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How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?

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Data Summary

• Check The average total cost of a Ph.D. is $40,900 per year. [1]
• Check The median number of years to a doctorate is 5.8 years. [2]
• Check It's common for doctoral programs to offer funding, including tuition waivers, health insurance, and a stipend.
• Check 71% of doctoral students reported receiving a form of grant aid as opposed to 38% of master's students. [3]
• Check Doctoral recipients graduate with an average debt of $26,137. [4]
• Check Almost a quarter (23%) of doctoral recipients graduated with over $30,000 in debt. [5]
• Check About 58% of doctoral recipients graduated with zero debt. Note Reference [4]

How much does it cost to get a Ph.D.? On average, the total cost comes out to $40,900 per year, including tuition and living expenses. Note Reference [1] Students typically take 4-8 years to finish a Ph.D. program, so a doctoral degree can cost anywhere from $163,600-$327,200 before grants and assistantships.

But you won't necessarily end up paying that total cost yourself. Ph.D. students typically receive more financial support than master's degree or other professional graduate degree students. Programs often offer tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching or research.

In this report we'll explore the average cost of a Ph.D. program, common student debt amounts, and how much students typically receive in funding for their doctoral programs.

Table of Contents

Average cost of a ph.d., factors that influence ph.d. cost, ph.d. student loan debt, cost of professional doctorates.

• According to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition for a Ph.D. program is $20,600 per year. Note Reference [1]
• Non-tuition related expenses, such as room and board, books, and supplies, amounted to $20,300 on average. Note Reference [1]
• Together, the total cost per year for a doctoral program equals $40,900. Note Reference [1]

But programs often offer packages that include a tuition waiver and living stipend in exchange for an assistantship. With an assistantship, graduate students may work part time teaching or researching.

• The average amount of a graduate research assistantship is $1,833 per month. [6]
• The average amount of a teaching assistantship is $2,391 per month. Note Reference [6]
• 70.5% of male doctoral students and 64% of female students reported having an assistantship, which often includes a tuition waiver and health insurance. [7]

Keep in mind that some schools have higher tuition but more competitive stipends and benefits, while others have lower tuition rates and lower stipend amounts. Some programs offer full tuition waivers while others cover partial tuition. It is important to note the wide range of package types that are offered to incoming doctoral students.

Costs can also vary between programs and even between departments at the same school. For example, Cornell University's humanities and social science departments offered a stipend of $32,494 per year in 2023 while its technology department offered a stipend of $40,294 (in part due to the Cornell Tech campus being located in New York City). [8] Business Ph.D. students at Cornell received an even higher stipend of $44,885. [9]

Some schools increase stipend amounts with a student's time in the program. Other schools reduce the tuition amount each year.

Ph.D. programs may also offer graduate fellowships or scholarships, which may cover all or some of the costs of the program and may come with some work responsibilities.

Other factors that can affect doctoral programs include whether a school is public or private, the location of a school, and program length.

Most Ph.D. programs provide limits as to the number of years of funding they will provide, often 4-5 years. When students take longer to complete their degree, they may be able to find additional graduate student employment doing teaching or research or apply for a "finishing fellowship."

Student loan and debt amounts for Ph.D. students differ widely between fields. Math and computer science doctoral students, for example, graduate with $10,686 in debt on average while education students graduate with $47,672 in debt. Note Reference [4]

Overall, roughly one quarter (23%) of doctoral recipients graduated with over $30,000 in debt. However, percentages varied by field. [12]

• Only 8% of engineering students and students in the physical sciences and earth sciences graduated with over $30,000 in debt.
• Around 40% of psychology and social sciences (36.9%) and education (40.3%) doctoral recipients, on the other hand, finished with over $30,000 in debt.

Broken down by race and ethnicity, Black or African American doctoral recipients graduated with the highest percentage of debt over $30,000 and Asian doctoral recipients graduated with the least. [13]

• Over half of Black or African American doctoral recipients (56%) received their degrees with over $30,000 in debt.
• Hispanic or Latina/o students placed second with 30% graduating with debt over $30,000.
• 1 in 5 white students graduated with debt over $30,000 and only 1 in 10 Asian students.

