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The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs

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

Table of Contents

What Is a Fully Funded PhD Program?

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

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

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

The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs in the US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Stanford University, Graduate School of Education

Phd in curriculum studies and teacher education  (cte).

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

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

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

4. Duke University, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences

Phd in literature.

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

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

5. Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

Phd in business.

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

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

Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering

Phd in biomedical engineering.

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

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

7. Columbia University, Teachers College

Phd in clinical psychology.

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

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

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

Graduate degree in computer science.

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

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

9. Emory University, College of Arts and Sciences

Ph.D. in Economics

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

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

Can I Earn a Free PhD Degree Online?

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a phd be free.

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

How Do I Get a Fully Funded PhD?

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

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

Can I Study a PhD in the USA for Free?

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

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

Lisa Marlin

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

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• How to Apply for PhD Funding – Advice, Tips and FAQs

How to Apply for PhD Funding – Advice, Tips & FAQs

Written by Mark Bennett

You've found a great project at the perfect university and you're all set to get going with your research. There's just one question left: how are you actually going to fund your PhD?

The first step is to get to know the different types of PhD funding . But what about actually applying for them? How do you decide where to start? How do you stay organised? And, ultimately, how do you convince someone to help pay for your PhD?

This guide is here to help with those questions. We've distilled the most important PhD funding advice into six simple tips, followed by some FAQs to cover common questions.

How to apply for PhD funding – the basics

First things first, how do PhD funding applications actually work? It obviously depends on the type of funding you apply for, but here are some general pointers to get you started on applying for a PhD scholarship, studentship or loan.

Applying for PhD funding vs applying for a PhD

If your PhD is advertised as a funded project then you won't need to make a separate application for funding: you simply apply for the PhD opportunity and get the stipend or studentship that comes with it. This is common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. If that's you, you don't really need the advice on this page – you can just get started finding a funded PhD !

If you're proposing your own PhD topic then you will need to apply for funding separately. This is common in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects, though some STEM projects are also advertised for self-funded students . If you're one of them then the information here is designed to help you.

Where to apply

A lot of PhD funding is already allocated to universities, even if the money itself comes from an external source. This is the case for UK Research Council studentships as well as many scholarships from large charities like the Leverhulme Trust or the Wolfson Foundation.

You normally apply for this kind of funding after the university has accepted your PhD application . Sometimes it's a completely separate process, or you may automatically be entered into consideration for a PhD scholarship from your university.

Other funding bodies like smaller charities or learned societies will usually accept applications directly from students. They may also want confirmation that you've been accepted for a PhD before they'll consider you. If you're not sure how to apply for a PhD scholarship, it's best to reach out to the funding body directly, as the process will differ between organisations.

Applications for the PhD loan go directly to student finance. You'll need to say where you plan to do your PhD, but you don't need to have finished applying for it yet.

Deadlines for PhD funding are usually set quite far in advance. You may need to begin your funding application during the winter or early spring of the academic year before your degree starts. This provides time for funders to assess applications and select candidates (most PhD scholarships and studentships are awarded competitively).

Deadlines for student loans are more relaxed as only your basic eligibility needs to be checked. For example, you can actually apply for a UK PhD loan at any point up until three months before the end of your degree.

What you'll need

Application requirements for PhD funding are similar to those for a PhD.

You'll normally need to provide details of your existing or pending qualifications, a proposal for the project you plan to research, and some form of personal statement that explains your broader goals and establishes your 'fit' with this scholarship or studentship. Some funders may also ask to see an appropriate academic CV and references .

Bear in mind that the things a funder wants to see may be slightly different to the things a university wants to see. For example, they may care less about the academic detail and methodology for your project and more about how its outcomes support their own objectives.

PhD funding bodies

There are many organisations including charities and trusts that fund PhDs in the UK, but the seven Research Councils run by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are by far the biggest contributors to doctoral research. Together, they invest £380 million per year in PhD studentships.

How to apply for PhD funding – tips and tricks

Applying for PhD funding isn't quite the same as applying for a PhD . You'll need to plan for multiple options and outcomes and organise your applications accordingly. You may also need to think slightly differently about how you present and talk about your PhD plans.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

Tip 1 – Work out how much funding you definitely need

The first step in applying for funding should be to work out the rough cost of your PhD . Fees will be similar for most PhDs in the UK, but living costs and other expenses will depend on your subject and circumstances. It's a good idea to get a rough estimate for yours.

Now, subtract from that any funding you may be able to access automatically. This could include things like alumni discounts from your university or student finance like the UK PhD loan.

Once you've done this, you'll know how much funding is essential to make your PhD viable and you can prioritise your options accordingly (we'll get to that soon).

The reality is that applications for full studentships (like those from the AHRC , ESRC and other UK Research Councils ) are very competitive. They should still be your Plan A, but that doesn't mean you can't also be working on a Plan B.

Tip 2 – Don't put all your eggs in one basket

This follows from the above, but it's worth picking out (yes, we care about you too, skim readers).

You want a full PhD studentship. Having one is clearly better than borrowing money, using your own savings or working part-time to fund a PhD (and it's an awful lot better than having to do all three).

But you can't just assume you'll get a particular studentship. So don't.

At the very least, have a couple of alternatives in mind (i.e. funding opportunities from your university as well as a UKRI studentship ). You should also be thinking now about what you'll do if you don't get a particular funding option. Can you begin your project as a wholly or partially self-funded student? What other grants might you apply for in that case, and when?

This brings us to. . .

Tip 3 – Be really organised

Some of the most boring and obvious advice for a PhD funding search also happens to be some of the most effective.

First of all, make a list of the different funding options you might apply for. Include details of the amounts they offer, their specific eligibility criteria and, most importantly, their deadlines.

Next, work backwards from those deadlines and plan your application process. It might be a good idea to split this into phases, starting with the earliest deadlines for the best funding and moving on to less ideal (but potentially viable) options that leave you more time prepare.

Let's say you're looking to fund a Social Sciences PhD. You know that the deadline for Economic and Social Research Council funding at your university is in January and you focus on getting everying ready for that application, before Christmas. This is phase one.

Meanwhile, you're also making a list of alternative sources of full funding, from your university and some independent trusts and charities . If your ESRC application isn't successful, you're instantly ready to pick yourself up and go to phase two.

Finally, you've read up on the UK PhD loan system and determined that this is a viable (though not ideal) option, if all else fails. There's no real deadline for this and applications don't generally open until June. So, if it comes to it, that's phase three.

It's a lot of work, but it's also good training in organisational and project management skills – fairly handy on a PhD.

Tip 4 – Don't beg and don't spam

This advice should be self-explanatory and, given that you've bothered to read this far, you shouldn't need it. Still though, you might be surprised to learn just how many low quality applications some funders receive.

As a general rule, funders will be more interested in your research than they are in your personal backstory. Or, to put it another way, the fact that you really need funding isn't enough to get it (everyone else needs funding too and scholarships are almost never first-come-first-served).

Similarly, copying and pasting the same email to multiple funders may feel like it saves time, but it probably just wastes it. It's easy to spot a copied email and, in any case, you won't have given yourself a chance to explain why your research fits each funder's objectives. That brings us to the next tip.

Tip 5 – Think like a funder

Applying for a PhD means convincing someone that your research is worth doing. Applying for funding means convincing someone that it's worth paying for.

And, sadly, no funder exists just to help any student get any PhD in any subject.

So, a key piece of advice for a successful PhD funding application is to try and get inside the head of potential funders. What are their objectives? Why do they actually fund PhD research? What do they hope their funding will achieve?

Universities will want to maintain or raise their profile for research in certain areas. Businesses will hope to benefit commercially and / or reputationally from the research they fund. Charities will pursue a range of objectives, from combatting disease or addressing cultural issues to preserving local heritage or widening participation in education.

Whatever your funder's goals, you need to be really clear why and how you and your PhD are going to help achieve them. The best place for this is normally a personal statement or covering letter (if your funding application asks for one) but you may also need to think ahead to potential PhD interview questions , if a representative from your funding body will be present.

Tip 6 – Get help from your supervisor, if you can

Chances are that you've already been matched with a supervisor by now (particularly if you've already been accepted for your PhD). If not, you may have a supervisor in mind and have begun corresponding with them .

Either way, a prospective supervisor may be able to help more than you think. This isn't just because they're experts in your field, either; academics also have a lot of experience applying for research funding.

Here are a few of the ways they may be able to help:

• Highlighting funding you aren't aware of – Your supervisor will be aware of specialist funders in your subject area and they may also have advance knowledge of upcoming funding opportunities
• Helping you emphasise the right aspects of your project – Your supervisor will be used to thinking about research from a funder's point of view; they'll be able to help you decide what to include (and leave out) when pitching your research for funding
• Acting as a referee – Your supervisor will be uniquely positioned to vouch for the potential value and impact of your project
• Providing perspective – Not winning funding can be disheartening, but it doesn't mean your PhD is a failure; your supervisor will be able to help you pick yourself back up and move on to the next option

How much support you can expect from a supervisor will depend on your circumstances (and theirs) but you don't necessarily have to apply for PhD funding entirely on your own.

PhD funding FAQs

Here are the answers to a few common questions about PhD funding:

Can I apply for multiple funding options at the same time?

Yes. Technically you put in as many PhD studentship or scholarship applications as you like. Just bear in mind that good funding applications take time. It's better to be organised than to over-stretch yourself.

Also, some funding options can't be combined: for example, you can't have a PhD loan if you've also been awarded funding from UKRI .

Is there a limit to how much PhD funding I can get?

Some funders will only provide full studentships to PhD students who don't already have another substantial source of support.

There's no official limit on the number of smaller grants you can combine from universities, charities and trusts (and no one to enforce one) but, again, funders may wish to focus on students who need their support the most.

How much is PhD funding worth?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of PhD funding:

• Full studentships provide a payment for your university fees and a stipend or bursary to contribute towards your living costs
• Partial awards either cover your fees or contribute towards living costs

Some full studentships also provide additional money for travel and research expenses such as materials and fieldwork.

In any case, the value of your PhD funding will depend on the cost associated with your PhD. As a good benchmark, a full UKRI studentship currently provides a little under £20,000 per year for fees and living costs

What can I use PhD funding to pay for?

It depends what the funding is allocated for.

Most PhD stipends or bursaries are paid directly to students for living costs. Funders won't check exactly what you spend this money on, but it's a good idea to focus on accommodation, groceries and other essentials.

Some additional funding may be provided for travel or conference expenses, in which case you'll probably need to keep the relevant reciepts.

Money paid for fees will usually go directly to your university.

When should I start looking for PhD funding?

