does a phd student get paid

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How To Pay For A Ph.D.

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Updated: Jan 25, 2024, 12:13pm

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

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

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

What Does a Ph.D. Cost?

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

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

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

7 Ways To Pay For a Ph.D.

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

1. Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

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

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

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

2. Ph.D. Fellowship Programs

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

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

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

You can search for fellowship opportunities through the ProFellow database .

3. Doctoral Scholarships

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

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

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

4. Ph.D. Grants

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

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

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

5. Employer Reimbursement

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

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

6. Federal Student Loans

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

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

7. Private Student Loans

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

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

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

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How Do PhD Students Make Money? Do PhD Students Get Paid?

A PhD journey is as much an intellectual endeavor as it is a financial one. With tuition fees, living expenses, and academic costs piling up, PhD students often find themselves seeking ways to supplement their income.

This article explores the varied avenues through which doctoral candidates navigate the financial challenges of their studies, from traditional stipends and assistantships to innovative side hustles.

Do PhD Students Get paid?

The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it.

Most PhD students receive a stipend, which is a fixed sum of money designed to cover living expenses rather than earning a salary like a traditional job.

Stipends come from various sources, such as:

• teaching assistantships,
• research assistantships, or
• fellowships.

For instance, as a teaching assistant, a PhD student might lead discussion sections or labs for undergraduate courses. This not only provides financial support but also valuable teaching experience.

Research assistantships are another common avenue, where students contribute to a professor’s research projects. This role aligns closely with a PhD student’s academic and professional growth.

Research Assistantships is also a good way for people to learn and hone their research skill, especially if they jump straight from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

Fellowships are usually merit-based and might cover tuition in addition to providing a living stipend.

However, the amount PhD students get paid varies widely by:

• university, and
• geographical location

Stipends in cities with a high cost of living often being higher, albeit sometimes not enough to cover all expenses. 

As a result, some students turn to part-time jobs, freelance work, or tutoring to supplement their income, though international students might face restrictions based on their visa status.

PhD Stipends

Many PhD students do receive stipends, a financial award intended to support their living expenses while they focus on their studies and research.

Unlike a salary from a full-time job, stipends are not compensation for services rendered but rather a form of scholarship to aid students during their rigorous academic journey.

Stipends are often funded through teaching assistantships, where PhD candidates might teach undergraduate courses or assist professors with their classes.

This not only provides financial support but also invaluable teaching experience in academia. Similarly, research assistantships allow students to work on specific research projects, often related to their dissertation, under the guidance of a faculty member.

However, the amount of these stipends can vary widely, influenced by:

• the university’s location,
• the field of study, and
• available funding.

In high-cost living areas, some stipends might barely cover basic expenses, prompting students to seek additional income through part-time work, tutoring, or freelance projects.

It’s worth noting that international students may face restrictions on the amount of work they can undertake, dictated by their visa terms.

Fellowships

Fellowships stand out as a significant source of funding for doctoral students. These fellowships are not just financial aids; they are prestigious awards that recognize the potential and caliber of PhD candidates.

Fellowships provide a stipend, which is essentially a financial grant designed to cover living expenses, allowing students to focus more on their dissertation and less on financial burdens.

Unlike assistantships that require teaching or research in return, fellowships often come with no strings attached, offering more freedom and flexibility in pursuing academic endeavors.

For instance, the National Science Foundation (NSF) offers Graduate Research Fellowships, highly coveted in the STEM fields. These fellowships not only cover living expenses but also include tuition remission, freeing students from the worry of educational fees. 

Similarly, the Ford Foundation Fellowship programs aim to increase diversity in academia, providing generous support to underrepresented groups.

Internationally, the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships enable students to pursue doctoral studies at prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, offering a comprehensive package that covers tuition, living costs, and travel expenses.

However, securing a fellowship can be highly competitive, with selection criteria that often extend beyond academic excellence to include:

• leadership qualities,
• community involvement, and
• potential for future contribution to the field.

Part-Time Teaching Assistantships

For many PhD students, part-time teaching assistantships are a vital source of income and an integral part of their graduate education.

Serving as a teaching assistant, or TA, involves a range of duties from leading discussion sections to grading papers, all while juggling your own coursework and dissertation research.

This dual role offers not only financial support but also a valuable opportunity to gain teaching experience in academia.

Typically, TAs receive a stipend intended to cover living expenses, the amount of which can vary widely depending on:

• the university,
• department, and

Some might find this stipend sufficient, while others, especially in cities with a high cost of living, might need to explore additional income sources.

Beyond the stipend, many teaching assistantships come with the added benefit of tuition remission, relieving the financial burden of grad school fees. This allows PhD students to focus more on their studies and research without the stress of accumulating debt.

However, the number of hours a TA is expected to work can also vary, usually capped at 20 hours per week to ensure students have enough time to dedicate to their own academic pursuits.

Despite this, balancing teaching responsibilities with doctoral studies can be challenging and requires excellent time management skills.