While this article focuses on research doctorates, there are also professional doctorates such as Doctor of Medicine (MD), Juris Doctor (JD), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). These doctorates are intended towards practice and often come with higher price tags.

According to 2016 data from the National Center for Education Statistics: [14]

• The average cost of a professional doctorate is $58,656 per year.
• The average price of tuition and fees is $34,910 per year.
• Non-tuition expenses, such as housing and textbooks, come out to $23,746 per year on average.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Cost

Unlike a Ph.D. in education, a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) is also a professional doctorate and geared towards practice rather than teaching and research.

The Ed.D. program is also much shorter than a Ph.D., typically 2-3 years, which may result in a lower cost of attendance. Tuition for some of the best Doctorate of Education programs can range from around $500 per credit to over $2,000 per credit, with a total of 60 credits required to graduate. That amounts to a total tuition cost of $30,000-$120,000 depending on the school.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) Cost

A doctor of psychology degree (Psy.D.), not to be confused with a doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in psychology, is designed for students who want to go into practice, especially as a licensed clinical psychologist or psychotherapist.

While program length varies from school to school, you can generally expect the degree to take you 5-7 years. Tuition for some of the best online Doctorate of Psychology programs ranges from around $600-$1,600. Programs often require 60-90 credits.

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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Learn about our editorial policies

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

Obtaining a PhD is a great way to open up your career options and fulfill personal goals. If you’re deciding whether to go back to your school for a doctorate degree, make sure to get a picture of what it will cost you beforehand so you can make an educated financial choice. In this article, we take a deep dive into how much a PhD costs, including non-tuition expenses and hidden costs. We also list the pros and cons of earning a PhD, as well as ways to fund your degree if it is the right choice for you. Let’s get started! 

What is a PhD? 

“PhD” is the abbreviated title for “Doctor of Philosophy.”  A PhD is an academic degree that qualifies the degree holder to teach at the university level or work in specialized positions in certain fields. PhDs generally focus on STEM research and teaching fields. 

Keep reading : Everything you need to know about a doctorate degree

How much does a PhD cost? 

It usually takes around eight years to earn a PhD at an average tuition cost of $81, 900. 

The true cost of a PhD is very dependent on the following factors: 

• Choice of school
• Field of study
• Type of PhD 
• Location of school
• Dollar amount of student loans

Also see: What is the average amount of graduate school debt?

Other costs associated with receiving a PhD

Living expenses .

In addition to the cost of tuition involved in earning a PhD, there are numerous outside factors that add to the total spent. These predominantly include living expenses such as housing, food, insurance, and transportation. The cost of these necessities will vary depending on the state, city of residence, and number of years it takes to earn a PhD. Therefore, it is important to consider all these factors when planning to earn a PhD. 

Hidden costs of a PhD

Besides just the monetary cost of a PhD, receiving this degree has some hidden costs that can affect whether a PhD is truly worth it. Let’s look at some of the most important hidden costs.

Receiving a PhD takes a long time! If you want to earn a PhD, it will take up to eight years to do so. 

Delayed opportunities

Because receiving a PhD takes time, this means there may be work and life opportunities and experiences you miss out on or have to delay.

Lost income

While focusing on earning a PhD, you will need to focus on your education rather than maintaining a steady flow of income from a job. You will most likely not be able to hold down a full-time job while completing your PhD schooling. 

The chance of not finishing

Unfortunately, it is quite common to start but not earn a PhD. There are a lot of factors that hinder students from receiving their PhD, including the following: 

• Realization they do not want a PhD
• Lack of ability to pay for a PhD
• Inability to maintain a school work balance

Ways to fund your PhD 

Luckily, prospective PhD candidates have numerous options to help them fund their education. Typically, PhD students turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, studentships, loans, and employer sponsorships. 

PhD Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships out there intended for PhD students to help them on their academic journey. These funds can typically be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Try checking out our very own Gutsy Graduate Scholarship to get started!

Grants are very similar to scholarships. They provide money for students for tuition and other academic expenses.

Studentships

A “studentship” is a name that is most often used for PhD scholarships. Studentships are an opportunity for PhD students to receive funding in order to ease financial pressures. Traditionally, studentships are awarded based on merit and achievement. 