It's a good idea to begin thinking about funding as soon as you start to seriously consider a PhD. That will give you enough time to put together the best possible application and consider alternative options if you aren't initially successful.

Can funded students also work during a PhD?

You won't normally be allowed to work full-time if you also have a full studentship, but you may be able to work part time (this is the case for UKRI PhD funding).

Is PhD funding tax free?

Government funding, such as Research Council studentships, is usually tax-free. The same is usually true of other grants and scholarships that are provided solely to help support PhD study. However, some PhD funding may be taxable if it is provided in return for services such as teaching or other work at your university.

PhD loans are always tax free, but they may affect your entitlement to some benefits, including how much Universal Credit you can claim .

Does PhD funding need to be repaid?

Studentships and scholarships don't need to be repaid after you complete your PhD. Student loans do, but their repayments are linked to earnings.

Can I get funding if I don't have a 1st or 2.1?

Having a good degree result from your Bachelors (or Masters ) will help in your funding application, but it isn't the only thing funders will consider. A lower class degree may be compensated for by other factors such as relevant experience and the wider potential of your PhD project.

What happens if I don't get PhD funding?

You may still be able to begin your PhD without funding, but this will depend on your circumstances.

Some students begin by self-funding (using savings, part-time work and / or PhD student loans) in the hope of winning a full studentship during their PhD. This approach can be successful, but there's no guarantee you'll win funding later if you haven't done so in advance. So be honest about whether you can see the full doctorate through as a self-funding student.

Self-funding can also be difficult if you have to pay additional bench fees (for consumables and materials) or if the working hours for your PhD aren't flexible enough to fit around part-time work.

Ready to find a PhD?

You can find funded PhD programmes on our website.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

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A range of scholarships may be available to help you fund a PhD. Our guide explains the different types of award with tips for making a successful funding application.

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PAYING FOR YOUR PHD Expert Tips, Scholarships Opportunities and Resources for Financing an Advanced Degree

The average yearly tuition for a PhD program is slightly above $16,000, which means students will invest about $80,000 in tuition fees alone for a five-year program. Add in fees, cost-of-living, travel expenses and the figure can easily surpass six figures. Yet, it is possible to fund a PhD program without breaking the bank and going into debt.

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PHD COST BREAKDOWN

The value of a college education should not be understated, but neither should its actual cost. Earning a doctoral degree can be an expensive proposition. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for a graduate program of study was $16,435 in 2012-2013. The table below outlines the 2012-2013 graduate tuition and fees by academic institution.

• All Institutions $16,435
• Public $10,408
• Private Non-Profit $23,698
• Private For-Profit $14,418

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

A rough calculation of the number of years it takes to complete a doctoral program, multiplied by the average 2012-2013 tuition and fees from the NCES, reveals the following total cost figures by academic field of study.

A five- to six-figure education is something to take seriously as there are debt implications after leaving finishing a PhD program. Graduating doctoral students in 2013 left school with an average debt of just over $15,000, according to the National Science Foundation. By field, students in the Social Sciences, Education and Humanities graduate with the highest levels of student debt:

• Education: $26,566
• Social Sciences: $26,222
• Humanities: $21,485

Conversely, the science and technology fields graduate students with the lowest debt figures:

• Physical Sciences: $6,342
• Engineering: $7,031
• Life Sciences: $11,905
• Physical Sciences 78.2%
• Engineering 75.1%
• Life Sciences 67.2%
• Humanities 48.4%
• Social Sciences 46.5%
• Education 44.1%

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2013

While these figures may seem alarming, a deeper dive into survey data from the National Science Foundation actually paints a more positive picture. Overall, more than 62 percent of all doctoral recipients graduate from school without a single dollar of debt.

Prospective students can use the table below to get a better sense of the percentage of students who take on debt at incremental levels in each field of academic study. A majority of students graduate with $10,000 or less in debt after finishing their doctoral degree.

PhD Cost Factors

The total cost of earning a doctoral degree is variable because of the sheer number of different factors involved. Tuition is not the only cost to consider when thinking about applying to a PhD program.

Typically, students pay full tuition rates during their first three years of doctoral study and receive reduced tuition rates for the remainder of the program. However, the actual cost of tuition does vary and may be dependent on the student’s actual degree program.

Graduate students pay a range of fees, with the most common including:

• Health Services (access to health facilities on campus)
• Health Insurance (personal health insurance)
• Student Activity (subsidizes athletics and other clubs)
• Student Recreation (access to recreational facilities on campus)

Some programs estimate students should be prepared to pay between $3,000 and $4,500 per academic year in student fees and health insurance costs.

Students with a master’s degree or coursework in a similar graduate program may be able to transfer credits into their doctoral program. That can lower the total number of credits required to graduate, which can lower the total cost of the degree. However, some institutions do limit the amount of tuition credits that can be applied for graduate work done in a related field at other institutions.

Whether or not the student has an assistantship does not affect the cost of textbooks and other academic materials. Books are a revolving charge, one a student should plan upon each semester or quarter.

Housing, utilities and food are considered indirect expenses students incur during their education. PhD students should plan on anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 and up for living expenses each year. Again, this figure is highly variable based on the location of the university and the cost-of-living in that area.

Owning a car means additional budgeting for insurance, car payments and gas. Additionally, students may need to travel for conferences and research. Without funding from a graduate student association or grant program, the student will have to cover these costs individually.

PhD students with children may have to account for childcare costs. Purchasing a new computer and other supplies may also be required. This type of budgeting will vary from individual to individual, program to program.

Most PhD programs allow students to progress at their own pace, requiring them to complete and defend their dissertation within a certain time period (e.g. six years). However, the time it takes to complete a dissertation depends on the student, area of study, research, etc. This can impact cost of attending a doctoral program.

Example Cost of Attendance

A student’s budget should include the total cost of attendance—that is both direct (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (e.g. housing). This budget is the starting point for determining the student’s financial need, how much financial aid they require, and if they can afford to attend a doctoral program. Below is a sample five-year total cost of attendance chart based on an in-state tuition program, with a budget that assumes fixed costs for fees and indirect costs, such as housing. It also does not take into account assistantships and tuition waivers for assistants.

Based on a figure that’s slightly below the 2012-2013 average graduate tuition cost, the total cost of attendance can still produce sticker shock. An average student in a program that charges $12,000 per year in tuition could have to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 year in total costs.

PhD FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS

Prospective PhD candidates have an abundance of financial aid options to help fund their graduate studies. Typically, students are fully funded by a combination of sources, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or student loans.

It is important for students to note that most sources of aid are awarded by individual academic programs, so they should follow-up with their department for up-to-date information.

Below is a high-level overview of the common types of graduate financial aid.

Prospective PhD candidates can turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support their education financially. As discussed, most students use a combination of one or more of these funding sources to finance their degree program and research.

PhD students can apply for a variety of scholarships that award students with funds that can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other fees.

Grants are similar to scholarships and are academic-based awards that can be used to augment other sources of financial aid.

Fellowships are a different type of funding that may encompass a scholarship or grant and can be used to fund research, study and teaching in the US and internationally. Many fellowships provide full tuition and a yearly stipend to students.

A PhD should never be an end in itself but rather a means to an end. The path to a PhD is an arduous one and should never be undertaken without serious thought to what it will bring the student. That said, there is money available for graduate study in most fields, and a student in the humanities should be very careful to apply to appropriate programs which fund their grad students.

• Engineering
• Physical Sciences

The SMART program is designed to support graduate students studying in STEM disciplines and offers a range of other benefits, including supplies and health insurance allowances and employment placement services with the DoD after graduation.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is a three-year graduate fellowship that is designed to support doctoral students across fifteen engineering disciplines.

This three-year fellowship program supports the research efforts of doctoral students in STEM-related fields of study and allows them to pursue their work at any accredited graduate program in the country.

Renewable award for graduate students enrolled in a full-time APA-accredited doctoral program of study in psychology. Underrepresented, minority students are encouraged to apply.

This fellowship is open to female scholars and is designed to help offset the doctoral student’s living expenses during her final year of working on a dissertation.

This fellowship is a single-year of funding that is designed to support the doctoral research of a student working in child psychology.

The Javits Fellowship is provided on a needs- and competitive-basis to graduate students pursing graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Two fellowships are awarded to support doctoral students who plan to study at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece for a year.

The Richard M. Weaver Scholarship is open to graduate student members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and supports the academic work of scholars pursuing teaching careers at the college level.

The AICPA fellowship is designed for minority students pursuing or planning to pursue a doctorate in accounting.

Five scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing studies in accounting and plan on earning CPA licensure.

This fellowship provides financial support to female scholars conducting research and economic analysis into natural resource, food, or agricultural issues.

This renewable, four-year fellowship is designed to support a scholar’s work in the field of stewardship science: nuclear science, high density physics, and materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics.

This multi-year fellowship supports doctoral research in several fields, ranging from chemistry to geology, materials science to physics and connects fellows with NPSC employer partners.

The NWRI fellowship program is open to full-time doctoral students conducting water-based research in areas such as water quality, water treatment and technologies, water supplies and water resources.

Really think about your reasons for getting a PhD. Critically exam the support systems you have in place to get you through the journey: 50 percent of doctoral students suffer from depression. Utilize services like the counseling center on your college/university campuses to help you respond to the stressors that may occur with the transition.

ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND LOANS

Graduate assistantships.

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic appointment and are provided by individual departments. Competitive in nature, they are typically awarded on the basis of the student’s academic accomplishments and potential in the graduate program of study. Most programs provide appointments for one year at time and students receive a tuition credit or waiver and monthly stipend. There are three types of assistantships: Teaching Assistantships, Assistant Lecturers, and Research Assistants.

Teaching assistants perform a range of support duties for faculty members at a university, including grading papers and teaching classes.

Lecturers may serve as instructors in the academic department where they are studying.

Research assistants conduct and assist faculty members with research projects in the student’s area of interest.

Fellowships

Fellowships are short-term funding opportunities (typically 9- to 12 months) provided to students in the form of tuition credits and/or stipends. They support a student’s graduate study in their field of choice, may assist them in their research, or gain professional training in an area of interest. Fellowships are competitive and are available in two types: University-based and External.

Individual schools, colleges, and departments at a university (e.g. College of Science, Department of English) may have endowed fellowships. Students are either nominated for an award by their department or may be open to an application process.

External fellowships are funded by foundations, government agencies and other groups and provide opportunities to study both in the US and abroad. For example, the Department of Defense offers the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship to engineering students studying in one of sixteen engineering specialties.

