs, however, including both time and money.

Graduate Student Loan Debt

In 2019-2020, most master's and professional doctorate graduates completed their programs with loans.

The figures below account for all institution types. However, private, for-profit institution graduates held the highest percentage of loans. For example, 77% of professional doctorate recipients at these institutions owed in 2019-2020. [10]

It is worth noting that the table shows the percentage of those with loans who also graduated. It does not account for those who did not finish their degree programs, in which case the percentage of students with student loans would be much higher.

Less than half (45%) of full-time master's students received grants, and the average grant amount totaled $13,500. [11] , [12]

Those who completed a master's degree held an average loan amount of $75,800 in 2019-2020. Among Ph.D. research graduates, the average loan amount was $79,560 in 2019-2020. Those who completed a professional doctorate had an even higher average loan amount of $196,030. Note Reference [10]

Average student loan amounts for graduate school completers have generally increased for all degree types since the turn of the century. For research doctorate graduates, the average amount increased by over $20,000 between 2000 and 2020, going from $57,720 to $79,560. Note Reference [10]

Earnings Potential

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that higher levels of education correlate with higher income levels. According to the BLS, high school graduates made a median income of $51,470 in 2022, while those with doctorates earned a median of $151,400.

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Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

Genevieve Carlton

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Bianca Gonzalez

Updated April 16, 2024

Danika Miller

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

An online doctoral program is an affordable and flexible way to earn the highest credential in education.

A doctorate can qualify you for senior-level positions in many fields, including leadership roles at various businesses and organizations. The degree can also prepare you to teach at the college level and perform academic research.

We determined our rankings of the best online doctoral programs using metrics like affordability and academic quality. We aggregated data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System to provide objective, fact-based rankings so you know which online Ph.D. programs are worth applying to.

Featured Online Doctorate Programs

Our partner schools offer programs that help you advance your education while accommodating your schedule. Visit their sites to learn more about degrees, course offerings, start dates, transfer of credits, and more.

Top Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Amridge University

• Montgomery, AL

Cost per Credit: In-State | $535-$780 Out-of-State | $535-$780

Credits to Graduate: 30-66

Amridge University is a fully online, private, Christian university offering 10 doctoral programs. Students can choose from different doctoral degrees, including a doctor of education (Ed.D.), a doctor of ministry (D.Min.), or a Ph.D., in fields like organizational leadership and management, higher education administration, counseling, biblical studies, and interdisciplinary studies. 

The cost of completing an online Ph.D. at Amridge depends on your field of study. For example, the university's Turner School of Theology charges full-time students $535 per credit hour. Meanwhile, the School of Education costs full-time students $700 per credit hour. Additionally, each doctoral program charges a $695 comprehensive fee per semester.

Amridge offers discounted tuition and waives admissions and registration fees for law enforcement and first responders.

Ashland University

• Ashland, OH
• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $778-$1100 Out-of-State | $778-$1100

Credits to Graduate: 59-77

Located in Ohio, private college Ashland University offers doctoral programs in educational leadership, nursing practice, and ministry. 

At Ashland, students can access doctoral courses in different ways. Most educational leadership courses are hybrid — students can participate in online sessions when it's convenient. Doctor of ministry students complete courses on-demand and meet in person for one week during the semester. Ashland's doctor of nursing practice is 100% online.

Ashland recommends graduate students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for federal student loans to help pay for educational costs.

Capitol Technology University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Capitol Technology University , a private university in Laurel, Maryland, offers tech-focused doctoral programs on its 52-acre campus and through its virtual campus. The online doctoral catalog includes 41 programs in fields such as aeronautical engineering, counterterrorism, healthcare technology, and space operations. 

You have the choice between doctoral degrees that emphasize research and those that do not have any research requirements. Most doctoral applicants need at least five years of work experience. 

Capitol recognizes academically gifted students with leadership potential at all degree levels by offering scholarships that begin at $2,000 and can cover full tuition. 

Maryville University of Saint Louis

• Saint Louis, MO

Cost per Credit: In-State | $922 Out-of-State | $922

Credits to Graduate: 29-48

Maryville University is a Catholic institution with a 150-year history. It has a St. Louis, Missouri campus and distance learning options. Maryville's online doctoral degree programs include eight DNP programs and one educational leadership program. 

Multiple start dates and no entrance exams make it easy to apply for Maryville's doctoral programs.

To finance your education, you can draw on a variety of financing options for graduate students. Maryville can help you find scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid opportunities.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Cost Per Credit: In-State | $850 Out-of-State | $850

Credits to Graduate: 34-75

Established in 1891, Nebraska Methodist College maintains a long-standing history of providing nursing and allied health education, with its base in Omaha, Nebraska. 