Loans are a common way of funding PhD students. The US Department of Education offers Direct PLUS loans as well as Direct Unsubsidized Loans to graduate and professional students. 

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are opportunities to earn money while taking on a position that allows you to make connections and obtain skills in your field. There are various types of assistantships such as teaching and research assistants. Depending on your institution and professor, your role may vary widely depending on what your professor is working on. So, it is important to do your research before accepting an assistantship to determine if it is the right role for you. An assistantship typically functions as a job where you serve a certain number of hours and will be paid for your labor. 

Fellowships

Fellowships can vary widely depending on the institution; however it is essentially funding granted to students to help lower the cost of education. A fellowship is typically a merit-based scholarship for advanced study of an academic subject and is granted to the top candidates in their class. Graduate fellowships typically will cover the cost of tuition as well as a stipend to be used to cover the cost of living which makes graduate studies affordable for academically-driven students. 

Further reading : Assistantships vs. fellowships: What’s the difference? 

Employer sponsorships

In some cases, you may be eligible to receive employer sponsored funding to earn a PhD. In order to do this, you will usually need to demonstrate to your employer that receiving a PhD will also benefit the company as a whole. 

Also see: Top graduate school scholarships

Is a PhD worth it? 

The answer depends on the individual student’s goals and financial situation. There are many pros and cons associated with receiving a PhD. We include a few of the most common reasons below. 

• Access to more prestigious and high-paying jobs
• Development of skills
• Networking opportunities 
• Can make significant contributions to your field of study 
• Financial costs/debt
• Isolating and lonely experience for some
• Stress associated with academic rigor
• Limited job openings after graduation 
• Loss of valuable job experience and opportunities
• Length of time to earn a PhD

Some questions to ask yourself before pursuing a PhD

• Why do I want a PhD? 
• Am I financially prepared to fund a PhD?
• What jobs will be available to me after receiving a PhD?
• Do I have the prerequisites and experience to move forward to a PhD program? 

Related: What is a research university?

Overall cost of PhD

In total, earning a PhD involves a considerable investment of time and money. It can also put you in touch with incredible peer support, mentors, and resources, and be incredibly rewarding and help you start down the path towards your dream career. Be sure you are confident in your decision before starting your PhD journey, and best of luck to you! 

Also see: Grad school financing options

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How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?

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

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

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

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

PhD requirements + general timeline

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

PhD requirements

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

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

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

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

PhD timeline

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

Year 1: Complete advanced coursework.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD timelines by focus

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

Physical and Earth Sciences: 6.3 

Engineering: 6.8 years

Life sciences: 6.9 years

Mathematics and computer science: 7 years

Psychology and Social Sciences: 7.9 years

Humanities and arts: 9.6 years

Education: 12 years

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

Why does it take so long to complete a PhD?

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

1. Dissertations

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

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

2. Assistantship obligations

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

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

3. Other responsibilities

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

Is a PhD right for you?

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

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

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

Benefits of a PhD

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

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

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

Costs of a PhD

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

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

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

Set yourself up for success

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

Understanding the demands and expectations of the program

Receiving adequate program orientation

Getting support from peers and faculty

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

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

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

Article sources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Graduate Tuition Fees

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For most programs, graduate tuition is assessed as an annual program fee, which is divided into three equal installments due at the beginning of academic terms starting in September, January and May.  This fee is the same regardless of how many course credits the student is registered in.

Some graduate programs charge tuition on a per-credit basis, such as online or professional programs.

Current tuition fees for all graduate programs can be found in the Graduate Degree Program listing and the UBC Calendar online:

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In some programs, master's students have the option of pursuing the degree through part-time study. The expected academic workload of students classified as part-time is determined by the graduate program. Master's students classified as part-time are assessed tuition fees according to Schedule B.

Students who wish to be classified as part-time must obtain approval from their graduate program advisor and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies prior to the beginning of the first term of the program.

Students classified as part-time are advised that:

• they are not eligible to receive interest-free status government loans, University fellowships or scholarships;
• they are not eligible for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, student housing, or assigned desk space at the University; and
• the five-year maximum time allowed for the masters program also applies to part-time students.