Corporations

Many companies and businesses have created scholarship, fellowship, and tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Depending on the company, there may be a possibility it supports the graduate school efforts of its employees. Speak to the Human Resources department to learn more about the potential funding avenues available.

Graduate students may borrow funds from the federal government under two loan programs: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Private financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, offer unsecured educational loans to graduate students. These loans must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, loan amount, and repayment terms are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower.

Federal work study provides students with demonstrated financial need part-time job opportunities that allow them to earn income while they are in graduate school. The program focuses on placing students in community service situations related to the student’s academic course of study. A majority of jobs are on-campus, but some schools may have some off-campus jobs with nonprofit agencies and other groups. It is important to note that some universities may not allow students to use their federal work study for tuition, but other related expenses (e.g. books, fees).

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Burns, PhD

What should a future phd student consider when selecting a program of   study .

Speaking in the humanities, a student is best advised, I think, to select the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to study rather than simply a program. This faculty member becomes the student’s mentor, a relationship that lasts well beyond graduate school years. Because the mentor becomes the student’s primary reference, his or her standing in the field can and does have an impact on pre- and post-doctoral grants a student might win as well as on the student’s success on the academic job market.

It is a delicate balance though, because one must also look at programs that have standing in a particular field and at institutions that can afford to fund their PhD students throughout their graduate years.

Much is made about the saturation of PhD graduates and not enough   positions — both in academic and the private sector. Should that dissuade   a student from pursuing a PhD?

Yes, of course. Again, a PhD is not something that comes easily, and it should not be pursued without a reason for it. On the other hand, for students who are committed to their fields, and for whom that field is a career choice, the PhD is still the only way into the university job market. 

There is a catch-22 in the world of post-graduate education. Research universities need to turn out research, and researchers often depend on their grad students to assist them–in all fields–and departments on their PhD candidates to teach many undergraduate courses. PhD students are thus recruited regardless of the job market for the PhD holders.

The challenges in funding the PhD for me were less about how am I going to pay for this degree, but making the adjustment from being a full-time salaried employee to now, taking a significant pay cut to serve as a graduate assistant.

EARNING OUTLOOK FOR PHD STUDENTS

Potential career earnings should be a significant part of the discussion when considering whether or not to pursue a doctoral degree. Completing an advanced program of study could increase an individual’s earning potential with their current or future employers.

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a direct correlation between educational attainment and career success—both in employment opportunities and annual salaries. Doctoral degree holders are some of the highest paid professionals in the country. The table below outlines the difference in earnings by degree level in 2014.

source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Earnings and Unemployment by Educational Attainment

• Industry or Business $97,700
• Government $82,000
• Nonprofit Organizations $72,500
• Other $70,000
• Academia $60,000

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates

In turn, prospective students should consider how their sacrifice of time and money will pay off when they embark in their careers. Some professional fields have a higher return on investment than others. A majority of PhD candidates endeavor to become tenured-track faculty members, but they should realize that academia is one of the lowest paying sectors for individuals with a doctoral degree.

A review of National Science Foundation survey information shows that the best paying professional areas for PhD graduates include Industry and Business—with an average salary of $97,700. At the bottom of the list? Academia.

MOST LUCRATIVE PHD CAREERS

So, which PhD degrees pay the best?

According to the NSF, business, economics, and engineering are consistently among the best earning academic fields regardless of industry. The following tables outline the highest paying academic fields by professional area of work after graduation.

• Business Management and Administration $110,000
• Economics $82,000
• Engineering $79,000
• Health Sciences $70,000
• Education $60,000
• Business Management and Administration $135,000
• Economics $115,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $115,000
• Geosciences $110,000
• Engineering $98,000
• Economics $112,500
• Business Management and Administration $96,590
• Engineering $96,500
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $95,300
• Health Sciences $94,000
• Business Management and Administration $105,000
• Economics $100,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $100,000
• Health Sciences $98,000

At the occupational level, 2012 employment research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the best paying doctoral career was Physicist ($109,600), followed by Astronomers ($105,410), and Engineering Professors ($94,130).

Overall, the top 10 most lucrative PhD careers include the following:

• 1 Physicists $109,600
• 2 Astronomers $105,410
• 3 Engineering Professors $94,130
• 4 Economics Professors $90,870
• 5 Health Specialties Professors: $90,210
• 6 Agricultural Sciences Professors $86,260
• 7 Biochemists and Biophysicists $84,940
• 8 Forestry and Conservation Science Professors $84,090
• 9 Physics Professors $80,720
• 10 Medical Scientists $79,930

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Darren Pierre, PhD

How has earning a phd impacted you personally and professionally.

Personally, the PhD was an incredibly introspective process. I believe for many, they go into the PhD thinking one thing, and come out transformed by the experience. I learned and grew personally in how I harness my self-worth, I grew professionally in my ability to humble myself and authentically listen to the feedback given about my work.

Professionally, I move with a greater level of confidence, I have more insight into my own potential in ways I could have never imagined, and all of that propelled me to write my book, The Invitation to Love.

Through your own experience, what are the biggest mistakes   prospective PhD students make when choosing and/or funding their PhD?

The biggest mistake that perspective students make is doing the degree for the wrong reason. If you are doing the degree for any other reason that self-motivated factors, you will falter. Doing the PhD to cover areas of insecurity, or low self-worth; doing the PhD for the prestige or title sake, those reasons will have you floundering and faltering when the psychological stressors being to weigh heavy.

Did you create a roadmap--financially or academically--to stay on track to   completing your PhD?

Absolutely, you have to have a plan and work that plan. Each Sunday, I would develop the week's action plan, I would carve out everything from when I was doing assignments/research to when I would work out, everything was on a schedule so that even when the fog of the process set in, I had headlights (my schedule) that allowed me to drive consistently when the road ahead was hard to see.

PHD: BY THE NUMBERS

Doctoral education in the U.S. is a varied and broad system, one that has been growing in popularity. In the 2013-2014 academic year, more than 178,000 doctoral degrees were conferred to students nationally, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

• Doctoral Education Continues to Grow
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Dominate
• STEM Fields are the Most Popular
• Only Half of Students Earn a PhD in the Same Academic Field as their Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degrees are an Investment in Time
• Primary Source of Funding Varies by Program

In its survey of earned doctorates, the National Science Foundation learned the number of doctoral recipients increased by nearly 30 percent between 2003 and 2013.

The most popular academic areas of study were Engineering and the Physical Sciences.

• Engineering 69.80%
• Physical Sciences 59.30%
• Health Sciences 53.60%
• Life Sciences 44.60%
• Other 38.90%
• Social Sciences 19.90%
• Humanities 9.10%
• Education -25.70%

Within the engineering and physical sciences disciplines, multiple sub-fields have been experiencing explosive interest and enrollments, with some programs (e.g. physics, materials science engineering) growing by more than 70 percent between 2003 and 2013.

• Other engineering 127.5%
• Materials science engineering 86.5%
• Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering 74.5%
• Mechanical engineering 70.5%
• Electrical, electronics, and communication engineering 53.6%
• Chemical engineering 46.0%
• Computer and information sciences 119.1%
• Mathematics 83.0%
• Physics and astronomy 76.7%
• Geosciences 28.8%
• Chemistry 22.0%

According to NSF, the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are the most popular doctoral areas of study.

• Life Sciences 23.3%
• Physical Sciences 17.6%
• Engineering 17.0%
• Social Sciences 15.9%
• Humanities 10.7%
• Education 9.4%

Interestingly, slightly more than 56 percent of graduate students continue into a doctoral program in the same field as their master’s degree. Rates are highest in the humanities, engineering, and social sciences fields.

• Humanities 67.6%
• Engineering 65.7%
• Social Sciences 65.6%
• Education 61.5%
• All Fields 56.1%
• Physical Sciences 53.4%
• Life Sciences 35.5%

It requires approximately 7.5 years of study for the average graduate student to complete a doctoral degree after enrolling in graduate school. Education takes the longest — more than 11 years, while the physical sciences and engineering fields only require 6.5 to 6.6 years of study to complete.

• Education 11.7
• Humanities 9.2
• Social Sciences 7.7
• All Fields 7.5
• Life Sciences 6.9
• Engineering 6.6
• Physical Sciences 6.5

According to the NSF, the most common source of funding for doctoral students are teaching and research assistantships. The table below details the primary source of funding for students by academic area of study.

• Life Sciences Fellowships/ Grants
• Physical Sciences Research Assistantships
• Social Sciences Teaching Assistantships
• Engineering Research Assistantships
• Education Own Resources
• Humanities Teaching Assistantships
• All Fields Research Assistantships

The following table includes a breakout of the primary funding source by major field of study, according the National Science Foundation.

Source: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/sed/2013/data-tables.cfm

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

The ultimate financial goal of any PhD student should be to complete their program successfully and move into a professional career with as little debt as possible. The resources below are available to help students locate scholarships and other funding sources that can help make that goal a reality.

Unigo offers a selection of financial assistance resources for graduate students, including a scholarship directory, a scholarship match tool, educational information on student loans and funding options, and more.

Scholarships.com is a website that provides a selection of financial aid information, including a searchable scholarship directory, insights into funding trends, financial aid calculators, and information about grants and fellowships.

Peterson’s is an educational resource site that includes a searchable scholarship database, articles and advice columns, and a catalog of graduate school profiles.

FinAid.org is an educational resource site that focuses on financial aid and offers information about student loans, federal financial aid, financing a doctoral education, and includes a scholarship search option.

An office of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid is the country’s largest provider of financial aid. Graduate students can learn about and pally for loans, grants, and work-study funds to pay for their doctoral education.

FastWeb is a financial aid-focused website that offers a searchable scholarship directory that allows students to focus their search to their major area of study, work experience, and personal and professional activities.

Chegg is an online educational portal that not only offers used textbooks, but a scholarship database as well.

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How PhD Students Get Paid

The most common questions (and biggest misconceptions) about getting a PhD revolve around money. Maybe you’ve heard that PhD students get paid just to study, or maybe you’ve even heard that PhD students don’t get paid at all.

It makes sense — how you make money as a PhD student is different from most other career routes, and the process can be highly variable depending on your school, discipline and research interests. 

D o PhD students get paid?

Most of the time the answer is yes. PhD programs that don’t offer some form of compensation, like stipends, tuition remission or assistantships, are rare but they do exist. On the other hand, some programs, like a PhD in Economics , are so competitive that unpaid programs are virtually unheard of. 

To help you gain a better understanding of PhD funding and decide if getting a PhD is worth it for you, here are some of the most common examples of how PhD students are paid. 

PhD Stipends

Most PhD programs expect students to study full-time. In exchange, they’re usually offered a stipend — a fixed sum of money paid as a salary — to cover the cost of housing and other living expenses. How much you get as a stipend depends on your university, but a range for the average PhD stipend is usually between $20,000 - $30,000 per year.  