For international PhD students, teaching assistantships are often one of the few work options available due to visa restrictions, making these positions highly sought after.

PhD Side Hustles – Earn More Money

Many PhD students are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Beyond the traditional stipends, teaching assistantships, and fellowships, entrepreneurial PhD students are finding innovative ways to earn money while pursuing their degrees.

Freelancing emerges as a popular choice among doctoral candidates, especially those with skills in:

• data analysis, and
• programming.

Websites that connect freelancers with short-term projects offer a flexible way to earn money without conflicting with academic commitments.

A PhD student in computational biology might freelance as a data analyst, applying their expertise while earning extra income.

Tutoring is another common side hustle for PhD students. Leveraging their advanced knowledge, many offer tutoring services in their field of study or related subjects, such as statistics for social sciences.

This not only provides additional income but also helps in honing their teaching skills, valuable for an academic career.

Some PhD students venture into more creative side hustles, such as starting a:

• podcast, or
• YouTube channel related to their research or academic life.

These platforms can generate income through advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, all while enhancing their public engagement and communication skills.

It’s worth noting that managing a side hustle alongside PhD commitments requires careful time management. Moreover, international students must navigate visa restrictions that may limit their ability to work outside their studies.

Can International Students Earn Money As A PhD Student?

PhD program can be particularly challenging for international students, given the constraints imposed by visa regulations.

However, it’s possible for international PhD candidates to earn money while pursuing their studies, albeit within certain boundaries.

Most international PhD students are eligible for on-campus employment, including teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

These positions not only provide a stipend to cover living expenses but also offer invaluable experience in teaching and research, integral components of academic professional development.

For instance, as a teaching assistant, an international PhD student might lead discussion sessions or assist in grading, while adhering to the stipulated number of work hours per week as dictated by their visa.

Fellowships are another avenue through which international PhD students can secure financial support. These awards often come without the work obligations tied to assistantships, allowing students to focus more intently on their dissertation work.

Moreover, internships, particularly those related to the student’s field of research, can offer both financial remuneration and practical experience.

Some doctoral programs have partnerships with industries that facilitate such opportunities, though international students must ensure these opportunities align with their visa stipulations.

While off-campus employment is typically more restricted, some countries offer provisions under which international students can engage in work outside the university.

This might include part-time jobs or internships related to their field of study, provided they o btain the necessary work authorization.

Students In PhD Program Do Earn Enough Money To Survive

PhD students employ a diverse range of strategies to secure financial stability while pursuing their studies. From engaging in teaching and research assistantships to exploring fellowships and embracing entrepreneurial side hustles, they demonstrate adaptability and ingenuity.

These financial avenues not only support their academic journey but also enrich their professional and personal development, laying a foundation for a versatile career path.

Ultimately, the journey to make money as a PhD student is intertwined with their pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth.

Dr. JW Ong holds academic degrees, including a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from universities in New Zealand, Malaysia, and the UK. He started PhDPursuits.com as a way to share the experience he wish he would have had known before embarking on his PhD.

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6 Reasons Why Do PhD Students Get Paid? (or why they should be)

If you are thinking about applying to a PhD program in the US, be sure to ask about the financial aid package that is available. A good stipend can make a big difference in your decision of where to attend.

Its true that PhD life demands sacrifice and dedication, many programs offer stipends or salaries. This begs the question: why do universities pay people who are ostensibly learning, not earning? Well, the answer, like a good dissertation, is multi-layered.

Table of Contents

1. research efforts deserve compensation, 2. attracting top talent demands pay.

Universities compete fiercely for top talent , and in the realm of research, PhD students are the crème de la crème. Offering competitive stipends is an essential bargaining chip to attract the brightest minds and ensure they aren’t lured away by more lucrative private-sector opportunities. Think of it as an investment in the university’s future research prowess. Who knows, that brilliant student toiling away in the lab might one day be a Nobel laureate, and you wouldn’t want to have skimped on their ramen budget, would you?

3. Tuition waivers enhance accessibility

And guess what? Research agrees! Studies show that when universities are more inclusive with their financial help , they get a mix of different perspectives and ideas. It’s like having a potluck dinner where everyone brings a different dish – it makes the meal way more interesting! So, when universities say, “Come on in, money shouldn’t be a roadblock,” they’re not just being nice; they’re making sure we all benefit from a variety of smart brains.

4. Grants and Stipends Fuel Innovation

5. phd students are valuable labor for institutions.

When universities pay them, it’s not just giving money; it’s like planting seeds for the university’s brainpower garden. It’s like having a team with players who each bring something special to the game. So, paying Ph.D. students isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s like saying, “Hey, let’s invest in making our university’s brainpower even more awesome!”

6. Paying PhD researchers is an investment in the future

Why phd is still consider a risky career move even after getting a paid.