Students who pay tuition fees according to Schedule B are not permitted to revert back to Schedule A after the initial payment of the tuition fees in the first term of the program.

Part-Time Tuition Fees for Doctoral Students (Schedule C)

Effective for students beginning their programs as of September 2018 or later, doctoral students in some programs will have the option of pursuing the degree through part-time study. Doctoral students classified as part-time are assessed tuition fees according to Schedule B. Further information about part-time doctoral classification is available under Student Status and Classification .

Continuing tuition fees

Each graduate program has a minimum number of tuition installments required, according to either Schedule A or B (see listings in Calendar).  After the minimum number of installments has been paid, the student pays three more installments of regular fees, and then fees are reduced to "continuing" tuition installments for the remaining duration of the student's normal time eligibility in the program (five years for master's, six years for doctoral).

Extension tuition fees

If a student is granted an extension of time eligibility in their graduate program, "extension" tuition installments are assessed for the duration of the time allowed on extension. See listings in Calendar.

Senior Citizens

BC residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 65 years or over during the session in which they are registered are not assessed application, tuition, or student fees. The Distance Education administrative fee and some special fees may be assessed. Fees will be assessed to senior citizens for programs in areas such as Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Nursing, or any faculty or school where existing facilities and resources are limited.

Tuition Increases

All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date.

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Tuition & Fees for Graduate Students

A valuable, affordable advanced degree .

Earning a degree from the University at Albany is a smart investment in your future. That's because the value of your degree is determined not just by the education and career preparation you receive, but also by how much it costs to receive it.

As a public research university, UAlbany costs considerably less than most private institutions offering the same rigorous academic experience. 

It’s important to note that with scholarships, assistantships and fellowships, as well as state and federal aid, you’ll likely pay less than the total costs listed below to earn your degree. Follow these instructions to apply for financial aid .

Note:  Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice by action of the SUNY Board of Trustees. 

Tuition and Fees for Full-Time Students 

While enrolling in 9 credits is considered full-time for academic purposes, graduate students enrolled in less than 12 credits are charged for tuition on a per credit basis. These charts show the cost of one semester or one academic year at UAlbany at the 12 credit rate . See per-credit rates.  

New York State Residents

Out-of-state residents, per-credit tuition & fees for spring 2024.

Students who enroll in fewer than 12 credits are charged at these per-credit rates.  See detailed current and previous per-credit rate charts.  

Additional Information about Tuition & Fees

Learn about  New York State residency requirements  to determine whether you qualify for in-state tuition.

If you're an international or online student, please visit our  Tuition & Fees for International Students  or  Tuition & Fees for Online Students  pages.

Learn more about the campus services covered by student fees.

Student-Alumni Partnership Fee:  The fees listed above include the optional Student-Alumni Partnership Fee. To opt-out of this $30 fee, please complete the  Student-Alumni Partnership Opt-Out Request  every semester.  

Course Fees:  Students who register for select courses — such as certain lab and art classes — will be charged course fees, which are solely used to support the additional costs for materials, supplies and special services related to the course.

Fall 2023 Course Fees

Financial Aid 

Financial need for many aid programs can only be determined by filing the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Please review our financial aid application instructions for more information.  

The University offers a limited number of graduate fellowships; teaching, research or administrative assistantships; traineeships; and tuition scholarships on a merit basis to qualified matriculated graduate students.  

As these awards and positions are administered by the appropriate Graduate Department offering the graduate programs, inquiries regarding availability and qualifications should be directed to the academic department of interest.

A small number of assistantships and tuition scholarships are additionally available through University administrative offices and the Office of Residential Life.  

Visit the Graduate School's Funding Graduate Study page for detailed information.

Note: If you are receiving a Graduate Tuition Scholarship and it is not listed on your financial aid award letter, please contact the appropriate Graduate Department.  

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need. Students are responsible for interest during all payment periods. 

Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are federal loans that allow eligible graduate or professional students to obtain a credit-based loan from the U.S. Department of Education. These loans are designed to help with educational expenses up to the cost of attendance, minus all other financial aid. 

Learn more about private loans.

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.  

