($6,450 per quarter for autumn/winter/spring/summer)
Note: The above figures reflect 2023-2024 rates. Actual amounts will be adjusted to the rates for 2024-25 and future years.
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
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.
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.
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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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 .
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The following list contains the highest paying doctorate degrees along with career outlook and job growth statistics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are six common types of terminal degrees.
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.
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.
Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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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.
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 scholarships are often awarded for academic or other achievements, often pertaining to the field you're going into.
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:
With no grants or scholarships | With $5,000 in grants or scholarships | With $10,000 in grants or scholarships | With $30,000 in grants or scholarships | With $50,000 in grants or scholarships | |
| $50,000 | $45,000 | $40,000 | $20,000 | $0 |
| $581 | $522 | $464 | $232 | $0 |
| $69,665 | $62,699 | $55,732 | $27,866 |
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.
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 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.
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.
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 .
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 allow U.S. citizens to pursue graduate school abroad.
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.
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 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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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.
There are 2 key types of scholarships you need to consider when undertaking your PhD:
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 .
The UQGSS living stipend and tuition scholarship will help you cover cost-of-living expenses while you carry out your PhD. This scholarship:
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:
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:
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.
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.
Top-up scholarship | Scholarship value per annum* | + Standard living stipend ($35,000) per annum |
---|---|---|
Centre for Health System Reform and Integration PhD Top-Up Scholarship | $10,000 | $45,000 |
PhD Economics Top-Up Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student | $14,000 | $49,000 |
CRC TiME Top-Up Scholarship | $10,000 | $45,000 |
*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.
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:
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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Walkouts, petitions and tweets: how a grass-roots movement led by students, postdocs and tenured academics radically changed government policy on science funding.
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.
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.
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 .
Several key factors come into play when determining a doctorate degree salary. Here’s a breakdown of what can influence your earning potential.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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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Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .
8 high-paying bachelor’s degrees that pay up to $100,000+ in 2024.
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?
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.
Now let's get into the list and some sample jobs you can get with each, including salaries from Salary.com:
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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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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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Learn how to pay for a Ph.D. with scholarships, grants, fellowships and other financial aid programs to minimize your student loan debt.
These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.
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 ...
Explore 20 of the highest-paying Ph.D. programs, examine the average salary of jobs within each field and read about the main topics you study in each degree.
Our guide to PhD funding in the USA has information on fully-funded PhD scholarships, as well as other funding options for international and domestic students.
All PhD students at Columbia University get full funding. Columbia has particularly strong programs in medicine and sciences, as well as public administration and policy. Boston College's Department of Psychology offers a four- to five-year, full-time, fully-funded, research-oriented doctoral program. Students admitted Duke University's PhD ...
Learn how to pay for your doctoral program using scholarships and grants just for you. Find scholarships, apply for grants, and get your doctorate started today.
7 Strategies to Pay for Graduate School Consider applying to tuition-free programs and seek scholarships, fellowships and assistantship positions.
How do you actually go about applying for PhD funding? Our guide offers some simple advice and answers common questions students may have.
Paying for graduate school is costly, especially for PhD programs which can cost upwards of $100,000. Find expert suggestions for paying for a PhD including scholarships, grants, and tips for paying for an advanced degree.
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.
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.
Ways Paying for Doctorate Degree With the costs of pursuing a PhD so high, it's important to consider all of the different options you have to fund it, including scholarships, fellowships, loans, and even crowdfunding. Continue reading to find out 7 ways paying for doctorate degree and check out some of the sponsored listings and popular PhD programs to help you choose a school.
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 ...
If you would like to find more fully funded doctoral programs programs, s tart with a Google search. In a Google search include: PhD + your target discipline + "full funding" (in quotations). You can also try in place of "full funding" the phrases "fully funded" or "full financial support". The quotations are important because ...
We've identified the 25 highest paying doctorate degrees. Compare salaries and job prospects.
Pursuing a graduate degree can be expensive, but a fully funded PhD program can offset all or part of the costs. Find out how these programs work.
This list of universities provided full funding for a PhD in History, including tuition remission and annual stipend, for all incoming Ph.D. students.
Explore various ways to finance graduate school, from scholarships and grants to loans and work-study. Minimize debt and maximize your opportunities.
If you're wondering how to pay for grad school without borrowing money, consider these options. 1. Start Looking for Free Money. As a graduate student, you can qualify for gift aid—financial ...
Yes, you will likely get paid to do a PhD program, but not enough to live on. Many students need to work, at least part-time, to support themselves. Students who don't work either live on a shoestring budget (think oatmeal for breakfast and rice and beans for lunch and dinner), or have savings, family support, or loans.
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 ...
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?
The PhD projects span data analysis, artificial intelligence, social informatics, psychology, human-computer interaction and data visualisation. Industry partners receive access to breakthrough research to support their business objectives. ... To help you pay these costs you may be be eligible for a generous scholarship from the university ...
Walkouts, petitions and tweets: how a grass-roots movement led by students, postdocs and tenured academics radically changed government policy on science funding.
How to Get Ready to Pay for Law School. Education. A Guide to College Academic Advising. Applying to College . Latin Honors in College. Best Graduate Schools. Consider Size When Choosing a Med School.
Unlike a PhD, which often emphasizes theoretical study, the EdD is designed for professionals aiming to take on leadership roles in academic settings. ... 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 ...
On the brink of college and wondering what to major in when the fall semester arrives? Here are eight highest-paying bachelor's degrees that pay up to $100,000+ in 2024.
First Lady Jill Biden will host a fundraiser while she's in Paris leading the US delegation to the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris later this month, the Biden-Harris campaign says.
Many people in prison rely on federal Pell Grants to pay for college courses. But in most states, women's prisons offer less access to Pell-eligible classes than men's prisons do.