Delayed Career Entry and Earnings: Entering a PhD program at around 22-25 years old translates to a delayed entry into the full-time workforce compared to bachelor’s or even master’s graduates. This delay means missing out on several years of potential career experience and salary growth. By the time PhD graduates enter the workforce in their late 20s or early 30s, their peers with less advanced degrees may have climbed significantly higher in their chosen fields. This can lead to a temporary dip in earning potential and make catching up in terms of seniority and salary somewhat challenging.

Debt and Financial Burdens: Living on a stipend, even with tuition waivers, can be challenging. While not technically a “debt,” many students struggle to make ends meet, especially in expensive locations. This can lead to financial strains, side hustles, and difficulty saving for the future.

Remember, not everyone finds the traditional PhD path ideal. Alternative options like professional master’s programs, industry research positions, or directly entering the workforce can offer fulfilling careers without the same level of risk and sacrifice. Choose the path that aligns best with your individual values, aspirations, and risk tolerance.

Wrap Up: Why do PhD Students Get Paid?

How much do phd students in the us typically get paid.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! Stipends vary widely depending on several factors: Field of study:  Some disciplines, like STEM fields, often have larger research grants, leading to higher stipends. Humanities and social sciences may offer lower levels of financial support. University and funding source:  Public and private universities offer different funding packages. Private universities may offer better stipends, while public universities might rely more on teaching assistantships for income. Funding type:  Fellowships generally offer higher stipends than assistantships, but may come with specific research or teaching requirements.

Do I need to repay anything?

Is phd stipend enough to live comfortably in the us.

The adequacy of a stipend depends on your location and lifestyle. Housing costs, especially in metropolitan areas, can significantly impact your budget. You might need to factor in additional income sources through part-time work, teaching assistantships, or external scholarships to manage your needs.

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Phd stipends: all your questions answered, published by steve tippins on june 26, 2022 june 26, 2022.

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2024, 03:04 am

What are PhD stipends? When you enter a PhD program, you can also get financial support in the form of tuition reduction, free tuition, and PhD stipends. That means compensation for work you’ll do, such as teaching or being a research assistant. Typically, traditional, face-to-face universities and PhD programs—as opposed to online programs from non-traditional schools—will compensate you for being a PhD student.

Do All PhD Students Get a Stipend?

Not all PhD students get stipends. However, most students in traditional programs do get stipends because these are full-time programs that require full-time attention, if not more.

It’s very difficult to keep a job of any kind and be in a full-time doctoral program. In order to have students at an institution, the institution has to make up for the income students lose by not working. PhD students are valuable labor for institutions because it costs less to pay them to teach classes and do research support than someone who has already earned a PhD .

What Is a Good Stipend for a PhD Student?

The average phd stipend.

The average annual stipend in the United States ranges between about $23,000 and $33,000 per year. You’re not going to get rich as a PhD student on one of these stipends, but you can survive.

The Highest PhD Stipend

The highest PhD stipends that most students can get are around $30,000 to $33,000. Interestingly, stipends vary by discipline. The higher stipends tend to be in disciplines where it’s harder to find doctoral students or easier to find PhD jobs.  

Education or musicology will have a stipend below $20,000 on average, and there aren’t a lot of jobs for graduates in these disciplines. However, if you were to look at something like biomedical engineering, the stipend would probably be around $33,000.

There is a factor of supply and demand that goes into stipends, and these are averages across the US. They also vary slightly by institution.

Is a PhD Stipend Enough to Live On?

When you evaluate whether a PhD stipend statement is enough to live on, first think about where you’re going to school. Would $24,000 allow you to survive on your own in New York City? It would be really difficult to find someplace to rent under $2,000 a month. If you don’t have a strong desire to eat, maybe you could get by on something like that. 

On the other hand, if you are somewhere like Little Rock, Arkansas, where rent might be $600 a month, then you have $1,400 left for other things like food. It might be possible there. Many doctoral students share apartments and have roommates to make it easier to survive financially.

Can I Work While Doing a PhD?

You may be able to work a little bit while doing a PhD, though it’s very hard to have time to do much else besides focus on your degree. Some people come from previous jobs and can continue consulting. Some faculty members run consulting businesses and employ students to do more work than the stipend has them assigned to do. Just be aware that if you start making outside work a priority, eventually your stipends will go away.

Is a PhD Stipend Taxable?

We aren’t qualified to give tax advice, but in most cases stipends are considered taxable income to the doctoral student.

How Can PhD Students Earn Money Besides Their Stipend?

There are ways doctoral students can earn money outside of their PhD student stipend . Some doctoral students tutor students on the side. It used to be you could sell textbooks back to the manufacturer, but that’s become increasingly rare now that most textbooks are going electronic.

There are other opportunities like consulting based on previous contacts or working along with other faculty members to help them in their projects. 

In many cases, there are grants that you might receive in addition to your stipend. Apply for grants such as dissertation-writing grants or grants aligned with your demographic background or area of interest. Check with your institution’s financial aid office and with professional associations for grants.

How Often Is a PhD Stipend Paid?

PhD stipends are paid based on your university’s compensation schedule. If your university pays every two weeks, you’ll be paid every two weeks. If it pays once or twice a month, you’ll be paid once or twice a month.