New York State aid — including the Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship, and Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship — can also help you finance your education. ( Note: For New York State residents only.) 

For information on financial aid for veterans and military-connected students, including the GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Student Services website .

Have questions? 

Contact Student Financial Services at  [email protected]  or  518-442-3202  for a consultation. 

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Tuition and fees.

Please note: Courses taken outside of the student's home college may be billed at the per-credit rate of the college offering the course.

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Visit  Fee Descriptions  for more details.

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Cost of higher education and financial aid for graduate students

Graduate student 2023 – 2024 expenses.

As a graduate student, you'll pay ASU for tuition and fees. Some programs charge differential or program-specific tuition, which is in addition to the base tuition. See details on  ASU’s tuition estimator . Housing and meals, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses will vary depending on your spending choices, and should be budgeted into your expenses.

To see total cost of attendance, visit tuition.asu.edu/cost

Types of financial aid

Applying for financial aid.

To receive federal financial aid (grants, loans and work-study) you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year. The FAFSA is officially open for 2024-25! The new FAFSA is a simplified and streamlined experience years in the making. Many students are ready to get started and will be completing their FAFSA this month, so If you experience a pause, or can't log in please just wait a few hours or set a reminder for the next day to jump back in with your FSA ID and complete the application. For more questions go to  studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out  or call 1-800-4-FED-AID. If you experience expected issues or challenges, please visit  this webpage  for a helpful list of known issues and ways to troubleshoot.

File your FAFSA 

Once you submit your FAFSA, check your  Priority Actions box in My ASU  regularly to be sure that ASU does not need any additional documents from you to verify your FAFSA. All requests will be listed in My ASU or sent to your ASU email.

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Texas a&m tuition and required fees, graduate tuition, nonresident tuition exemption, university advancement fee, college advancement fee, college of engineering graduate remote program fee, distance education differential tuition, distance education administration fee, field trip fees, health center fee, identification card (aggie card) fee, international student orientation fee, international student services fee, international student administrative fee, international student post enrollment maintenance fee, laboratory fees, late penalties, late registration/add penalties, recreational sports fee, reinstatement fee, student center complex fee, hsc tuition and required fees, group hospital fee, instructional enhancement/ equipment fee, publication asda/adha fee , id card (1-time flat rate), matriculation fee (1-time flat rate), drug testing fee (1-time flat rate), medical liability, equipment usage.

• Summer Clinic Fee (D3 and D4 only)

Clinical Simulation Fee

• Gross Anatomy Fee (M1 Only)

Professional Liability Fee 

Clinic simulation fee, professional activity fee, professional development fee, environmental service fee, career services and professional services fee , advising services fee , transportation fee.

All rates are the most current available at the time of printing and are subject to change.

A tuition calculator is provided on the Student Business Services website to assist students in estimating their tuition and fee costs based on enrolled semester credit hours. Tuition and fee explanations can also be found at sbs.tamu.edu .

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for exemption from non-resident tuition, you may contact Student Business Services at [email protected] or your department.

The University Advancement Fee is a required fee charged to all Texas A&M University students. The University Advancement fee funds services such as advising, the Career Center, Writing Center, technology and libraries as well as administrative services such as ID services, the campus bus system, billing and refunds, access for students to discounted software and many of the services provided through the Division of Student Affairs.

The College Advancement fee is a required fee that is charged to graduate students per semester.  The College Advancement Fee amount will be added to the existing college-wide program fee already charged for the college for Architecture and Bush School.  The College Advancement Fee replaces approximately 7200 course fees.

Distance Education Tuition and Fees

A student registering for distance education courses will be assessed Distance Education Differential Tuition per hour based on the course(s) being taken. Each course has a different Distance Education Differential Tuition based on the fees associated with that program. An administrative fee of $30 per hour and a Distance Education Teaching Fee (equal to and in place of non-resident tuition) are assessed for those non-resident students taking distance education courses outside the State of Texas.

The program fee will be applied to all graduate students taking an Engineering course by distance education, regardless of home college. This replaces the DE Differential tuition.