In some cases, your stipend will be contingent upon an assistantship.

Assistantships

A PhD assistantship usually falls into one of two categories: research or teaching. 

For research assistantships , faculty generally determine who and how many assistants they need to complete their research and provide funding for those assistants through their own research grants from outside organizations. 

A teaching assistantship is usually arranged through your university and involves teaching an undergraduate or other class. Assistantships allow graduate students to gain valuable experience leading a classroom, and helps to balance out the university’s stipend costs. 

Fellowships

Fellowships provide financial support for PhD students, usually without the teaching or research requirement of an assistantship. The requirements and conditions vary depending on the discipline, but fellowships are generally merit based and can be highly competitive. Fellowships usually cover at least the cost of your PhD tuition , but some may even pay for scholarly extracurricular activities, like trips, projects or presentations. 

Fellowships can be offered through your university or department as well as outside sources. 

Part-time Employment

PhD candidates don’t commonly have additional employment during their course of study, but it is possible depending on your discipline and the rigor of your program. Flexible, low-demand jobs like freelance writing or tutoring can be a natural fit for many PhD students, and might be flexible enough to balance along with your coursework. 

All in all, it’s fair to say that though the form of payment may be unfamiliar, PhD students do in fact get paid. But keep in mind that while most PhD programs offer some kind of funding for students, it’s not guaranteed. 

Want to know more about how to pay for a PhD ? Explore our Guide to Choosing and Applying for PhD Programs . 

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How to Pay for a Ph.D.

Expertise: Mortgages, Personal loans, Debt management, Insurance, Student loans

Anna Baluch is a personal finance writer with more than 10 years of experience. Her focus areas include mortgages, personal loans, debt management, insurance, and student loans. She spent three years working in SEO and marketing for a national home improvement company.

Expertise: Debt management, tax planning, college planning, retirement planning, insurance planning, estate planning, investment planning, budgeting, comprehensive financial planning

Eric Kirste CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®, is a founding principal wealth manager for Savvy Wealth. Eric brings 22 years of wealth management experience working with clients, families, and their businesses, and serving in different leadership capacities.

According to the Education Data Initiative , the average cost of a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is $81,900. You may have multiple options to fund a Ph.D. and turn your dream of furthering your career into a reality. 

We’ll discuss how to pay for a Ph.D. so you can determine which options make sense for your unique situation and goals. 

Table of Contents Skip to Section

• How to pay for a doctorate degree: 7 ways 

How to get your Ph.D. paid for

How to pay for a doctorate degree: 7 ways .

These seven strategies can make a Ph.D. more affordable. You may be able to take advantage of several at once.

1. Scholarships

Available through government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies, Ph.D. scholarships can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands. In most cases, they’re based on academic merit and geared toward a certain specialty, but you might also find need-based scholarships. The most significant benefit of scholarships is that you don’t need to repay them. 

Here are two examples of Ph.D. scholarships:

• Beinecke Scholarship : The Beinecke Scholarship Program has existed since 1975. It’s for graduate students, including those pursuing Ph.D.s, in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Graduate Cyber Security Scholarship : Sponsored by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, the Graduate Cyber Security Scholarship offers scholarships for graduate and Ph.D. students majoring in cybersecurity or information assurance. These scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Ph.D. grants are similar to scholarships in that you don’t need to repay them. They’re often based on financial need and distributed by state governments and nonprofit organizations. Some grants also require recipients to participate in certain research or academic initiatives. 

Two examples of grants for Ph.D. students include: 

• José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund : The José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund is created for Hispanic students who attend qualifying schools in Florida. It’s a need-based program that offers up to $2,000 per year for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program : The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program is for Virginia residents pursuing health-related graduate studies at select universities. Grants range between $5,000 and $12,500.

3. Fellowships

Through fellowships, Ph.D. students can receive financial assistance that allows them to pursue research, internships, special projects, or study abroad opportunities. Most fellowships are issued by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities. 

Here’s a look at two Ph.D. fellowship options:

• Cornell Fellowship : Cornell University’s Cornell Fellowship offers a stipend and covers one year of tuition, fees, and health insurance. Several programs are available, such as the Diversity Programs in Engineering (DPE) fellowship and the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship. 
• Google PhD Fellowship : The Google PhD fellowship program is for students in Ph.D. programs related to computer science. It allows them to become Google Research Mentors and develop their skills. 

4. Assistantships

Often provided by universities, Ph.D. assistantships reimburse students for tuition in exchange for their commitment to being a teaching or research assistant or performing administrative tasks on campus for about 15 to 25 hours per week. 

They may require a one-year commitment and also provide a small stipend. Unlike fellowships, which cover more opportunities on and off campus, assistantships are just for on-campus work. It’s wise to consult professors in your department to learn more about assistantship programs that may be options for you. 

Below are two examples of schools with assistantships: 

• Kent State University : Kent State in Ohio offers assistantships to doctoral students. Depending on the program, you may earn a full tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend for working 10 to 20 hours per week. Kent State offers three types of assistantships: research, teaching, and administrative. 
• University of Miami: The University of Miami, Florida, has several Ph.D. research assistantships. They pay an annual salary of $40,140 and cover the cost of tuition and health insurance.

Our expert’s advice for making connections and finding assistantships

Eric Kirste

Four suggestions: One, working alongside faculty, researchers, and fellow grad students allows you to establish meaningful professional relationships that can translate into future career opportunities. Two, developing professional relationships with respected faculty can help translate into valuable recommendations down the line. Three, as a grad student, you’ll also have the chance to attend other networking opportunities, such as conferences and workshops. Four, review the schools’ “Assistantship Clearinghouse” or other similar groups that contain a listing of current assistantship opportunities on campus.

5. Employer reimbursement 

Some employers strive to attract qualifying candidates and retain hard-working employees through tuition assistance or reimbursement. If you work full or part-time, don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager or human resources department to find out whether your company can pay for some or all of your Ph.D. program. 

Intel, ADP, UPS, Bank of America, and Procter & Gamble are examples of employers that offer reimbursement for graduate degrees.

6. Federal student loans

Federal loans are from the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for college . As a Ph.D. student, you may be eligible for federal student loans including: 

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans : These loans don’t consider financial need. If you borrow one, you’ll owe interest that accrues from the time it’s disbursed. Limits apply to how much you can borrow. 
• Federal Grad PLUS Loans : Federal Grad PLUS Loans are for the parents of undergraduate students or graduate and professional students. You may borrow up to the cost of attendance at your school minus any financial aid you qualify for. As with Direct Unsubsidized Loans, you’re on the hook for accrued interest.

If you’re interested in federal loans for your Ph.D. program, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form will ask you for basic information about yourself as well as details about your financial situation. Once you submit your FAFSA, your university will inform you which loans are available.

7. Private student loans

Private student loans can fill in the gaps if you don’t qualify for federal loans or need to borrow more than the federal limits allow. You can get them from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Private student loans are often based on your credit score and income. 

You may need a cosigner who agrees to repay in the event you default. Private student loans might have higher interest rates depending on your (or your cosigner’s) credit score. They have stricter repayment terms than federal loans. 

However, they can make sense if you’ve exhausted all other ways to pay for your Ph.D. Be sure to shop around and compare private student loans. Rates, terms, fees, and eligibility requirements can vary by lender. 

Most lenders will allow you to prequalify and check your rates online without any impact on your credit. 

Our expert’s advice: How to minimize debt while pursuing a Ph.D.

No. 1, budget! Ensure you have a budget to incorporate schooling as well as your living needs. No. 2, resources: Ask the Ph.D. program at the university for ideas and resources. No. 3, negotiate and ask questions. If you’re awarded a teaching or research assistantship, negotiate for a higher salary. It doesn’t hurt to ask. If you publish work, the department may get more money, so it’s a win-win situation. No. 4, invest: Most Ph.D. students aren’t offered retirement benefits. If you are, please take advantage of them. Even though you are accumulating debt, you still need to save for retirement by investing in the stock market and taking advantage of its long-term benefits and growth. No. 5, emergency funds: It’s essential to have savings for emergencies in any amount! If it’s $100, $1,000, or $10,000—any amount is better than $0. When emergencies arise, these will damage a well-thought-out budget. (See No. 1.)

It is possible to get your Ph.D. paid for. Fully funded Ph.D. programs pay for tuition and fees. They also offer monthly stipends for health insurance and living expenses, eliminating most or all out-of-pocket expenses as you complete a Ph.D. program. 

Fully funded Ph.D. programs can be difficult to qualify for, but it’s worth applying. Examples of fully funded Ph.D. programs include: 

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University : If you’re part of Columbia University’s clinical psychology Ph.D. program, you may earn full tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for a three-year period. You can work as a teaching or research assistant and complete a mentor-matched program, including an internship. 
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management : MIT’s fully funded Ph.D. program pays for Ph.D. students for up to five years and includes a monthly stipend of $4,497, medical insurance, and a new laptop. Reimbursement for travel and conferences is also available. 
• Ph.D. in Education at Michigan State University : Michigan State’s fully funded program is for students earning a Ph.D. in education with a specialty, such as higher education, K-12 educational administration, or education policy. Participants can expect a biweekly stipend and a tuition waiver that covers nine credits each semester.

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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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Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees [2024 Guide]

We’ve identified the 25 highest paying doctorate degrees. Compare salaries and job prospects.

Completing a PhD may open up doors in terms of career advancement. Plus, it may not take as long as you think to complete if you enroll in the shortest doctoral programs .

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

The following list contains the highest paying doctorate degrees along with career outlook and job growth statistics.

25 Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees

All career statistics and salary data are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Click on the area of study you’re interested in to jump to that section.

Aerospace Engineering

Chemical engineering, pharmacology, business administration, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, data science, biochemistry, information security assurance, biomedical engineering, information technology and computer science, occupational therapy, criminal justice, engineering, organic chemistry.

While all of these industries are growing, some provide better job prospects than others.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $208,000
• Job Growth: 4%

One of the more specialized high paying doctorate programs is in immunology. Immunology is the study of disease prevention and immunity. Due to the specialized nature of the study here, jobs are typically well paid and much more specific.

A person who has studied immunology may be expected to work in research or academia but is also likely to land high-paying roles within the medical industry and at hospitals. The demand for this area of expertise is also rising faster than the average job growth, meaning there should be plenty of opportunities for graduates.