Do PhD Stipends Increase Each Year?

Don’t count on a PhD stipend increasing every year. Universities have vast bureaucracies, and doctoral students are usually low on the pole of influence. If you get a stipend, assume that it will stay at that level. 

Be sure to also check the maximum duration of a PhD stipend. Some institutions have limits, so be aware if the limit is less than the average time it takes someone to complete a PhD.

Final Thoughts

A PhD stipend is a great thing. It allows you to keep living, albeit barely, while digging deep into your preferred area of interest. In most cases and locations, it’s high enough to subsist but low enough that you don’t want to hang around at that level for a long time.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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PhD Students in the Natural Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Medical Sciences

Phd students in the humanities and social sciences programs of the faculty of arts and sciences, phd students in humanities and social sciences programs offered in partnership with other harvard schools, acceptance of financial support.

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) offers incoming PhD students full financial support—including tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses—for a minimum of five years (typically the first four years of study and the completion year). This funding package includes a combination of tuition grants, stipends, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and other academic appointments.

Each student is provided a Notice of Financial Support at the time of admission and is assigned a financial aid officer who administers this funding and is available to assist with financial concerns. Each spring, continuing students supported by Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding sources are required to activate their funding for the upcoming academic year using the Student Aid Portal, an online financial aid management system.

A typical funding package* includes:

• grants toward tuition and the Harvard University Student Health Program  paid in full for years G1 through G4 and the dissertation completion year
• a combination of stipend, teaching fellowships, and/or research assistantships during years G1 through G4
• summer research support from Harvard Griffin GSAS or faculty grants following the first four academic years.
• subsidy payments to defray dental insurance and transportation costs.

*In some programs, the timing and structure of living expense support may vary from this pattern.

The initial Notice of Financial Support assumes continuous enrollment as a full-time resident student; students not enrolled are not eligible for Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid programs. Students may find that their actual enrollment patterns necessitate adjustments to the timing of their funding. Students wishing to defer Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding indicate this in the Student Aid Portal during the annual financial aid acceptance process. The options for deferring financial support vary by type of aid; please refer to the applicable sections of the financial aid policy web pages for details. Students who are considering deferring financial support are strongly encouraged to contact their financial aid officer to review how such actions may impact their funding in future years.

While funding packages vary by program, PhD students in the sciences typically receive full funding until they complete their programs of study. Contact your department administrator or financial aid officer for details.

See more detailed information about funding for students in humanities and social sciences programs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Humanities and Social Sciences Programs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

• Celtic Literatures and Languages
• Comparative Literature
• East Asian Languages and Civilizations
• Film and Visual Studies
• Germanic Languages and Literatures
• History of Art and Architecture
• Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
• Linguistics
• Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
• Romance Languages and Literatures
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• South Asian Studies

Social Sciences

• African and African American Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• History of Science
• Human Evolutionary Biology
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Social Policy

A number of humanities and social sciences PhD programs are offered in partnership with Harvard's professional schools. While funding packages vary by program, PhD students in these interfaculty programs generally receive at least four years of financial support for tuition, health fees, and living expenses; most programs provide dissertation completion fellowships as well. For more information, refer to your Notice of Financial Support or contact your financial aid officer .

Interfaculty Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences

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Each student is provided a Notice of Financial Support at the time of admission and is assigned a financial aid officer who administers this funding and is available to assist with financial concerns. Students are required to formally accept their financial aid offers and acknowledge their understanding of financial aid policies. Students should also consult their academic programs to determine whether program-specific conditions apply.

Each spring, continuing students supported by Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding sources are required to activate their funding for the upcoming academic year using the Student Aid Portal, an online financial aid management system. Continued eligibility for financial aid is contingent upon an annual report by the faculty that the student is making  satisfactory progress toward the degree.

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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Tuition, Fees, and Ph.D. Stipends

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

Last updated August 27, 2024

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View full cost to attend . 

  * - Projected rates for tuition, fees, and stipends are tentative and subject to change.

** - For longer term projections, the tuition remission rate can be assumed to increase 0.7% per year.

*** - Teaching assistant and grader rates are established by the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences.

Graduate School

Graduate student stipend information.

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• Ph.D. Funding

The Graduate School offers incoming doctoral and MFA students financial packages intended to support excellence in graduate education and to enable students to devote themselves full time to their research and scholarship.

All recommendations for graduate student funding are made at the program level. Eligibility and awards are determined annually and are always conditional on students making satisfactory progress toward their degrees. Students with questions or concerns regarding Brown funding — including eligibility, awards, or renewals — should discuss them with the program’s Director of Graduate Study.

Brown's funded degree programs are residential programs that require full-time dedication in order to reach the goals of superior scholarship envisioned for all students. The Graduate School recognizes that training opportunities outside of regular appointments can play an important role in preparing graduate students for their careers and, for supported graduate students in good standing, the Graduate Council is supportive of such additional, paid training opportunities, as long as they do not exceed 12 hours per week. Additional details can be found on the Activities Outside of Stipended Appointments webpage and in the  Graduate School Handbook .