The rate to be charged for distance education courses will range from a minimum of $40/SCH to a maximum of $550/SCH. Each academic department will have an individual rate that will be approved annually by the President of Texas A&M University.  For more information regarding Distance Education Differential Tuition, please visit   https://sbs.tamu.edu/billing-payments/billing-fee-explanations/index.html .

This $30 per semester credit hour administrative fee is assessed to Non-Funded Out-of-State students taking distance education courses.

Field trip fees are assessed to cover the cost of providing trips and vary depending on the course taken and expected expenses.

There is a $75.00 per semester fee ($25 for a 5-week summer term and $75.00 for a 10-week summer term) that is included in tuition and fees for students intended to support operations of the Student Health Center. This allows the Health Center's fee schedule to be as low as possible. Students pay a visit fee each time they access care, and there are charges for on-site medical tests, procedures, medications and ancillary services.  

Every student is required to have a student ID card. An ID card is permanent and a student is responsible for maintaining a working ID throughout his/her career at the University. The Aggie Card is used for residence hall access, registration, fee collection, financial aid disbursement, dining halls, athletic event and recreational sports admittance and library privileges. Replacement ID cards are $12.

A student who loses his/her IDs should report the loss immediately online at https://myaggiecard.tamu.edu/ and deactivate the card or contact:

Student Business Services Aggie Card Office General Services Complex (979) 845-4661 24 hours a day, seven days a week  

This $70 fee is charged to cover the cost of resources for newly admitted international students.  

This $85 fee is required of all students who are not U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents to offset the cost of specialized services provided to these students from International Student and Scholar Services, the Center for Teaching Excellence - English Language Proficiency Program, and the Writing Center.

An administrative fee not to exceed $500 per semester or summer session (all or part thereof) will be required to support international sponsored students whose tuition and fee payments are coordinated through Sponsored Student Billing unless these fees are waived as part of negotiated contractual agreements. This $500 administrative fee includes the $85 International Student Services fee.

This three-tiered fee will be required of F-1 students who are applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the 24-month STEM Extension of OPT as well as J-1 students who are applying for Academic Training that will occur post-completion of studies. Within the applicable requests, the student will be required to upload evidence that they have paid the required fee. This fee will only apply to new or extended authorization requests for Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT, and Post-Completion Academic Training. Additional information about this fee can be found on the ISSS website.

The University is required to assess and collect a laboratory fee not to exceed $30 for each laboratory course to cover in general the cost of laboratory materials and supplies used by a student.

A student who fails to pay fees and installments when due is assessed a late payment fee for each payment or installment paid late.

• A student who registers between the 1st and 12th day of classes is assessed a $100 late registration fee.
• A student who registers after the 12th class day is assessed a $200 late registration penalty.
• A student who adds classes after the 12th class day that result in a net increase in hours enrolled is assessed a $50 late add fee.

The Recreational Sports fee is assessed to all students attending the University for use of the Student Recreation Center, Southside Rec Center, Polo Road Rec Center, Penberthy Rec Sports Complex, and all other Recreational Sports facilities. The fee  for all graduate students (both new and returning) and all undergraduate students whose first enrollment to the university was during the fall 2020 semester or any semester after the fall 2020  semester will be $145 per semester ($72.50 for a 5-week summer term and $145 for a 10-week summer semester).   

Returning undergraduate students , on the university's fixed rate tuition plan, whose initial enrollment to the university was prior to the fall 2020 semester will continue to pay $106 per semester ($53 for a 5-week summer term and $106 for a 10-week summer semester) for the duration of their fixed rate tuition agreement.

A student who fails to pay all fees by the last day of the semester will be administratively withdrawn from the University and charged a $50 reinstatement fee.

This $100 fee ($50 for a 5-week summer term and $100 for a 10-week summer semester) is required of all students for operating, maintaining, improving and equipping the Student Center Complex.

Texas A&M University Health Science Center tuition and fees are approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents within guidelines established by the Texas Legislature. Fees are subject to change by the Board of Regents.

The group hospital fee supports the provision of medical services to students to access services at the academic locale.