A PhD in immunology is a lot of hard work and is, therefore, suited to someone who already has considerable experience working in the medical industry. Those with an academic background in medicine should consider applying for an immunology program.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $129,850
• Job Growth: 7%

Of the three main sciences, physics can be the one that is the most fruitful for taking a doctorate. People who take a PhD in physics are likely to land themselves a position as either a researcher or a professor.

There are also several other high paying positions that are possible for someone who takes this career path, including more specialized roles or becoming lead physicists and consultants.

Physics is also one of the job markets that is predicted to see a considerable amount of growth for the next 10 years. Pursuing a physics doctorate can be perfect for someone who already has experience in physics or someone who already has either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the subject combined with some practical experience.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $118,610
• Job Growth: 3%

Aerospace engineering is a field that would likely attract those who already have a background in either science or engineering. It is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and demand for jobs is expected to increase as the years roll by. So the length it takes to get a PhD should be taken into consideration so you can quickly enter this field during its booming growth.

The doctorate focuses on the engineering of various different types of spacecraft and can be incredibly demanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary potential for this field is as high as $171,220.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $110,860

Math may not be the glamorous subject to study at doctorate level, but it can open up a wide range of potentially lucrative career options.

Math can allow students to work in various sectors of the economy and business, and they may also work in research or as a math lecturer or professor at a top university.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $109,760
• Job Growth: 5%

Taking a doctorate in management can be a logical step in the career of someone who has a history of working in business, project management, or the economy as well as several other sectors.

Earning this doctorate can open up chief executive roles within companies and roles like chief operations officer and supply chain management. It may also lead to regional and national management roles.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $108,540

Another engineering-based field that presents doctorate students with some big money career options is chemical engineering. The field combines a number of different disciplines, including all of the sciences, math, and statistics, as well as engineering.

It is a complex doctorate to take, but the rewards may be worth the effort, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing salaries up to $168,960 available in this field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $108,350
• Job Growth: 14%

One of the most popular PhDs to take is in economics. Economics is a social science that studies and theories about the production and consumption of goods and the effect that this has on society and the economy.

Taking a PhD in economics may open up a lot of doors. Working in the financial sector is usually lucrative, and a doctorate in economics can help give you an edge over competitors in what is a notoriously feisty industry. Top earners can make around $198,230 per year.

Economics analysis is a skill that is highly sought after, especially in the medical, legal, and education sectors.

While on the face of it, some people may believe that studying economics leaves you consigned to an office for the majority of your working life, the reality is that it can open up a lot of doors in a lot of different sectors. It may also provide you with a lot of travel opportunities and chances to meet new people.

A doctorate in economics may be perfect for someone who already has some experience in the field or for someone who has studied economics, math, finance, or business to a higher level and wants to take the next step in their academic and professional career.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $107,270
• Job Growth: 6%

Pharmacology is big business these days, and taking a doctorate in the subject may lead to some lucrative opportunities. It is expected that someone who wants to study pharmacology will have a background in the subject with a master’s degree being heavily preferred.

There are a lot of pre-requisites for getting onto a pharmacology doctorate program, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics is showing salaries going as high as $164,980.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $103,650

Getting a doctorate in business administration can open up a lot of doors. Students who end up taking their doctorate in business administration often end up working as leading and chief executives as well as entrepreneurs and financial advisors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for someone with a doctorate in this field can be as high as $208,000. It can be ideal for someone who has a background in business or economics who wants to take the next step in their career.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $103,590
• Job Growth: 31%

As the world of IT continues to grow, so does the demand for more and more cybersecurity. The field is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and getting a doctorate in the subject may land you a range of different high paying jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles like IT managers can offer doctorates a salary of up to $208,000. This sector is also constantly growing, and as such, the demand and the salaries should continue to grow as time passes.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $100,830

When it comes to job demand, electrical engineering is one of the safest career paths to go down. Electrical engineering has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives.

Most of our day-to-day electrical appliances exist as a result of electrical engineering, and taking a doctorate in the field may open the door to some pretty lucrative research and project management positions. It is advised that someone who takes a PhD in electrical engineering already have practical experience in the field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $98,490

A doctorate in education can open up a lot of different career options in that sector. A lot of doctors of education end up working in either research or in top positions at schools as principals and superintendents.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for someone working in education administration with a doctorate is around the $199,400 mark. A number of doctor of education programs do not require a dissertation .

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $98,230

Data is quickly becoming the most valuable commodity on the planet, and as such, the demand for data specialists and researchers is growing at an impressive rate.

Data science doctorates offer a gateway into these positions, and they usually come with some pretty high salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary for a data scientist can go as high as $165,230, and with this field ever-expanding, the demand for these positions should continue to increase.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $94,270

Biochemists study the chemical and physical makeup of living organisms. Due to the specialized nature of the subject, research positions in this sector typically pay incredibly well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biochemist doctorates can start out at around $67,710 but can increase up to $169,860 or more. This doctorate may suit someone with a background in chemistry or some other science discipline.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,870

Information assurance is a new discipline that has been created as a result of the times we live in. Information assurance is effectively another type of cybersecurity that is designed to protect people’s data from third parties and other potentially dangerous sources.

A background in any sort of computer or data-related field can be ideal for getting onto an information assurance course. Due to the increasing demand for data protection, jobs in this sector can be particularly lucrative, and the demand for these jobs is expected to increase as time rolls on.

The demand for experts in this industry is very high and is only predicted to grow over the next decade.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,620

Biomedical engineering is becoming an incredibly popular field of research. It is an ever-growing and developing industry, and as such, the demand for expertise in the area is on the rise.

Getting a PhD in biomedical engineering is likely to secure you a lucrative research job for a university or a job in a hospital or the medical industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average salary in this field for a senior position ranges from $127,980 to $169,860.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,270
• Job Growth: 35%

Statistics is one of the most versatile doctorates available today. Statistics are used in a wide range of different sectors, including finance, research, business, health care, government, and many others.

A doctorate in statistics can be ideal for someone who has a background in math or business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top salary for someone working in statistics can be as high as $150,840.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $91,250
• Job Growth: 11%

The world of IT is constantly growing, and as it does, the demand for experts grows with it. Getting a doctorate in information technology and computer science can be an incredibly lucrative career move, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing top earners taking home as high as $208,00.

The jobs that can be accessed, such as chief technology officers or research roles within the industry, tend to be incredibly well-paid. This doctorate attracts people who have backgrounds in IT-related fields, such as computer science or computer programming.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $86,280
• Job Growth: 16%

For someone who already has experience working in occupational therapy, earning a doctorate in the field can be a huge benefit. Not only can it open the door for them to move up in the industry, but it can also expand their knowledge of the subject area.

It can provide them with theory-based research while also working on their leadership and management skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists holding a doctorate degree may reach a salary as high as $122,670.

The job growth for this doctorate is also incredibly high, which means it may be an excellent career path to enter in terms of job security.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $86,110

The number of career options that are available to someone who has a doctorate in criminal justice is typically vast. Working as a criminologist, a criminal justice researcher, or a federal law agency admin can earn graduates a lot of money.

This course of study is best suited for someone who already has real-world experience working in the criminal justice or law sector.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $83,160

Engineering jobs are almost always in demand, and while there are a lot of high paying jobs available for those who have an undergraduate or master’s degree, taking a doctorate in the field can really help you advance your career.

An engineering degree is already one of the highest paying associate degrees , highest paying bachelor degrees , as well as one of the highest paying masters degrees , but the doctorate can be perfect for someone who already has experience working in engineering and wants to take that next step in their career.

A director of engineering job title and other project management positions may offer some very high salaries, about $208,000 or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $82,180

With the stigma around mental health finally disappearing, the demand for jobs in psychology is on the rise. While a normal degree or masters in psychology may allow you to get jobs as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, higher-paying positions can become available following a doctorate.

It may also open up roles in research and as a university lecturer in the subject. The doctorate is suited to someone who already has their masters in psychology or who has a significant amount of experience working in the field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $80,790
• Job Growth: 9%

Getting a degree in philosophy can potentially lead to a surprisingly lucrative career in research or working as a lecturer. The doctorate is suited for someone who wants to work in research and who has a background in philosophy or religious studies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in this field are around $80,790 per year working in a research role, and up to $180,360 for college professors.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $79,300

Organic chemistry, perhaps more than any of the other sciences, can open up a lot of different career options for doctorates. As well as research and academic positions, someone who studies organic chemistry may be able to land a job in a number of different areas, including geology, the pharmaceutical industry, and engineering.

Organic chemistry is a notoriously difficult subject to study, though, so it is vital that you have a solid background in chemistry and some work experience before attempting to join the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries can go as high as $139,650 in this field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $69,000
• Job Growth: 2%

A doctorate in English can open a range of different academic doors for potential students. A PhD in English may be perfect for someone who already has an academic background in the subject and can also be perfect for qualified teachers and writers looking to take the next step in their career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a doctorate in English may qualify you for a potential career in a lecturing position with salaries as high as $180,360, as well as positions within the publishing industry.

What Are the Different Types of Doctorate Degrees?

There are six common types of terminal degrees.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Traditionally reserved for those who want to remain in the world of academia, Ph.D. degrees focus on maximizing your ability to impart this advanced knowledge to incoming students. Outside of teaching, Ph.D. candidates also focus on pushing the limits of research and theoretical study within their chosen fields.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) – The DBA experience is all about turning your terminal research in the areas of finance, marketing, accounting, and other related fields into applicable real-world skills. DBA graduates traditionally work in the corporate sector as executive officers and other ranking members of various managerial teams.
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) – PsyD students aim to provide clinical services within a wide range of settings, including group, familial, medical, scholastic, and even corporate environments. Earning this degree can give you the power to serve as a practicing clinician or specialized counselor.
• Doctor of Education (EdD) – Capturing an EdD degree is the first step toward a leadership role within the corporate and administrative side of the education field. Working as a principal, district supervisor, or even regional superintendent all fit into the professional path of this degree.
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW) – If you’re interested in educating others on the best practices and leading theories of modern social work and community interaction, then a DSW program could be your option. Holders of this degree research and educate others in the social work field via hands-on training in the classroom and the office, as well as provide answers and guidance in unique or exceptional social issue cases.
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH) – Like most of the other degrees in this review, earning a DPH is all about the desire to lead others in a chosen workplace environment. In this case, that means maintaining residency as an administrator or public health coordinator at a hospital or a similar clinical setting.

The type of doctorate degree you will want to earn depends on your career goals and primarily whether you want to teach the subject or continue working in your field.

Campus or Online: Which One Is Right for You?

It’s no big secret that whichever doctorate route you choose, you will most likely be rewarded for your hard work and research via ample compensation. However, you can make this process a little easier on yourself by focusing on a path – either online or on-campus – that suits your unique needs and daily requirements.