This private Methodist college provides five virtual DNP programs, which include family nursing, adult gerontology primary care, gerontology clinical nursing, public health policy, and an advanced practice RN to DNP path.

NMC's affordable tuition gets cheaper if you access federal work-study opportunities as well as merit, leadership, and membership scholarships for students involved in church and school groups. 

Texas A&M University-College Station

• College Station, TX

Cost per Credit: In-State | $446 Out-of-State | $1005

Credits to Graduate: 64-69

Texas A&M University College Station offers online Ph.D. programs in educational administration, interdisciplinary engineering, and plant breeding. Additionally, it offers online Ed.D. programs in educational administration, and curriculum and instruction. Most programs require students to complete at least 64 credit hours beyond a master's degree. 

Graduate students at Texas A&M can help fund their education through an assistantship — a part-time, paid job working in research, teaching, lecturing, or other functions. In addition, the university offers several scholarships for international students, veterans, and students with disabilities.

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Cost per Year: In-State | $9,518 Out-of-State | $17,918

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Since 1923, Texas Tech University has grown to comprise 13 colleges and schools that provide doctoral degrees in various fields, including special education and agricultural education. With hybrid and online programs, you can conveniently choose from 16 different subject areas to earn a doctorate degree.

In combination with assistantships, doctoral fellowships can help candidates fund and complete their program. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships can also help you find and submit applications for outside fellowships, travel funding, and research grants.

Touro University Worldwide

• Los Alamitos, CA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $700 Out-of-State | $700

Credits to Graduate: 42-66

The private, non-profit Touro University Worldwide serves nearly 2,250 students in 25 fully online programs, including six online doctoral programs. Doctoral students can choose from fields like health science, psychology, business administration, management, and marriage and family therapy.

Touro's doctoral programs boast relatively short completion times — students typically complete their degrees in 2-3 years, a plus for students eager to earn their degrees fast.

Touro tuition assistance counselors are available to help students determine their eligibility for financial aid. Additionally, the university encourages working students to speak with their employers about tuition assistance programs to help fund their degrees.

University of Memphis

• Memphis, TN

Cost per Credit: In-State | $623 Out-of-State | $623

Credits to Graduate: 48-54

For more than 25 years, the University of Memphis has offered fully online programs through the University of Memphis Global . The school serves over 5,000 students in more than 100 accredited programs, including eight fully online doctoral programs in education, nursing, liberal studies, and social work.

Graduate students at the University of Memphis can speak with an academic advisor to see if they qualify for Experiential Learning Credit, a program whereby students can earn college credits for professional, military, volunteer, or other life experiences.

University of North Dakota

• Grand Forks, ND

Cost per Credit: In-State | $570 Out-of-State | $570

Credits to Graduate: 60-90

You can select from 17 hybrid and online doctoral programs at the University of North Dakota , including degrees in nursing, public health, communication, education, and several specialties in science and engineering.

Online doctoral programs at the University of North Dakota generally require students to complete 90 credit hours. However, you can complete some programs in fewer credit hours if you already have a relevant master's degree. For example, completing a post-master's DNP takes just 37 credit hours to complete.

The university offers multiple scholarship opportunities to graduate students. For example, two programs — the Open Door Scholarship and Angel Fund — support current students facing financial hardship. 

University of South Dakota

• Vermillion, SD

Cost per Credit: In-State | $470 Out-of-State | $470

Credits to Graduate: 69-90

University of South Dakota's campus was established in 1862 in Vermillion, South Dakota, but now offers virtual degrees that provide both flexibility and affordability. Online students can choose from six doctoral degrees — including specializations from the education and health sciences departments. The doctoral programs cover subjects such as adult and higher education, counseling and psychology in education, curriculum director, health sciences, and nursing. 

Save on tuition by taking advantage of paid assistantships available through your department. At USD graduate school, you also can receive research grants and showcase your research at IdeaFest.

Methodology

At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.

For this page, we created a directory list of online doctoral programs that meet our criteria. These schools are organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

You can learn more about our methodology and how we rank schools here .

Tips for Choosing the Best Online Doctoral Program for You

Want to figure out which online doctoral program is best for you? Check out these five essential tips.

1. Understand Your Goals

Students considering online doctoral programs should understand their professional goals and know what jobs they want to qualify for after graduation.

Not all careers require a doctorate; however, a doctorate can provide you with better salary potential and leadership opportunities, especially in fields like healthcare and education .

Ask yourself: Do you need a Ph.D. for your chosen field? If not, how will a doctorate help you?

2. Research Accredited Online Programs

There are many online Ph.D. programs to choose from, but not all are created equal.

Make sure the schools you're considering for your online doctorate are accredited by a recognized agency . If you're applying for a doctorate in a professional field like nursing , medicine, business , law, psychology , or education, you should also look for programmatic accreditation.