The Texas A&M Health Science Center charges an Instructional Enhancement Fee (IEF) at each of the colleges offering HSC academic programs.  The colleges have varying fee rates based on the IEF needs of the college.  This fee supports an array of educational activity enhancing academic programs at the college.   A few examples of enhancement expenditures are; software to enhance education, media, web-based instruction, tracking and evaluation tools, licensure fees, and integration of technology. 

This fee provides for students to receive a monthly publication, annual membership into the ASDA, ADA, or ADHA, and many leadership opportunities depending on the student’s academic program.

This additional ID fee covers the College of Dentistry badge, which also serves an access card to secure locations of the dental school in addition to being an identification card.

This is a setup fee for first-year dental students related to a college-specific file set up with the college.

All dental students pay this fee to cover drug testing for students, and this is a one-time assessment.

The University is required to assess and collect a laboratory fee not less than $2 nor more than $30.00 for each laboratory course to cover in general the cost of laboratory materials and supplies used by a student.

Medical Liability Insurance is required by students interacting & treating patients.  This fee covers medical malpractice required for this type of activity.

This fee supports costs associated with the instruments used during dental education.

Summer Clinic Fee  (D3 and D4 only)

The Summer Clinic Fee is used to partly cover the cost of students working in the clinic, this fee is a flat fee and isn’t charged by the hour. (The students are scheduling and working on patients as part of their clinical training.)

This fee covers costs associated with Clinical Learning Resources Center to include specialized simulation technology, equipment, materials and supplies related to the operating of the simulation center. 

Gross Anatomy Fee  (M1 Only )

This fee covers costs associated with Gross Anatomy lab to include lab materials, supplies, furnishings, software and equipment specific to gross anatomy.

Professional liability insurance coverage is required of all students who will be in clinical settings providing patient care. It is a mandatory requirement of all local facilities with which we have contracts for student clinical experiences.

This fee covers costs associated with Clinical Learning Resources Center to include specialized simulation technology, equipment, materials and supplies related to the operating of the simulation center.

The Professional Activity Fee supports various professional activities for pharmacy students such as participation in clinical partnerships enhancing experiential education, financial resources to ensure these clinical experiences meet pharmacy education expectations, support of student travel to professional meetings/conferences, and other professional activities.

One-third of the pharmacy curriculum is experiential education, which consists of the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) and the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE).  This fee supports clinical site payments for student rotations.  In addition to clinical site payments, the Professional development Fee supports service learning activities and other professional development services and programs.

This fee supports distribution, maintenance and pickup of recycle bins and materials from each building located on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus.  Only pharmacy students located at Kingsville are assessed this fee.

This fee will support efficient and effective support services for professional career development services.  Various operational costs associated with provisions of professional career development services.

This fee will provide advising support services for all graduate degree programs not provided by members of the faculty.  This fee includes, but is not limited to Graduate Studies, Professional School Advising, and Admission Services related to student enrollment.  Various operational costs associated with the delivery of services noted in programmatic justification.

This $70 per semester fee ($35 for a 5-week summer term and $70 for a 10-week summer semester) is assessed to provide unlimited fare-free access to all students to on-campus and off-campus services, and expanded service and revenue for a long-term bus replacement plan. In addition, revenue will pay for operating expenses and the enhancement of bus facilities on campus. Fee subject to change.

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

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

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

Tuition Fees

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

International Fees

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

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

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

Part-time Fees

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

Other Degree-related Costs

Research support fees.

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

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

Overtime Period Fee

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

Living Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Fund Your PhD

Studentships.

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

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

Doctoral Loans

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

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

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

Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs

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

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

How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?

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

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

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

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

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Exclusions apply.   The above tuition rates do not apply to certain online programs or programs offered under specific rate agreements.  Other exclusions may apply.  Please confirm your program’s tuition with the Office of Enrollment Services.  

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Estimated annual tuition and fees ($ u.s.) for the 2023 - 2024 academic year, estimated full-time graduate.

Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the cost of attending UMass Lowell. It is based on residency status, career level, and whether the student will be living on-campus, off-campus or commuting. The cost of attendance includes both direct and indirect costs.

• *Mandatory Fees include Technology Fee and Activity Fee only.
• **The Housing Cost reflects the Weighted Average Cost.
• ***Food Plan Cost reflects the Unlimited 200 Plan (most popular plan).
• ****International Mandatory Fees includes the International Fee and the Health Insurance Fee.