Stipend Information

2023-2024 stipend amounts.

FY24 Doctoral Base Stipends (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)

2024-2025 Stipend Amounts

FY25 Doctoral Base Stipends (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)

2025-2026 Stipend Amounts

FY26 Doctoral Base Stipends (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026)

Where to Find Stipend Information

Students receive an appointment letter through  Self Service Banner  (SSB) each term (fall, spring, and summer). You can find your appointment letters in  SSB  by logging in with your Brown username and password, then clicking on the 'Student' tab and selecting ‘Graduate Student Appointment Details’ at the bottom of the list. The appointment letter provides: 

• The appointment type and a general description of duties 
• The start and end dates of the appointment 
• The department in which the appointment is assigned 
• The total stipend amount for the term 
• Whether the appointment in the bargaining unit or not and union-related steps to take prior to the appointment starting

Calculating Monthly Amount

All stipended graduate students will receive their regular stipend payment at the end of each month (see the Student Employee FAQ section on the Controller’s Office  General Information/FAQ webpage ). Your Appointment Letter provides the total amount you will receive for that term and from that you can determine approximately how much you will receive at the end of each month (please note this is a pre-tax amount).

Fall and Spring Terms

The fall and spring funding periods are both 4.5 months in length. Fall runs September 1 - January 15 and spring runs January 16 - May 31 (these dates are detailed in your Appointment Letter). To determine how much you will receive each month, divide the stipend amount from your Appointment Letter by 4.5 months. 

Example:  Your Fall 2023 Appointment Letter shows a stipend amount of $16,421.63.  $16,421.63/ 4.5 months = $3,649.25 per month, pre-tax.

Summer Term

The summer term runs June 1 - August 31 and straddles two fiscal years. Students receiving a summer stipend will receive one month of stipend payment (June) at the rate of the fiscal year that is ending and two months of stipend payment (July and August) at the rate of the fiscal year that is starting. This means that the payment amount in June may be different from the amounts in July and August (though it will generally be the same as the amount from the previous July and August).

Example:  Your Summer 2024 Appointment Letter shows a stipend amount of $11,976.91. The 2023-2024 monthly stipend rate is $3,808.25 and you will receive that amount, pre tax, in June 2024 (the portion of the summer in the 2023-2024 fiscal year). The 2024-2025 monthly stipend rate is $4,084.33 and you will receive that amount, pre tax, in both July and August 2024 (the portion of the summer in the 2024-2025 fiscal year).

Effects of Appointment Type

A general overview and description of duties for student appointments can be found in the  Graduate School Handbook . Appointment types not only affect the type of work a student is performing during a term, but may also affect how the student’s stipend is taxed and will determine whether or not they are in the bargaining unit. For example, students appointed to fellowships do not generally have taxes taken out of their payments and are not in the bargaining unit, while students on assistantship appointments such as RA, TA, or Proctor, do have taxes withheld at the time of payment and are in the bargaining unit (and so must pay the GLO Membership Fee or the GLO Fair Share Fee). See the Tax Information and Graduate Student Union Information webpages for more information.

Steps Required to Receive Payments

All students must complete the I-9 process in order to receive payment from Brown. Students will be required to complete this process upon matriculating as well as anytime they return to active student status after taking a leave of absence. 

The I-9 process includes:

• Submitting the I-9 Form and completing all onboarding tasks in Workday (instructions can be found on the  I-9 Forms webpage ) 
• Visiting the HR Service Center, in person, (Page-Robinson Hall, Room 213) to present original, unexpired documentation for the I-9 Form. Please refer to the  List of Acceptable Documents  for guidance on the types of documents required. 

Sprintax Calculus

All international students are required to enter data pertaining to immigration and tax status in Sprintax Calculus each calendar year and if they extend their stay at Brown University. Students are also required to notify their department and [email protected] each time they leave the U.S. with their location and possible return date, and then again when they re-enter the country, regardless of the length of time they were away. Current information is required to ensure that correct taxes are applied. More information is available on the Controller’s Office Foreign National Payments and Taxation webpage. Note that the university previously used FNIS for this process, but has recently transitioned to Sprintax Calculus.

Effects of Student Location

A student’s location during the term (whether they are on campus or off campus in another state or country) plays a role in how the student’s payment is processed by Brown and may affect the taxes withheld. Students should let their program administrator know when they will be away from campus and international students should notify their department and [email protected] each time they leave the U.S. with their location and possible return date, and then again when they re-enter the country, regardless of the length of time they were away. To ensure that student payments are in compliance with all relevant tax laws, students may get questions about their current location and travel dates from their program administrator, the Graduate School, or the Controller’s Office. 

Receiving Stipend as Check or Direct Deposit

Information about how to sign up for direct deposit is found on the Controller’s Office  General Information/FAQ webpage . Note that students who sign up for direct deposit may still receive one more payment as a check if the direct deposit setup process is not fully completed prior to payments being disbursed. 