As you research online doctoral programs, consider how you wish to learn. Do you want a hybrid or 100% online format? Does the program require any in-person components? Decide what works best for your goals and schedule.

3. Consider Your Budget and Financial Aid Options

Before you apply to online Ph.D. programs, take time to understand your budget and the cost of each program you're considering. Some programs will cost far more or less than others. Some doctoral programs may even be fully funded, making them highly competitive.

Submitting the FAFSA can help you qualify for federal financial aid , such as grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. You should also research institutional grants, external scholarships and fellowships , and private loans.

4. Reach Out to Faculty, Students, and Alumni

Consider contacting faculty members, current students, and recent alums of the graduate program you're interested in. This way, you can better tailor your application and have a clearer idea of what to expect during and after the program.

5. Choose One of the Top Doctoral Programs

A top-ranked doctoral program can help you reach your professional goals. After researching doctoral programs, narrow your focus to decide where to apply.

Use your research on program outcomes, doctoral specializations, and faculty mentors to identify the best programs for you. Then, make sure you meet the admission requirements and start working on your application.

Top Online Doctoral Programs

• Behavioral Psychology
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Healthcare Management
• Health Informatics
• Higher Education
• Human Resources
• Human Services
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Organizational Leadership
• Physical Therapy
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Social Work
• Supply Chain Management

Reasons to Apply to Online Ph.D. Programs

• In 2022, doctorate holders earned a median annual salary of $119,839, compared to just $82,386 for those with only a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Online Ph.D. programs offer more flexibility than on-campus programs, making it easier to balance your studies and other obligations.
• As of 2022, the unemployment rate for those with only a bachelor's degree (2.2%) was more than double the rate for those with a doctorate (1%).
• In an online Ph.D. program, you can conduct specialized research and become an expert in a field you're passionate about.
• Some online doctoral programs may be more affordable than in-person programs.

The Importance of Accreditation in Online Ph.D. Programs

Accreditation ensures that an institution meets a certain learning standard and awards recognized credentials. Attending an accredited school also means you can apply for federal student aid .

In certain fields, individual programs may receive programmatic accreditation. Licensure for professions like nursing and law usually requires completing an accredited program.

Make sure all schools you're applying to are accredited by a recognized agency .

Price Check

The average tuition and fees for graduate programs in the U.S. have risen a whopping 378% between 1989 and 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Cost of Online Ph.D. Programs

According to NCES data, the average annual tuition and fees for graduate programs were $20,513 in 2021-2022 .

Private nonprofit institutions had an annual average cost of $29,931, while public universities had a lower annual average cost of $12,596.

Other factors that can affect how much your online Ph.D. or doctorate will cost include textbooks and supplies, distance learning fees, and whether you're attending an in-state or out-of-state institution.

You can offset some of these costs by submitting the FAFSA and applying for scholarships and fellowships.

Careers You Can Get With an Online Doctorate

What can you do after earning a Ph.D. or another doctoral-level degree online? A doctorate can open the door to many professions, from psychologist to nurse practitioner to or college professor. You can also move into leadership roles in business, healthcare, and education.

Many in-demand jobs require a doctorate. For example, the job growth rate for veterinarians is 20% over the next 10 years.

A doctoral degree can lead to high-paying careers as well. Physicians and surgeons earn over $220,000 annually, and dentists earn nearly $160,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctoral Programs

• Collapse All

What is the cheapest way to get a Ph.D.?

The cheapest way to get a Ph.D. is to apply for financial aid to cover your costs. Some programs offer doctoral fellowships that cover tuition and provide a stipend. You can also use scholarships and grants to pay for a Ph.D.

Finally, researching affordable online doctoral programs can help you save money.

Are online Ph.D. programs legitimate?

Just like in-person Ph.D. programs, online doctoral programs can be legitimate — so long as they're accredited. An online program with the same accreditation as an in-person program will have completed the same vetting process and meet the same quality standards.

You can check a school's accreditation status by using the directories on the Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation websites.

What is the easiest and fastest Ph.D. to get online?

In fields like healthcare, business, and education, you can earn a doctorate online in three years or less. For example, a doctor of business administration (DBA) typically takes three years to complete, as do many doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs.

How long does an online Ph.D. take?

The time it takes to complete an online Ph.D. varies depending on the field and program, whether you attend part or full time, and whether you opt for an accelerated program. A typical online Ph.D. program takes at least three years to complete, though it may take as many as 5-7 years.

How much does an online Ph.D. program cost?

The cost of Ph.D. programs varies widely, with the average graduate tuition and fees exceeding $20,000 per year in 2021-2022, according to NCES data . Graduate students can save money by choosing an affordable online program and researching financial aid opportunities.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed April 16, 2024.