While the appeal of the traditional college experience is the major selling point for the on-campus approach, working on your degree from home is a flexible alternative that can shape and mold itself to your current personal and professional schedule by allowing you to work on your research and coursework at your own pace.

Adding in that these doctorate programs often waive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) minimum scores based on your GPA, as well as reduce or completely remove residency requirements, is further proof that this approach is at least worth your consideration as you plan out your academic future.

Questions Related to Earning a Doctorate

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

How Much Do PhD Graduates Earn?

PhD Graduates make on average close to $100,000, with some job positions paying nearer the $70,000 mark and others going well about $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

There may be some who question whether it is worth taking the time to invest in a PhD. Doctorate programs require a lot of time and effort, but studies suggest that PhD students typically earn more and find it easier to attract higher-paying jobs than those with just an undergraduate or a master’s degree.

What Are the Highest Paying Degrees?

A lot of degrees can lead to well-paying jobs. The more specialized a degree is in a certain field, the higher the chances are that it will be well paying. These degrees currently tend to be those in the engineering sector, as these are the ones that offer the most in-demand jobs.

What Is the Highest Paying PhD Degrees?

Once again, this one will depend on how specialized your PhD is and how in-demand that expertise is at a given time. Engineering PhDs tend to be evergreen, while there is an increasing demand for those with PhDs and knowledge in computer science and other IT related subjects.

PhDs usually provide those who have them with a lot of the highest paying jobs opportunities.

Are There Any Degrees Higher than a PhD?

No, there are no higher degrees than a PhD.

A PhD, also regularly referred to as just a doctorate, is as high as you can go academically. It is a specialized research doctorate that demonstrates a high level of expertise in a field. Most people who obtain their PhD tend to stay on at universities as either a member of a research team or as a lecturer.

Do you need a masters to get a PhD ? While many PhD programs require you to earn a masters first, it is possible to earn your PhD without having earned a masters. These are the direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs offered by some universities.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree

It is important that you take the time to do your research into what doctorate will help your career the most. Once you have done this, you can begin to find the right university and program for you and begin the next step in your academic and professional career.

Now that you understand your career prospects and doctorate opportunities, it’s time to lay out the blueprint for a successful future.

Outside of conducting research on each of the areas that interest you, feel free to use the search tool below to find accredited universities that offer online doctoral programs in your chosen field.

When paired up with the rest of what you’ve learned here, there’s nothing that can stop you from finding the right school – and program of study – to fit your personal and professional goals moving forward.

Fully Funded PhD Programs in History

Last updated May 10, 2022

As part of my series on  How to Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list of universities that offer full funding for a PhD in History. “Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time students that includes full tuition remission and an annual stipend or salary for the three to the six-year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Funding is typically offered in exchange for graduate teaching and research work that is complementary to your studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, which is why I recommend researching the financial aid offerings of all the potential Ph.D. programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.

You can also find several external fellowships in the  ProFellow database  for graduate and doctoral study, as well as dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experience.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

Boston University, Department of History (Boston, MA): All applicants accepted for the Ph.D. program will receive full funding for 5 years which includes tuition and University-related fees, travel fellowships are also available.

Columbia University, Department of History (New York City, NY): Every student entering the Ph.D. program will receive a full fellowship (tuition, fees, and a stipend) upon admission. Students awarded such funding upon admission will receive five years of support (except for those entering with advanced standing, who will receive four years of support).

Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences (Ithaca, NY): Admitted Ph.D. students are guaranteed five years of full funding from Cornell, which will cover tuition, a living stipend, and health insurance. This includes four summer living stipends.

Georgetown University, Department of History (Washington DC): Stipend ($29,000 in 2019-2020) and tuition support (nine credits) for five years, two additional years of tuition support, and health insurance for the duration of the fellowship.

Fordham University (New York, NY): As teaching assistants, you’ll teach your own undergraduate classes. As a Fordham Ph.D., you will develop your teaching skills in a one-on-one pedagogy course and then teach your own class starting in your third year. There are opportunities for full funding and scholarships.

New York University, Department of History (New York City, NY): History doctoral students receive full funding support for five years through the Henry M. MacCracken Fellowship Program which covers tuition, all fees, health insurance, and a 9-month stipend. The MacCracken amount is $31,070. In addition, students receive summer funding.

Pennsylvania State University, Department of History (University Park, PA): Guaranteed four to five years of funding to every student admitted and teaching lectureships offered for another two years for students in good standing to finish up their doctoral program.

University of Notre Dame, College of Arts and Letters (Notre Dame, IN): All graduate students admitted to the Ph.D. program are guaranteed funding for full tuition and a stipend for five years. Funding is also available to support travel to present research papers at conferences and for summer research fellowships.

University of Virginia, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Charlottesville, Virginia): Students admitted to the Ph.D. program are awarded fellowship packages renewable for up to five years, financial packages include a stipend for living expenses, tuition remission, and cover the cost of University fees and single-coverage health insurance.

University of Washington, Department of History (Seattle, WA): Students in their first five years of study at the University of Washington are guaranteed financial support via Academic Service Employment (TA, RA, SA) that includes a stipend, tuition, and benefits at the rates set by the Graduate School.

Need some tips for the application process? See my article  How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

Also, sign up to discover and bookmark more than 1800 professional and academic fellowships in the ProFellow database .

© Victoria Johnson 2020, all rights reserved.

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• Free money first

Types of grants and scholarships

Comparing school costs with and without aid, employer assistance and fellowships, federal student aid, private student loans, other options, how to pay for grad school: funding strategies & options.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

• If you plan to attend graduate school, it's important to understand the costs up front. 
• Grants, scholarships, and fellowships help pay for school without unnecessary loans. 
• Other options to pay for school include an assistantship or a part-time job.

Free money first: grants and scholarships

You may be considering graduate school to further your education. But the high costs to attend grad school might make you think twice about committing to more classes. 

The good news is that grad students have plenty of options to cover those costs. However, the best options are funds you don't have to repay.

Research is key

Grants, scholarships, and fellowships are all forms of gift aid — meaning they allow you to fund grad school without having to pay the money back. 

In general, students who qualify for state or federal grants will access the funds by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In contrast, scholarships are often targeted at specific groups, like athletes or women in STEM. Most scholarships require you to submit a unique application to share your qualifications for the award. 

Finally, fellowships are typically awarded by schools and other organizations to students on a merit basis. Many fellowships go beyond covering your tuition to provide a stipend for living expenses. 

"Utilizing grants, scholarships, and fellowships as financial aid options enables students to substantially minimize or even completely eradicate the necessity for student loans," says Trinity Owen, NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor and owner of The Pay at Home Parent .  

As a graduate student, relying on grants, scholarships, and fellowships is better than taking out loans to pay for school. When you graduate from your program, repaying your student loans can have a substantial negative impact on your financial situation. Graduating without any debt — or with a smaller debt burden — can lead to a more comfortable life after graduation. 

The first step is to fill out the FAFSA. Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for need-based financial aid. Even if you didn't qualify for this type of aid as an undergraduate, a change to your dependency status or a lower income could have a big impact on your access to gift aid. 

Merit-based 

Merit-based scholarships are often awarded for academic or other achievements, often pertaining to the field you're going into.

Subject-specific

Subject-specific fellowships are usually merit-based opportunities to study a particular subject. The length of a fellowship might range from a few months to several years. Typically, you'll get a stipend for living expenses on top of your tuition costs.

Paying for graduate school is often not as simple as finding a single grant to cover the entire cost. Instead, you might piece together smaller grants and scholarships to make your graduate school experience financially feasible. 

The reality is that any free money you obtain will have a positive impact on your financial future. Below we will explore how much you stand to save if your entire graduate education costs $50,000:

Employer tuition reimbursement

Many large companies offer educational assistance to their employees. While you might have to go to school at a different pace, getting through school debt-free might be worth it.

Graduate assistantships

Many graduate programs offer assistantships to their students. In exchange for teaching classes or conducting research, the school may waive your tuition and possibly provide a living stipend. You can find out more about these opportunities directly from the administrator of your program. 

Fellowships

Fellowships are usually merit-based opportunities to study a particular subject. The length of a fellowship might range from a few months to several years. Typically, you'll get a stipend for living expenses on top of your tuition costs. 

Start with the FAFSA

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to determine eligibility for federal loans and work-study. The FAFSA is a form that determines what types of student aid you qualify for. You'll need to provide various documents to determine how much financial aid you'll receive. 

Types of federal loans

Direct unsubsidized loans: With direct unsubsidized loans , you are responsible for the interest that accrues during all periods.

Direct PLUS loans (for graduate or professional students): A Direct PLUS Loan is the federal option for parent loans. PLUS stands for Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students. You can use them to pay for expenses not covered by other financial aid offered by your child's school.

You can find scholarships available through countless organizations targeted to specific groups. Consider using a scholarship search engine, like Big Future by College Board , to find opportunities.

Before committing to a loan, shop around for the best rates and repayment options — not all private loans are created equal. For borrowers with limited credit history or lower credit scores, consider having a cosigner on your loan .

TEACH grants

If you are planning to pursue a career in teaching, you can tap into up to $4,000 per year in grants. At the end of your education, you must teach in a high-need field as a full-time teacher at a school that serves low-income students for at least four years. If you don't meet the service obligation, the grant will be converted into a loan. 

Fulbright grants

Fulbright grants allow U.S. citizens to pursue graduate school abroad. 

State-sponsored grants

Many states offer grants to students based on financial need or to those pursuing education in a specific field. Your school's financial aid office can highlight any state-sponsored grants you may qualify for. 

Organizational grants

Many organizations offer grants to their members. If you or your family is part of an organization, find out if they have grants available for graduate students.

If you can't afford grad school, don't give up! Explore all options, consider part-time programs, or research schools with lower tuition.

Make sure you remain cautious of taking on too much debt. Borrow only what you need and research affordable programs.

Yes, there are some student loan forgiveness programs for graduate school, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and certain state-based programs.

Paying for grad school: Conclusion

Paying for graduate school requires careful planning and research. By exploring multiple funding options, prioritizing free money and lower-cost loans, and managing your finances wisely, you can reduce your debt burden and focus on your academic goals.

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Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

An interdisciplinary program that combines engineering, management, and design, leading to a master’s degree in engineering and management.

Executive Programs

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

All students are granted a financial package that follows the general guidelines below. Please note that figures are for current academic year.