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The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is an online degree preparing cybersecurity leaders for complex cybersecurity challenges.

Our Ph.D. in Information Science is a research program for next-generation scholars of the information age.

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Funding Your Ph.D. Education

At the I School, all our Ph.D. students receive funding packages with a minimum of six years of financial support through a combination of fellowships, research positions, and academic student employment. Details of individual funding packages may vary; in order to take full advantage of offered funding, students need to remain in good academic standing and advance to doctoral candidacy in normative time to degree, and may need to meet other funding conditions of specific fellowships or positions.

In the first year, I School Ph.D. students receive fellowship support to cover all tuition and fees, including Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition and the Student Health Insurance Fee, and a stipend for living expenses. For the academic year 2023–2024, the minimum first-year I School Ph.D. student 12-month stipend is $40,000.

After the first year, Ph.D. students are typically funded through graduate student academic appointments or research positions for up to four years (eight semesters). In addition to an hourly wage, students receive fee remission that offsets a portion or all of their tuition and fees. For more information, see Graduate Student Academic Appointments and Fee Remission .

Some students continue their research positions during the summer. The I School also offers limited summer grant opportunities for Ph.D. students who have no other summer funding sources secured.

After Ph.D. students pass their qualifying exam and advance to doctoral candidacy, the Berkeley Doctoral Completion Fellowship (DCF) provides eligible students with one year (two semesters) of tuition remission and a stipend for living expenses. Students are expected to make every effort to meet DCF eligibility conditions in order to take advantage of this funding opportunity.

The University also awards through competition a limited number of merit- and need-based fellowships each year. See University Fellowships for further details.

Tuition and fees listed reflect currently approved amounts; these figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change. Students should expect fees to increase moderately each fall term.

* Students may opt out of the UCGPC fee .

** Students have the option to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) if they have other major medical health insurance that meet the SHIP waiver criteria and don't wish to have dual coverage. For waiver qualifications, instructions, forms, and FAQs, please see Waiving SHIP .

*** The Document Management Fee is a one-time fee charged in the first term of enrollment.

For additional information on the cost of attendance, please visit: Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Cost of Attendance .

California residents, for purposes of registration, are those who have been legal residents of California for at least one year immediately before the opening day of the semester for which they register. Legal residence is a combination of physical presence and the intention of making the state one’s permanent home, coupled with the relinquishment of legal residence in any other state.

Eligible Ph.D. students are expected to establish California residency for tuition purposes by their second year of the program.

International students with F-1 visas cannot be classified as California residents for tuition purposes.

More Information:

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Financial Aid

Graduate students may apply for need-based loans and work-study through the Financial Aid Office. The programs are based on demonstrated financial need and require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (those holding permanent resident cards) may apply for funds administered by the Financial Aid Office. Financial aid can include work-study, loans, the Native American Opportunity Plan , and other sources of financial aid.

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If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Learn more  here .

Additional Fellowships

In addition to the first-year fellowship and academic student employment, Ph.D. students may supplement their funding by applying for additional internal and external fellowships. Some university restrictions on combining funding opportunities apply; students are encouraged to consult our admissions staff with questions about specific conjunctions of funding.

Fellowships for I School Students

All admitted Ph.D. applicants will automatically be considered for the Hal Varian endowment .

The I School awards a variety of fellowships to I School students.

List of I School fellowship opportunities

External Fellowships

Students are encouraged to apply for external fellowship opportunities as relevant. Below are several examples of external fellowships that our I School Ph.D. students have successfully obtained:

• Facebook Fellowship
• Fulbright Study/Research Award
• Hertz Fellowship
• Marcus Foster Fellowship
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• Peter Lyman Fellowship for New Media
• Soros Fellowships for New Americans
• UC Berkeley Mentored Research Award

Our Ph.D. students have also received grants from the following organizations and centers:

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

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

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

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

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

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

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

Tuition and Fees

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

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

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

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

Books and Materials

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

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

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

Healthcare and Living 

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

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

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

Navigating the Financial Landscape of a PhD

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

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

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

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Do PhD Students Get Paid?

Starting your doctoral program brings with it plenty of exciting new questions. For instance, what classes will you take? What area of study will your dissertation focus on? What renowned faculty will you have the chance to work alongside? What fulfilling career will you pursue after graduation?

Another question you might be pondering: do PhD students get paid? The answer can look different depending on your unique financial situation, your school, and your chosen course of study. While PhD students generally don’t earn a traditional salary, there are a number of ways they may be able to financially sustain themselves while earning their degree, like pursuing paid fellowships, paid research opportunities, or part-time or freelance employment. 

Read on to learn the different ways you might earn money as a PhD candidate.

Teaching Assistantships

One of the most common ways that PhD students may be able to earn money while completing their degree is by working as a teaching assistant, or TA. Teaching assistants may be paid either through the Federal Work-Study program (as part of an overall financial aid package) or through institutional funds. 