Related articles that may interest you

What is an accelerated doctorate degree online.

One-year online doctoral programs can help you advance your career. Learn more about earning a terminal degree as fast as possible.

Should You Get A Ph.D.?

Discover the best online Ph.D. programs and learn what it will take to earn your degree.

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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 2024-2025 academic year.

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

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School of the Environment 2023–2024

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• Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses /

Ph.D. Program Tuition and Fees

The 2023–2024 tuition for the Ph.D. program is $48,300. Most doctoral students receive a School fellowship that covers the cost of their tuition and provides a 12-month stipend for the first five years of their program. For 2023–2024, the stipend is $40,530. Doctoral students must pay a nominal continuous registration fee (CRF) for no more than three years thereafter. The continuous registration fee is $790 per term.

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• Tuition and Fees
• Graduate Financial Aid

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

If you are a PhD student, you receive a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition through at least your first five years.

If you are a Master's student, you will be responsible for paying tuition, or obtaining funding through your program or from external sources.

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.

• Full-time study, per term: $24,750
• Full-time study in IDE, per term: $25,250
• Half-time study, per term: $12,375
• One-quarter time study, per term: $6,187.50
• Coursework, per course, per term (including audited courses): $6,187.50.
• Visiting Students, per term: $24,750
• Visiting Assistants in Research, per month: $425

Continuous Registration Fee (CRF), per term: $820

Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage, twelve months: $3,110

• It is anticipated that tuition will be increased in subsequent years.
• It is anticipated that the Continuous Registration Fee will be increased in subsequent years.
• Other fees are subject to change without notice. For fees relating to registration and course enrollment, see Course Enrollment, under Academic Regulations.
• See Registration Status and Leaves of Absence, under Academic Regulations.
• Hospitalization fees are for single students. Rates are higher for students needing dependent coverage. Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage includes prescription coverage.

Graduate Financial Aid Office

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• Cost of Attendance

Learn the costs associated with attending Harvard Griffin GSAS.

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Master’s and PhD Students

Special students, visiting fellows, health fees.

• Graduate Student Council Fee

Family Expenses

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

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

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

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

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

Master’s and PhD Student Tuition Fee 2024–2025

Note: Subject to annual increases

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

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

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

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

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

Payment of tuition and fees is due prior to registration.

Special Student Tuition Fee 2024–2025, Per Term Costs 

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

Visiting Fellow Tuition Fee 2024–2025

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

Required Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) Fees

Graduate Student Council Fee 

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

Other Costs

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

Estimated 2024-2025 Living Expenses by Budget Category

Total Estimated 2024-2025 Living Expense by Housing Type 

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

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

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

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

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

Estimated 2024-2025 Living Expenses Budget for Families

Financial Aid

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How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?

A PhD program typically takes four to seven years, but a variety of factors can impact that timeline.

A PhD , or doctorate degree , is the highest degree you can earn in certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics. As a result, it often takes longer to earn than it does for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

While many PhD programs are designed to be finished in four or five years, the average completion time is much longer when you factor in the time it takes to research and write a dissertation. In 2020, for example, doctoral students took between six and twelve years to complete their PhDs [ 1 ]. By comparison, you can complete a master's degree in one to three years.

In this article, we'll explore the requirements of a PhD, what often ends up adding to the length of time, and important factors you should consider when deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.

PhD requirements + general timeline

Doctoral programs typically require PhD candidates to take take advanced courses, pass a comprehensive exam (sometimes called "comps"), and produce an original body of research, such as a dissertation, to obtain the degree. In some cases, you may also be expected to fulfill a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, both of which are meant to prepare you for a career in academia or research.

PhD requirements

The precise requirements you'll need to complete in order to get your PhD vary from one program to another, but some common tasks include:

Advanced coursework: Graduate-level coursework that explores a number of advanced sub-topics related to your field

Comprehensive exam: An exam that requires you to show knowledge of your field, such as its history, important figures, major theories or research, and more

Dissertation: An original body of research you contribute to your field

PhD timeline

The specifics of a PhD program vary by college and university, but the following estimates give you an idea of what to expect during your time in graduate school:

Year 1: Complete advanced coursework.

Year 2: Complete advanced coursework and begin preparing for your comprehensive exams.

Year 3: Study, take, and defend your comprehensive exams. Begin researching your dissertation proposal.

Year 4: Submit your dissertation proposal to your committee chair, and, once approved, begin working on your dissertation.

Year 5: Finish writing your dissertation and submit for committee approval. Defend your dissertation and apply for graduation.

Note that while this timeline gives a general timeline of how long it will take to complete a PhD program, it's very common for candidates to take more than one year to research and compose their dissertation.

Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider

PhD timelines by focus

Some PhD programs take longer to complete than others. For example, earning a doctorate in a science and engineering field typically takes less time than earning a doctorate in the arts or humanities, according to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) [ 1 ]. The list below shows the median length of time it took doctorate students to earn their degree in 2020:

Physical and Earth Sciences: 6.3 

Engineering: 6.8 years

Life sciences: 6.9 years

Mathematics and computer science: 7 years

Psychology and Social Sciences: 7.9 years

Humanities and arts: 9.6 years

Education: 12 years

Learn more: What Is a Terminal Degree and Do I Need One?

Why does it take so long to complete a PhD?

There are a few reasons why it takes more time to complete a PhD compared to other advanced degrees.

1. Dissertations

Once a doctoral student has successfully passed their comps, they are considered “All But Dissertation” or “ABD.” Yet, the number of students who successfully complete their PhD program remains low—estimates show that nearly 50 percent of students drop out, often after reaching the dissertation phase [ 2 ].

The dissertation phase can often take much longer to complete than the other requirements of a PhD. Researching and writing a dissertation takes significant time because students are expected to make an original and notable contribution to their field.

2. Assistantship obligations

Teaching and research assistantships are beneficial because they can help pay for a PhD program, but they may also take time away from working on your dissertation. Some students are expected to teach at least one class per semester on top of their other obligations as graduate students.

For universities that reduce the teaching or research load that students have as part of their assistantship, times to completion tend to improve. Humanities students at Princeton University began finishing their degree in 6.4 years (compared to 7.5 years) thanks to the institution's financial support and the reduced number of classes students taught [ 3 ].

3. Other responsibilities

Doctoral students tend to be older. Graduate students pursuing a PhD in science or engineering were an average of 31.6 years old by the time they earned their degree in 2016, according to the National Science Foundation [ 4 ]. In effect, some PhD students may have competing obligations, such as family. If a student’s funding has run out, and they have to find full-time work, it also may affect the time they can dedicate to writing their dissertation.

Is a PhD right for you?

People pursue PhDs for various reasons: Some want a job that requires the degree, such as teaching at a university, while others want the challenges or intellectual engagement that a graduate program offers. Identifying why you want to earn a PhD can help indicate whether it’s your best choice.

If your career aspirations don't require a PhD, it might be better to focus on gaining professional experience. Or if you're interested in an advanced education, a master's degree may be a better option. It takes less time to complete than a PhD and can lead to more career opportunities and larger salaries than a bachelor's degree.

Learn more: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

Benefits of a PhD

The primary advantage of earning a PhD is your increased demand and marketability in the workforce.

In 2018, less than 5 percent of the United States population had a doctorate degree, compared to about 48 percent with a bachelor's degree and 21 percent with a master's degree, according to the US Census Bureau [ 5 ]. As a member of this elite group, the potential for advanced roles, promotions, or pay raises may be greater.

Even before you have a degree in hand, working toward a PhD gives you opportunities to hone valuable skills , including writing, research, and data analysis . Furthermore, completing a PhD program can demonstrate to potential employers that you have specialized knowledge and the fortitude to finish such an advanced degree.

Costs of a PhD

Beyond the time they take to complete, PhD programs can be expensive. The average cost of a PhD program in the United States is just under $100,000. At some schools, the cost of a PhD can even exceed $200,000 [ 6 ]. While many institutions offer funding support in the form of assistantships or scholarships, many PhD students still graduate with student loan debt. In 2023, the average student loan debt for PhD was $134,797 [ 7 ].

Another factor to consider is the loss of income you might incur while you're working toward your degree. Some graduate students accept teaching or research assistantships to help fund the cost of their program, but these may not pay as much as full-time positions. Working on your education may also mean pausing the professional experience you’d gain in the workforce—and potentially losing out on promotions and raises. However, it’s worth noting that graduate degree holders earn much more over the course of their lifetime than bachelor’s degree holders, according to the US Social Security Administration [ 8 ].

Read more: How to Pay for Graduate School: 8 Ways

Set yourself up for success

A PhD is a major accomplishment. As you think about your long-term goals and whether a PhD will help you achieve them, it's important to understand ways you can set yourself up for success. According to the University of Georgia, success in a PhD program often means [ 9 ]:

Understanding the demands and expectations of the program

Receiving adequate program orientation

Getting support from peers and faculty

Feeling a sense of belonging as a member of an academic community

These conditions underscore the importance of choosing the right program and school to fit your personal and professional goals. Take time to research the ways your potential institution offers financial support, mental health support, and career placement support, among other program features.

An advanced degree can be a lucrative credential. You can earn your master’s in a number of in-demand fields from top universities on Coursera. Earn a degree in computer science , business , management , or public health , all while enjoying greater flexibility than an in-person degree program tends to offer. Earning your master's can also help you discern whether a PhD makes sense for your larger objectives.