• Our funding package covers a period of five years, guaranteed to doctoral students in good academic standing.
• Students receive full academic year tuition plus a monthly fellowship stipend (current rate $4,654 per month) and/or TA/RA salary for each of 12 months per year.
• Students receive 12 terms of fellowship stipend during their 15 terms (summer, fall, spring) in the program; TA/RA provides salary for the balance of 3 terms. 
• Student medical insurance is provided, currently valued at $3,237 per year. 
• A new laptop computer is supplied at the beginning of the first and fourth years (estimated value of $2,000 each).
• A $4,500 conference travel and research budget is allocated over 5 years in the program.

Should you require additional funding, information on loans may be obtained from Student Financial Services .

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Do you get paid to do a PhD?

Study tips Published 17 Jun, 2022  ·  4-minute read

A PhD is a time-consuming gig. Planning, research and writing can easily fill the hours of your typical 9-5 job. But do PhD students get paid?

Yes and no.

Yes, you can secure a scholarship that provides a living stipend, which means you’ll receive a fortnightly allowance. No, it isn’t typically as much as you could expect from an entry-level, full-time salary straight out of your undergrad studies – but for many people, it is tax free. You can also supplement the living stipend with a top-up scholarship if you’re eligible.

There are a variety of ways to make a PhD work for you financially. Scholarships are the key component to this and can cover both tuition and living costs.

Let’s explore how you can secure a scholarship to help with day-to-day living expenses such as food, accommodation and bills while you complete your PhD.

How can you get paid to do a PhD?

There are 2 key types of scholarships you need to consider when undertaking your PhD:

• living stipend
• tuition scholarship

At UQ, the main scholarship program is called Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) – it covers the cost of your PhD tuition fees and provides a living stipend to cover the cost of living expenses while you carry out your PhD.

Another major program of scholarships at UQ are earmarked scholarships, which include both a living stipend and a tuition scholarship. Whether you’re eligible for this type of scholarship depends on the type of PhD you undertake – find out more about earmarked scholarships .

Living stipend

The UQGSS living stipend and tuition scholarship will help you cover cost-of-living expenses while you carry out your PhD. This scholarship:

• is open to both domestic and international postgraduate research students
• is inclusive of all study areas
• covers a 3.5-year period , with the possibility of an extension
• is only available to full-time students (with the exception of part-time students with special circumstances )
• provides  $35,000 a year (tax free) living stipend, paid in fortnightly instalments
• covers tuition fees.

However, while the UQGSS is the most widely used scholarship at UQ for PhD students, there are many types of living stipend scholarships – each with its own terms and conditions.

Search all living stipend scholarships for PhD students

At UQ, you will be asked if you would like to be considered for a living stipend scholarship when you apply for your PhD. UQ scholarships are awarded based on:

• academic performance
• evidence of research capability
• the quality of your research project
• the quality of your proposed research environment and advisory team.

Top-up scholarship

At UQ, a ‘top-up scholarship’ can provide you with additional funds during your PhD, on top of your living stipend scholarship. There are a variety of top-up scholarships you can apply for through UQ, many of which are focused on specific study areas (and even specific PhD topics ) or targeted at particular groups of people (e.g. international students or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students). Some of these offer travel and/or accommodation allowances on top of the funds provided for general living expenses during studies – a particularly useful addition for PhD students who wish to attend industry conferences or workshops to further their professional development.

Top-up scholarships can:

• only be used in conjunction with a living stipend (as long as they don’t exceed 75% of the stipend amount)
• offer an additional $5,000 – approximately $21,000 a year on top of your living stipend.

Browse postgraduate research top-up scholarships  

Top-up scholarships can be very competitive to secure, so it's essential to have a backup financial plan should you apply and not be accepted.

How much funding do you receive for a PhD?

Let’s look at a few of UQ’s top-up scholarships in conjunction with the standard Research Training Program living stipend amount, to see just how much you could be getting paid to do your PhD.

*All values are approximate and based on 2024 scholarships. Information is subject to change. See the scholarships website for the most accurate and up-to-date figures. 

Is it enough?

When approaching a PhD, it’s important to consider your financial situation realistically. Asking ‘do you get paid for a PhD?’ doesn’t quite cover all the logistics. Here are a few more questions to help you assess the situation:

• Can I live on $35,000 a year, or approximately $673 a week? 
• Do I have the time to supplement my living stipend with casual or part-time work ? Will this extra commitment impact my studies?
• Will undertaking casual or part-time work breach the conditions of my scholarship?
• Am I eligible for any scholarships (top-up or other bursaries) beyond the living stipend?
• Is it worth applying to existing research projects, undertaking research in particular study areas or with certain supporting organisations, so that I may have a better chance of securing an available scholarship? Do these PhD projects/topics align with my interests enough to study for 3-4 years?
• Am I eligible for a tuition scholarship to cover tuition costs ?
• What’s more important to me – completing my PhD in 3-4 years full time and budgeting, or completing my PhD in 6-8 years part time while living comfortably?

Don’t forget that you don’t have to make this decision on your own. If you need help finding the right postgraduate research scholarship for you, or would like some advice, you can contact the friendly team at UQ’s Graduate School .

Want to know more about the ins and outs of your journey towards a PhD? Explore our complete guide on how to get a PhD .

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Canada just hiked PhD and postdoc pay — here's how to get your country to do it, too

• Kharas, Kaitlin

Walkouts, petitions and tweets: how a grass-roots movement led by students, postdocs and tenured academics radically changed government policy on science funding.

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Why Earn a Doctor of Education (EdD)? Salary, Career and Growth Potential

By News@TheU 07-18-2024

Earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) is a significant achievement that can open doors to many exciting career opportunities. But let's be honest—after putting in all that hard work, you want to make sure it pays off financially, too. Whether you're already working on your EdD or just thinking about it, knowing which jobs offer the best salaries is essential. In this blog, we’ll look at the top careers for EdD holders and how much you can expect to earn in each role. Let’s dive in and see how you can get the most out of your EdD salary.

What is an EdD?

A Doctor of Education is an advanced degree focused on the practical application of research and knowledge to real-world educational challenges. Unlike a PhD, which often emphasizes theoretical study, the EdD is designed for professionals aiming to take on leadership roles in academic settings.

EdD candidates are trained to lead organizations, develop policies, and implement programs that enhance educational outcomes. They learn to navigate the complexities of educational systems and drive change at multiple levels, from local schools to national educational policies.

What is the Average EdD Salary?

The average doctorate in education salary is approximately $154,829. This figure represents the mean salary across the roles of school superintendent , school principal , chief learning officer , training and development manager , curriculum director , and school administrator .

Factors Affecting EdD Salaries

Several key factors come into play when determining a doctorate degree salary. Here’s a breakdown of what can influence your earning potential.

• Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on where you work. Urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living typically offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.
• Experience: The more years you have in the field, the higher your doctor of education salary is likely to be. Experienced professionals often command higher pay.
• Specialization: Certain specializations within education can lead to higher salaries. For example, specializing in educational leadership, administration, or curriculum development can boost your earning potential.
• Industry: The sector you work in also matters. EdD holders working in higher education, corporate training, or government positions often earn more compared to those in K-12 education.
• Role and Responsibilities: Higher-level positions such as superintendents, deans, or directors usually come with higher salaries. The more responsibility you take on, the more you can expect to earn.
• Institution Type: Working at prestigious universities or well-known institutions can lead to higher pay. Public vs. private institutions can also make a difference.
• Additional Certifications: Holding extra certifications or licenses can make you more marketable and potentially increase your EdD degree salary.
• Negotiation Skills: The ability to negotiate is another determining factor in the average salary of someone with a doctorate degree. Being well-prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience can help you secure a better pay package.

6 Examples of Doctor of Education Jobs and Salaries

With an EdD, a variety of career paths open up, each offering unique opportunities to lead and innovate in educational and organizational settings. Graduates can take on high-level roles in school administration, instructional development, corporate training, human resources, and more. Here are six examples of EdD careers, along with the average salary for doctorate degree holders in these occupations.

School Superintendent

School superintendents oversee the operations of entire school districts, ensuring that educational standards are met and that schools are operating efficiently. They work closely with school boards, principals, teachers, and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies that enhance educational quality.

As of 2024, the average salary for a school superintendent in the United States is $178,786 . However, this can range from $146,046 to $215,726, depending on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

School principals manage the day-to-day operations of individual schools. They are responsible for setting academic goals, overseeing staff and students, and ensuring that the school complies with state and federal regulations. Principals play a crucial role in creating a positive learning environment.

The average salary for school principals in the United States is $118,659 . Salaries typically range from $104,805 to $133,482, influenced by factors such as location, school size, and years of experience.

Chief Learning Officer

Chief Learning Officers (CLOs) are responsible for an organization’s overall learning and development strategy. They lead efforts to enhance employee skills, improve performance, and foster a culture of continuous learning. CLOs often work in corporate environments, but they can also be found in educational institutions and non-profits.

The average salary for a Chief Learning Officer in the United States is $221,200 . Depending on the organization and the CLO's experience and expertise, the salary range typically falls between $183,800 and $269,500.

Training And Development Manager

Training and Development Managers design, implement, and oversee training programs that enhance an organization’s employees' skills and knowledge. They assess training needs, develop curriculum, and measure the effectiveness of training initiatives. These professionals are essential in ensuring that employees remain competitive and effective in their roles.

The average salary for a Training and Development Manager in the United States is $138,142 . Salaries typically range from $121,389 to $157,882, influenced by the manager’s experience, the size of the organization, and industry specifics.

Curriculum Director

Curriculum Directors are responsible for developing and evaluating educational curricula. They work with teachers, administrators, and educational experts to create programs that meet academic standards and improve student learning outcomes. Curriculum Directors also analyze data to assess curricula's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

As of 2024, the average doctorate salary for a Curriculum Director in the United States is $152,423 . The salary range typically falls between $135,511 and $170,638, depending on factors such as education, experience, and the specific demands of the job.

School Administrators

School Administrators oversee the administrative tasks of educational institutions, including managing budgets, staffing, and policy implementation. They ensure that schools run smoothly and efficiently, providing a supportive environment for both students and staff.

The average pay for School Administrators is $119,765 . The salary range typically falls between $106,046 and $134,809, depending on education, experience, and the specific demands of the job.

Career Outlook for EdD Jobs

The career outlook for EdD graduates is promising. There is an increasing demand for educational leaders who can drive change and improve educational outcomes.

For example, according to recent statistics, employment in education administration is expected to grow at a 4% rate , reflecting the ongoing need for skilled leaders in both K-12 and higher education settings. EdD graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of this demand, with opportunities for advancement and attractive salary prospects.