Working as a teaching assistant can be an excellent way to get hands-on experience in the classroom, which may be helpful if you plan on going into the world of academia after graduation. As a teaching assistant, you’ll have the chance to work alongside experienced professors and deepen your own knowledge through pedagogy.

As a teaching assistant, your duties might include : 1

• Evaluating and grading papers and exams
• Proctoring and observing exams
• Leading seminars and discussions
• Meeting with students after class hours for assistance
• Assisting the professor with any administrative work or research related to the course

Paid Fieldwork or Research Fellowships

Many PhD programs require candidates to complete fieldwork or research as part of their coursework. Depending on what you’re studying, this could include:

• Supervised work with clients in a clinical setting
• Research in the field or in a laboratory
• Archival work
• Assistant work for professors or researchers 

Some of these programs can also be paid , but it’s important to keep in mind that these stipends are considered taxable income.

You can also look into applying to paid research fellowships. These fellowships can provide financial support while also encouraging PhD candidates to gain experience in underserved or understudied areas of research. For example, the American Psychological Association offers several different fellowships for doctoral candidates through its minority fellowship program, including: 2

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Doctoral Fellowship – A doctoral fellowship that focuses on culturally competent training in behavioral health services for minority populations.
• Services for Transition Age Youth Fellowship – A doctoral fellowship that provides training in mental health services for ethnic youth between the ages of 16 and 25.
• Leadership and Education Advancement Program for Diverse Scholars – A mentorship and development program that focuses on building research and leadership skills in early-career scientists.
• Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program – A program aimed at increasing the number of minority mental health providers while also improving mental health care for racial and ethnic minorities with mental or substance abuse disorders.

Research fellowships or teaching assistantships are more than just a way to pursue earning extra income– they’re also a great opportunity for building connections and earning hands-on experience that may serve you well once you’ve begun your career.

Part-Time Work

While you most likely won’t have the time (or the mental energy) for a full-time job as a PhD student, you might be interested in pursuing part-time or freelance work that can more easily fit into your schedule.

When searching for a part-time job, it’s important to consider work that you can easily balance against your rigorous coursework and study schedule. It’s also important to make sure you can still reserve time for yourself to relax and recharge. 

Some examples of part-time or freelance jobs that might be a flexible fit for a PhD student’s busy lifestyle include:

• Freelance writing or graphic design 
• Driving for rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft
• Bartending, waiting tables, or working as a barista
• Private tutoring for in-demand areas, like SAT prep or language classes
• Babysitting or nannying
• Walking dogs or house sitting
• On-campus positions, such as working as a library clerk
• Remote positions, like data entry or customer service
• Work that allows you to pursue an existing passion, like selling art on Etsy or teaching fitness classes

Earning Money as a PhD Student

While you might not be earning a traditional salary as a PhD student, there are still a number of avenues that you can pursue to earn money and gain new experiences. Whether you choose to spend time in the world of academia as a teaching assistant, in the laboratory during a research fellowship, or at a part-time job, there are options you can explore to supplement your income.

At Alliant International University, we understand that students are busy pursuing an income, as well as an education. That’s why we offer a number of flexible doctoral degree programs, so you can continue your education while maintaining your work schedule. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t wait— request information on Alliant’s programs today!

•  “Graduate Teaching Assistant Job Description, Salary | Resilient Educator.” ResilientEducator. 2020. https://resilienteducator.com/teaching-careers/graduate-teaching-assist… . Accessed January 30, 2022.
•  “Psychology Fellowships and Programs.” APA. 2021. https://www.apa.org/pi/mfp/psychology . Accessed January 30, 2022.
•  Sims, C., 2021. “My 11 part-time jobs made me a better PhD student.” Nature. January 13, 2021. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00089-w . Accessed January 30, 2022.

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3.69-17.99% College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.

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Graduate students who work as teaching assistants earn an average of $38,040 annually, according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But how much you get paid as a grad student can vary greatly.

Grad school compensation depends on your school’s policies and your role at the institution. For example, teaching assistants and research assistants may have different pay scales, as could first-year and fourth-year graduate students.

» MORE: Is a masters degree worth it?

How graduate students get paid

Colleges may pay graduate students who work at the school via a stipend or a salary. Generally, the key differences between these options are as follows:

Stipends are for students. You receive this funding as part of an assistantship or fellowship from the school. The money is meant to support your living expenses while you perform research or your other educational pursuits. Stipend amounts may be based on the length of the academic year, not the calendar year.

Salaries are for employees. The school has formally hired you as an employee to perform specific responsibilities, like leading a class, for instance. As a salaried worker, your wages may be a set amount or based on the hours you work. You may also receive employee benefits such as subsidized health care or workers’ compensation.

How much is a graduate student’s stipend?

Cornell University recently announced it would increase graduate student stipends by 8%, bringing the average annual assistantship stipends for Ithaca- and Cornell AgriTech-based students to $43,326.

But this is not the norm. Many graduate students are paid much less.