Article sources

Survey of Earned Doctorates. " Path to the doctorate , https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22300/report/path-to-the-doctorate." Accessed January 30, 2024.

International Journal of Higher Education. “ Who Are the Doctoral Students Who Drop Out? , https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1188721.pdf.” Accessed January 30, 2024.

The New York Times. " Exploring Ways to Shorten the Ascent to a PhD , https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/education/03education.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

National Science Foundation. " Science and Engineering Doctorates , https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2018/nsf18304/report/age-at-doctorate-award-what-are-the-overall-trends-and-characteristics/characteristics-of-doctorate-recipients-sex.cfm." Accessed January 30, 2024.

US Census Bureau. " About 13.1 Percent Have a Master’s, Professional Degree or Doctorate , https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/02/number-of-people-with-masters-and-phd-degrees-double-since-2000.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Education Data Initiative. " Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree , https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-doctorate-degree." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Education Data Initiative. " Average Graduate Student Loan Debt , https://educationdata.org/average-graduate-student-loan-debt." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Social Security Administration. " Education and Lifetime Earnings , https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

 A Data-Driven Approach to Improving Doctoral Completion. " Chapter 2: Description of Projects , https://cgsnet.org/cgs-occasional-paper-series/university-georgia/chapter-2." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Graduate School

Funding Calendar, University Rates & Costs

Funding calendar.

Graduate student financial support follows the Graduate School academic and enrollment calendar.

Incoming First-year Students:  Princeton fellowships begin in August with the start of the new academic year. Note that pay is provided at the end of each month in which the support is earned per the university payroll cycle . 

Continuing Students: Princeton twelve-month fellowship awards run from August 1 through July 31; ten-month awards run from August 1 through May 31. 

Students with Assistantships in Instruction (AIs):  AI assignments begin at the start of the respective five-month term. Salary is paid beginning August 1 in fall, January 1 in spring.

Students Planning for Degree Completion or Change in Status in a Given Term: When planning for a change in enrollment status or degree completion, please reference this important information regarding student benefits .

University Rates & Costs: 2024-25

Student Health Plan (SHP) Fees are included with a student's monthly tuition or enrollment fee. For degree-seeking students, SHP coverage begins August 1 and extends through the 12-month academic year provided the student remains enrolled. Visit  University Health Services  for more information about SHP coverage.

Mechanical Engineering

• Graduate study in Mechanical Engineering
• Ph.D. programs

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for careers in research and academia. Our collaborative faculty are investigating a diverse range of research areas like additive manufacturing, air quality, cellular biomechanics, computational design, DNA origami, energy conversion and storage, nanoscale manufacturing, soft robotics, transdermal drug delivery, transport phenomena, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Interested? Visit our research pages for more information, including faculty areas of expertise and research videos.

• Other Ph.D. programs

I’d like more information.

View the  degree requirements  in the handbook.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Students typically complete the Ph.D. degree requirements in three to five years. Early in the program, students focus on course-work that enhances their knowledge as they prepare to conduct research.

Within one year, students must pass the departmental qualifying exam, an oral exam that tests research skills and knowledge of a core mechanical engineering subject area.

Student research forms the core of the Ph.D. program. Research involves active student-directed inquiry into an engineering problem, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense.

Ph.D. Financial Support

The majority of full-time Ph.D. students accepted through the standard application process receive fellowships that cover full tuition, the technology fee, and a stipend for living expenses for up to five years, as long as sufficient progress is made toward degree completion. These awards are sufficient to cover all expenses for the year (including summers). Students are required to pay for health insurance, the transportation fee, the activity fee, books, and course supplies. Off-campus housing is available within walking distance of campus. At least one year of residency is required for the Ph.D. We offer two ways to enter the Ph.D. program.

Advanced entry Ph.D.

The advanced entry Ph.D. is for students with an M.S. in an engineering discipline or equivalent field.

Direct Ph.D.

The direct Ph.D. is for students entering the program with a B.S. in an engineering discipline or equivalent field.

For a comprehensive overview of the programs, including degree requirements, please consult the most recent handbook

Ph.D. candidate Remesh Shrestha, co-advised by Professors Sheng Shen and Maarten de Boer, explains his research to create polymer nanowires that have high thermal conductivity:

Other Ph.D. programs and partnerships

Apply here (by these deadlines).

For spring 2023

For fall 2022

The application for fall entry opens in October.

More information

Ph.D. employment stats

Ph.D. enrollment and completion stats [pdf]

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Graduate Aid Gift

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Investing in the next generation of leaders in medicine and research

A new $1 billion gift from Johns Hopkins alumnus Michael R. Bloomberg will secure graduate financial aid at Johns Hopkins in perpetuity.

The gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies will allow most medical students to attend Hopkins for free and receive support for living expenses as well as provide financial aid for nursing, public health, and other graduate programs to help ensure access for top talent from middle-class and low-income families.

Removing the economic barriers that stand between America’s most promising students from low-income and middle-class families and their dreams of saving lives and making an impact on their communities furthers Bloomberg’s commitment to addressing complex American health challenges and builds on the transformative impact of Bloomberg’s 2018 gift for undergraduate aid at Johns Hopkins University.

Who Qualifies?

• Beginning in the fall of 2024, Hopkins will offer free tuition for students pursuing an M.D. who come from families earning under $300,000 – representing 95 percent of all Americans.  
• Hopkins will now cover living expenses on top of tuition and fees for medical students from families who earn up to $175,000 – a threshold inclusive of nearly 85 percent of families in the U.S.  
• Nearly two-thirds of the students currently seeking an M.D. from Johns Hopkins and matriculating this fall will immediately qualify for either free tuition or free tuition plus living expenses.  
• Eligible new and returning medical students will receive updated financial aid packages this summer that reflect the gift’s impact.

Hopkins receives transformative Bloomberg Philanthropies investment in financial aid for next generation of doctors, nurses, and research pioneers

Thanks to new $1 billion financial aid gift, most medical students will now attend Johns Hopkins tuition-free and many will receive additional support to cover living expenses. Financial aid for nursing, public health, and other graduate programs will ensure access for top talent from middle-class and low-income backgrounds.

“Removing financial barriers to individual opportunity fuels excellence, innovation, and discoveries that redound to the benefit of society.”

—President Ronald J. Daniels

Graduate Aid for Other Critical Fields

The Bloomberg Philanthropies gift also boosts financial aid for nurses and public health experts, and will open doors to graduate school for students pursuing graduate degrees in the Johns Hopkins Schools of Education, Engineering, Business, Arts and Sciences, Advanced International Studies, Peabody Institute, and the upcoming School of Government and Policy through expanded need-based scholarships and fully funded PhD fellowships. The gift also will support the development of a program to send more impact-focused, interdisciplinary leaders into the worlds of research, industry and government through innovations in PhD education and training.

Bloomberg School of Public Health

Program : MSPH

School of Nursing

Program : MSN

Carey Business School

Program : Full-time MBA

Whiting School of Engineering

Program : PhD

School of Education

Program : EdD

School of Advanced International Studies

Program : MAIR

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Program : Graduate Study

Peabody Institute

Frequently asked questions.