Get Your EdD Online at the University of Miami

Pursuing an EdD can be a game-changer for your career, opening doors to higher salaries and leadership positions in the education field. The University of Miami offers an online EdD program in Applied Learning Sciences, providing a flexible and convenient way to advance your education without putting your life on hold.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our EdD degree online to learn more about the program details and how it can help you achieve your career goals. If you have any questions or need personalized guidance, connect with an advisor today.

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More From Forbes

8 high-paying bachelor’s degrees that pay up to $100,000+ in 2024.

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Today, you can study a bachelor's degree from a leading university, from the comfort of your home, ... [+] affordably with Coursera

On the brink of college and wondering what to major in when the fall semester arrives?

If you're still deciding and want to carefully evaluate your options from a financial standpoint, below is a list of the highest-paying bachelor's degrees that enable you to make up to $100,000 and above.

You have the potential to make this money straight out of college in some cases, or at least within the first few years without needing to progress towards a postgraduate degree first.

What's more, the industries that these bachelor's degrees specialize in are currently high-growth and high-potential industries, with strong career progression available as well. What more could you desire?

But to begin with...what is a bachelor's degree anyway?

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Friday, July 26

Barack and michelle obama endorse kamala harris for president, ukraine uses science fiction technology to neutralize russia’s nastiest mine, what is a bachelor's degree.

A bachelor' degree, also called a baccalaureate (Latin), is an honor conferred on a student who has completed an undergraduate course in a specific field of study, or specialism. This course can range between three to six years long, depending on whether you opt for taking full-time or part-time.

Many bachelor's degrees are also available for study entirely online, and are even provided through the online learning platform Coursera; however it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of studying online, depending on your individual circumstances and needs.

You should also bear in mind that pursuing a bachelor's degree is not for everyone; so don't feel pressured into doing so if you feel this step is not right for you. There are plenty of other ways to learn and advance your career, such as through an associate degree, or online learning via short courses and certificates. Ultimately, whatever you decide, carefully evaluate this critical step in your professional development journey before making any moves forward.

8 High-Paying Bachelor's Degrees In 2024

Now let's get into the list and some sample jobs you can get with each, including salaries from Salary.com:

1. Bachelor's Degree In Finance

• Business analyst—average salary range $96,544 to $117,124
• Financial analyst—average salary range $61,399 to $74,116

2. Bachelor's Degree In Marketing

• Social media manager— average salary range $102,160 to $129,590
• Digital marketing manager—average salary range $108,968 to $142,648

3. Bachelor's Degree In Computer Science

• Cybersecurity analyst (entry-level)—average salary range $103,741 to $135,145
• Software developer—average salary range $114,590 to $136,666

4. Bachelor's Degree In Information Technology/Systems

• Software engineer (entry-level)—average salary range $73,050 to $87,600
• Network engineer—average salary range $69,371 to $85,716

5. Bachelor's Degree In Business Administration/Business Management

• Project manager—average salary range $128,376 to $160,574
• Management analyst—average salary range $77,211 to $96,384

6. Bachelor's Degree In Electrical Engineering

• Electrical engineer—average salary range $75,080 to $18,1270
• Power engineer—average salary range $75,530 to $85,938

7. Bachelor's Degree In Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture)/Construction Surveying

• Landscape architect—average salary range $83,963 to $116,050
• Building surveyor—average salary range $52,142 to $77,783

8. Bachelor's Degree In Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering)

• Mechanical engineer $72,240 and $177,890
• Petroleum engineer (entry-level)—average salary range $90,537 to $107,781

Cybersecurity analysts can make as much as $135,000 at the entry-level

As the job market continues to evolve, aligning your educational opportunities with thriving industries that offer strong financial and career-building is a very smart choice—a strategic move that will set you up for long-term success. Research your options, be confident with your career plan for the next few years, and begin the enrolment process today.

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Women don’t have equal access to college in prison. Here’s why

Jenny Abamu

Janet Johnson receives her college diploma from Kent Devereaux, president of Goucher College. Jenny Abamu/for NPR hide caption

On a spring day earlier this year, the prison gymnasium at the Maryland Correctional Institution for women, about 25 minutes outside Baltimore, was decorated in blue and yellow balloons and flowers. State officials and teary family members gathered with a group of incarcerated people to mark a historic moment: The state’s first ever college graduation ceremony at a women’s prison.

Janet Johnson, one of the two graduates, was bubbling with emotion. She said she waited over 10 years for this moment.

“I feel like this opens a door for me.”

She’s already thinking about what’s next.

“I really want my master's degree. I just want to know, like, how do I get it done? That’s my next goal.”

Whatever comes next, Johnson has already defied the odds with a bachelor's. Across the country, people incarcerated in women’s prisons have less access to higher education opportunities compared to men’s prisons. That’s according to research from the Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit that tracks educational opportunities for incarcerated people.

For many people in prison, access to college courses is dependent on access to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, which currently offer up to $7,395 a year for low-income students.

Getting a bachelor's degree in prison is rare. That's about to change

According to Vera, in over half of all states , men’s prisons offer more access to Pell Grant-eligible courses than women's prisons do. And it’s not just about the money to pay for college: In 11 states, Vera found there were no college programs at all in women’s prisons.

There are many reasons for these disparities. In 2022, Vera found that shorter sentences often meant women did not have sufficient time to complete degrees while incarcerated.

People in men’s prisons often have the freedom to transfer between facilities in pursuit of the courses they need to complete degrees. But local prison systems often have fewer women’s prisons; so if a course isn’t offered, in many cases, the student simply can’t take it.

Ruth Delaney, at Vera, says there’s a lot states can do to address these inequities and increase access to higher education in women’s prisons.

Janet Johnson, left, hugs her sister, Vanilla Murphy, at a graduation ceremony inside the prison gymnasium at the Maryland Correctional Institution for women. Jenny Abamu/for NPR hide caption

“What we'd like to see is colleges and corrections agencies kind of attune their policies a bit better, so that people could, for example, enroll full time instead of part time or in other ways support more continuous enrollment that would allow someone to complete a bit sooner.”

She says it’s not uncommon for people in prison to take a decade to complete a degree, as Janet Johnson did.

“10 years is a very long time,” she says. “And it's going to exclude people who don't have sentences of that length.”

How Pell Grants could help

Delaney says prisons and colleges also need to re-engage with the Pell Grant program. In 2020, President Trump signed legislation that fully reinstated Pell Grant access to all incarcerated individuals for the first time since 1994. The legislation passed with rare bipartisan support , and the law went into effect one year ago in July, opening up a new pipeline of funding for higher education in prison.

The Coronavirus Crisis

Congress poised to simplify fafsa, and help people in prison go to college.

States around the country are beginning to ramp up course offerings, but in many places the process has been slow and bureaucratic . According to Vera, though access has expanded, there’s still a long way to go: Many incarcerated people don’t know how to apply for Pell funding, and poor internet access can make it difficult to host virtual classes.

“The restoration of Pell Grants for people in prison will enable more colleges to launch programs in women’s facilities where access to postsecondary education has been limited in the past,” says Delaney. “With greater access to college in prison, more people will leave women’s prisons with the skills and credentials they need to secure living-wage jobs upon their release.”

How states are changing policies

A new legislative effort in Maryland aims to address the inequities laid out in the Vera reports.

“We know that women … are often the heads of households,” says Maryland Delegate Marlon Amprey, who sponsored a pair of prison education reform bills in his state. “How are we making sure heads of households are making enough money to sustain their families if we are not giving women the same opportunities, workforce training, job training while they are incarcerated?”

In Maryland, Amprey’s bills, which were signed into law earlier this year, require the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to help incarcerated people access federal Pell Grants . One of the laws also directs the department to track students’ education progress.

The new laws also come with a host of reforms to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Maryland is now the first state, according to the department , where a formal deal has been established with the entire state university system: As part of the agreement, all 12 public colleges will eventually offer bachelor's degrees and credit-based certificates to incarcerated individuals.

Amprey says he looked to California when he was drafting the new legislation: Over the last few years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has penned multiple agreements with community colleges to teach in all of the state’s prisons. Eight of those prisons offer bachelor’s degree programs, two of which are available in women’s facilities.

But all of these programs are relatively new and it is too soon to say whether changes in Maryland or California will lead to more women completing degrees.

Ruth Delaney, at Vera, says efforts to innovate prison education aren’t limited to academics. She points to reforms in Louisiana, which was early to offer internet access to incarcerated people.

Getting A College Degree When You're Behind Bars

Still, she says the level of collaboration in Maryland is unique.

“What really excites me about what is happening in Maryland is this inter-agency connectedness and the willingness of the department of corrections to think about this legislation with optimism. I would love to see more of that across the country.”

Delaney is hopeful it will make a difference, and “help ensure people in Maryland’s women’s prison are not overlooked when it comes to accessing and completing college in prison.”

How colleges can adapt to better serve incarcerated people

Goucher College, where Janet Johnson got her degree in American Studies, has provided courses at the Maryland Correctional Institution for women since 2012.

Meredith Conde, director of operations and prison affairs for the Goucher Prison Education Partnership, says Goucher is pursuing changes that would allow students to take classes full time, which, she hopes, would allow them to finish bachelor’s degrees in as little as five years. That would give them a better chance of graduating before they’re released, and allow the college to serve more students over time.

But she says most of their students have full-time assigned work and are only able to take classes in the late afternoon or evening.

“Goucher is working with [the department of corrections] to make college a student’s ‘job assignment’ in the same way that GED classes are typically considered someone’s ‘job assignment’ in prison,” explained Conde in a statement to NPR. “This would enable students to enroll in classes all day, rather than just in the late afternoon and evening.”

Conde says that's not the only barrier. There’s also limited space, and classrooms are often in use during the day by GED instructors. She says Goucher has a plan to build trailers at each of the prisons they work in so college classes can be held all day.

“Not defined by the worst moment in our life”

Back at the Maryland Correctional Institution for women, college graduate Janet Johnson said that when she gets out, she wants to be an advocate for youth. Her thesis challenges the state to consider more rehabilitative sentences for young adults, who she argues are not at full maturity until their mid-twenties.

Janet Johnson, who spent the last 10 years working toward a college degree in prison, presents her senior thesis at her college graduation ceremony. Jenny Abamu/for NPR hide caption

As she confidently presented her work to the crowd and took questions from multiple press outlets, she seemed to already be manifesting her dreams.

“Even though I am still incarcerated, I do my best to give back to other people,” she said in an interview with NPR. “Whether it’s here or home, if I hear that there is a problem and I can figure it out or my family could help, we are going to help. We, as incarcerated individuals, are not defined by the worst moment in our life.”

Jenny Abamu is a freelance journalist based in Bethesda, Md. She previously covered education for WAMU, and has a newsletter where she writes about writing.