Housing Options range from $8,930-$12,040. Visit the  Office of Residence Life  for more information.

Graduate Tuition and Fee charges are based on 9 credits per semester. Credits in excess of 9 will have additional charges added.

These prices are estimates and subject to change by vote of the UMass Board of Trustees.

Additional fees that may apply are based on your status and enrollment. Fee descriptions provide more information on each fee that may be charged.

Online Tuition

For online programs, please visit  Tuition & Fees for Graduate, Online & Professional Studies .

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• Tuition and Fees

How to determine the total cost of your degree

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These tables provide an overview of tuition and fees. For specific degree costs, see the program pages. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, contact an enrollment counselor by email or by phone at 866.808.8681 .

This tuition estimate is effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change.

Doctoral Degrees

Choose from PhDs and professional doctorates; prepare to teach, consult, or lead in your profession.

Tuition (capped tuition maximum; per credit until max)

$4,385 - $5,000

Tuition (per credit)

$555 - $825

FlexPath Option (each 12-week billing session)

$3,265 - $3,340

Week-in-Residence

$600 - $1,495

Year-in-Residence Extended Seminar

$2,990 - $3,290

Master's Degrees

Advance your career while being careful with your time and money. Take yourself to the next stage.

$450 - $830

$2,535 - $2,950

Bachelor's Degrees

Build a better future even with a busy life. Our programs help you pursue the degree you want or need.

$350 - $415

FlexPath Option (each 12-week billing session

$2,500 - $3,370

Certificate

Certificate programs.

Improve your knowledge and skill, and aim higher in your career, with new professional credentials.

$365 - $830

Additional Fees

We are committed to a transparent pricing policy. In addition to your tuition and fees, you may be responsible for the following:

Application fee

Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning

Graduate Credit for Prior Learning

Documented Credit for Prior Learning

• Resource kit
• Travel/lodging for residencies

$75 per credit

$125 per credit

Resource Kit

$50 - $175 per quarter/12 week billing session

Travel/Lodging for Residencies*

*Costs vary by program

Planning and budgeting

Estimate your program costs and eligibility for financial support with our Net Price Calculator.

Ways to save

There are more ways to save than you might think. Discover discounts, tuition assistance, and free money to reduce your tuition. Here are a few examples:

• Scholarships and grants
• Employer benefits
• Transfer credits
• Credit for Prior Learning
• Military benefits
• General education courses
• Work-study programs

Federal financial aid

To find out if you’re eligible for federal financial aid, such as grants, work-study programs, and loans, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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Course Fees

Additional Navigation

 2023-2024 Academic Year

• Fall 2023 Course Fees: Undergraduate
• Fall 2023 Course Fees: Graduate, Doctoral, and Law
• Fall 2023 Inclusive Access Fees: All Program Levels (Online Courses Only)

Spring 2024

• Spring 2024 Course Fees: Undergraduate
• Spring 2024 Course Fees: Graduate, Doctoral, and Law
• Spring 2024 Inclusive Access Fees: All Program Levels (Online Courses Only)

Summer 2024

• Summer 2024 Course Fees: Undergraduate
• Summer 2024 Course Fees: Graduate, Doctoral, and Law
• Summer 2024 Inclusive Access Fees: All Program Levels (Online Courses Only)

 2024-2025 Academic Year

• Fall 2024 Course Fees: Undergraduate
• Fall 2024 Course Fees: Graduate, Doctoral, and Law
• Fall 2024 Inclusive Access Fees: All Program Levels (Online Courses Only)

Course Fees for future semesters will be provided at a later date.

Fees are subject to change and later course additions may change the lists above.

Fee Opt Out Requests

Complete the Fee Opt Out Form for each fee and submit electronically no later than two weeks after the applicable course start date. The form must be completed in its entirety, and additional documentation proving current ownership of the required course materials must be included for a request to be processed.

Fee Opt Out Requests are not guaranteed to be approved. Please allow 3-5 business days to receive a response regarding a request.

Faculty/Department Changes

Faculty/Department fee change requests can be submitted through the Fee Request Form .