• This new $1 billion gift from Johns Hopkins alumnus Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P., will secure graduate financial aid at Johns Hopkins in perpetuity. 
• As a result of the gift our School of Medicine will be free for most medical school students. The school will provide medical education tuition-free for students from families that earn up to $300k in annual income and a full-ride (inclusive of living expenses) for those from families earning up to $175k in annual income.
• Additionally, the gift boosts financial aid for nurses and public health experts, and will open doors to graduate school for students pursuing graduate degrees in the Johns Hopkins Schools of Education, Engineering, Business, Arts and Sciences, Advanced International Studies, Peabody Institute, and the upcoming School of Government and Policy through expanded need-based scholarships and fully funded PhD fellowships.
• The gift also will support the development of a program to send more impact-focused, interdisciplinary leaders into the worlds of research, industry and government through innovations in PhD education and training. 
• Each school will be putting this gift toward financial aid for graduate students.
• The School of Medicine will provide the tuition-free and full-ride levels of financial aid described above (see question 1). 
• Our schools of nursing and public health are using their gift dollars to boost their flagship programs – the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), and the MSN Entry into Nursing program – to support students who will have an extraordinary impact on American health challenges.
• Our other graduate schools will be deploying their gift dollars either for specific degrees or for other graduate student needs and priorities. 
• School of Medicine Financial Aid website
• Bloomberg School of Public Health Financial Aid website
• School of Nursing Financial Aid website
• School of Education Financial Aid website
• Carey Business School Financial Aid website
• School of Advanced International Studies Financial Aid website
• Whiting School of Engineering Financial Aid website
• Krieger School of Arts & Sciences Financial Aid website
• Peabody Institute Financial Aid website
• Yes, 100% of the gift will benefit graduate student financial aid.
• Undergraduate financial aid was the focus of Michael Bloomberg’s record 2018 contribution of $1.8 billion, which had a transformative impact on our student body. By dramatically expanding scholarship support, Hopkins was able to simultaneously attract the world’s most academically qualified undergraduates and transform the socioeconomic makeup of our undergraduate programs. 
• We believe this current gift, focused on graduate education, will have a similar impact, attracting the best and brightest graduate and medical students, allowing them to pursue their dreams regardless of financial background
• Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies are longtime supporters of graduate education at Johns Hopkins, having made previous major gifts, particularly in health-related fields where their philanthropy at Hopkins and around the globe has been so impactful.
• All told, thousands of our undergraduate and graduate students and alumni have benefitted from their generosity, as will generations to come.  
• Each of our graduate divisions has been able to deploy this extraordinary philanthropy to maximum effect for their students. 
• In some cases, the gift has been infused throughout the program already and is fueling the aid packages of current students; in other cases, it is being targeted at the neediest students entering next year’s class in pursuit of one of our flagship degrees.
• Because we’ve been working on this for several months, we were very lucky to be able to work it into Fall 2024 aid packages, which were sent out by most divisions in April and May. 
• Eligible incoming and returning M.D. students in the School of Medicine will receive updated award notifications on July 8, 2024.
• Yes, all School of Medicine students, current and future, are included in this program. For example, a current second-year medical student will have the next two years covered if they meet the criteria.
• No. Financial aid has already completed a review of student financial circumstances and is sending updated award letters to eligible incoming and returning M.D. students on July 8, 2024. Students who qualify for additional financial aid funding will see these award changes reflected in their new award letters. Students will see the new award reflected in their bill for the fall semester no later than Monday, July 15.
• In many of our other academic divisions, the gift has been infused throughout the program already and is fueling the aid packages of current students. There is no need to apply for this aid as it is automatically considered in the need-based financial aid packages provided by the respective divisions.
• Yes. The goal of this program is to decrease some of that burden, broaden the group of talented medical students who could attend Hopkins, and ensure that debt is not the driver of the choices our students make around which fields of medicine to practice.
• The cost of a medical school education, which averages $100k per year (so $400k total), is burdensome to most families.  And very often the students bear this burden by incurring debt.
• Michael Bloomberg’s record 2018 contribution of $1.8 billion to undergraduate financial aid at Hopkins had a transformative impact on our student body. By dramatically expanding scholarship support, Hopkins was able to simultaneously attract the world’s most academically qualified undergraduates and transform the socioeconomic makeup of our undergraduate programs.
• We believe this gift will have a similar impact, attracting the best and brightest graduate and medical students, allowing them to pursue their dreams regardless of financial background.
• See our coverage on the  Johns Hopkins Hub  and visit the financial aid and news pages of the colleges and schools benefitting from the gift.

From the Hub

Bloomberg’s gift helps Hopkins realize key goal

Bloomberg gives record $1.8B to Hopkins for financial aid

University announces $150M effort to fuel diversity in STEM fields

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• 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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• Postgraduate Research

PhD fees and costs

To study a PhD, you'll need to pay the cost of tuition fees, research support fees (such as materials used in a laboratory) and be able to cover your living expenses

A funded PhD studentship may meet all or part of these costs or you may be able to find funding for your self-funded PhD or research project.  The fees below are for the academic year 2024/25.

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Paying fees

The University requires payment of tuition fees at registration for the whole of the coming academic session or for the duration of a programme that is to be completed in less than a year. However, arrangements can be made for self-supporting students to pay their tuition fees in installments.

All instalments must be arranged with the Student Administration and Support Division. If you hold a scholarship or studentship, the awarding body should provide the Student Fees section of the Student Administration and Support Division with an acceptable guarantee of payment.

If you expect to be sponsored please ensure that your sponsors understand fully their responsibilities for your fees and maintenance and that they are prepared to honour them for the duration of your studies in Liverpool.

If your sponsor does not provide an acceptable guarantee of payment, or defaults on their guarantee, you will become responsible for the payment of fees yourself. Unfortunately, the University is not able to provide financial aid or waive fees for students whose arrangements for financial support fail during the period of their studies.

Transfering funds from abroad

International students will need to ensure that they can bring sufficient funds with them for living expenses, as well as for payment of fees, or have sufficient funds sent to them in instalments throughout the year. Students from countries which operate strict foreign exchange controls should make sure that permission can be obtained for the transmission of adequate funds.

Other costs

Research support fees.

Research support fees, also known as 'bench fees', cover the cost of consumable materials used in your study. Some MPhil/PhD and taught programme projects use up large amounts of materials or ‘consumables’. In these cases you may be charged an annual Research Support Fee to help cover the cost of this. Programmes which might incur a Research Support Fee are likely to be those which are laboratory-based. You will be notified of any fee which applies in your offer letter. Research Support Fees are the same for UK, EU and International students.

Study costs

We want to try and help you prepare for the day-to-day costs of studying. These might include things like photocopying in the library, buying textbooks and specialist equipment or going on field classes. We have put together tables of additional costs for guidance, for each subject area, including where departments make contributions towards these costs.

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