The Temple University Graduate Students' Association, for example, began negotiations with the university in January 2021 to raise their average graduate student stipend — currently at $19,500 year.

Because funding can vary by school, it's best to research stipend information on your school’s website. This will likely include how much you’ll receive, as well as any factors that affect your pay rate. For example, the Stanford School of Education pays research assistants more once they’re officially doctoral candidates.

Living on graduate student payments

Working while in school can help cover some graduate program costs. But even with multiple jobs, you’ll likely need additional money to afford all your expenses.

Apply for scholarships and grants you may qualify for. Also, explore any other assistance your school offers. For example, Duke University offers up to $7,000 a semester to Ph.D. students who need child care.

After exhausting free aid and your stipend or salary, you may have to turn to graduate student loans to close any additional gaps in funding. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the average grad student graduated with $17,680 in federal graduate student loans, according to the College Board, a not-for-profit association of educational institutions.

There aren’t subsidized loans for graduate school, where the government covers the cost of interest while you’re in school, but unsubsidized loans are available and you don't have to make payments while enrolled at least half-time.

You can also take out up to your program’s cost of attendance — minus other aid you’ve already received — in graduate PLUS loans from the federal government or private graduate school loans .

» MORE: How to pay for graduate school

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Financing Your Education - Doctoral Programs

A doctoral degree is a significant investment in your future, and financing your education is a critical factor to consider. While the funding we provide covers the basic standard cost of attendance determined by Stanford University for a modest life as a graduate student, accepting an offer from a doctoral program has significant personal, professional, and financial implications. Below you’ll find information on GSE and Stanford financial support for doctoral students, as well as other important considerations when it comes to financing your PhD.

Funding guarantee

Stanford GSE offers all admitted PhD students a five-year funding package that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary which covers the standard cost of attendance. The funding is based on meeting the basic financial need of the student alone for the first five academic years of the doctoral program and entails assistantship work. The cornerstone of the GSE doctoral experience is the apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well. In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a funding package that consists of opportunities to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the coursework, students are prepared to excel as university faculty, education researchers, and leaders in the field.

All funding is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and performance on the research and teaching assistantships. There is no separate application for this funding.

Assistantships

As part of the academic and professional training and development, students undertake assistantships which provide both salary and tuition. Research assistantships are funded by faculty research grants, other faculty funds or as needed, by the GSE Dean’s Office, and can lead to joint publications with faculty or to dissertation topics. Students who have sufficient expertise and experience may also be selected as teaching assistants for courses at the GSE or other Stanford schools and departments. Assistantships are typically secured in consultation with faculty advisors. Students work 10 hours (25% assistantship) or 20 hours (50% assistantship) a week depending on their year in the program. 

• Research assistantship (RA): Various duties for research projects
• Teaching assistantships (3 types):
• Course Assistant (CA)—course preparation and grading
• Teaching Assistant (TA)—leads regularly-scheduled discussion sections
• Teaching Affiliate (TF)—full responsibility for course

Funding Details 2023-2024

Note: The above figures reflect 2023-2024 rates. Actual amounts will be adjusted to the rates for 2024-25 and future years.

Cost of attendance

Tuition depends on the units taken by the student. In addition to tuition expenses, the cost of attendance of a PhD program involves living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. The sum of tuition and non-tuition expenses constitutes the standard cost of attendance. 

As you consider applying to graduate school, you can use the standard cost of attendance of your program —plus any additional expenses you might have—to create your financial plan, keeping in mind that tuition and non-tuition expenses of the standard cost of attendance are set by the university on an annual basis.

What you can do now to prepare financially if admitted

• Prepare for how your standard of living may change as a graduate student, especially if you are coming from a full-time job.
• Consider the length of your program, any dependents, existing debt, and additional financial commitments you may have. Students with children may review Stanford support programs for families.
• If you have personal or special circumstances that require additional expenses above and beyond the standard cost of attendance, plan accordingly.
• Start saving as much as you are able to cover any unexpected expenses you may incur while in graduate school.
• Familiarize yourself with federal as well as private student loans, their interest rates, fees, repayment options, deferment policies, and eligibility requirements, so that you are informed if you need to borrow.
• Be ready to cover all initial expenses, since fellowships and stipends will not be disbursed until a few weeks into your first quarter. Onboarding into a PhD program often requires up front out of pocket expenses for relocation.

Additional GSE resources

Once PhD students matriculate, the GSE has a variety of resources available to support academic work and unanticipated needs.

Students are eligible for up to three travel fellowships during their time at GSE if they are attending a conference or other professional development opportunity.

GSE Student Emergency Fund assists graduate students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing financial hardship. This fund is meant to support those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. 

GSE Dissertation Support Grants help advanced PhD students who require additional financial support for dissertation research activities. These grants, available at up to $6,500 total per student, are available to students who do not have access to other funds to cover their dissertation costs.

Stanford University resources

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program aims to prepare the next generation of global leaders to address the increasingly complex challenges facing the world. The program selects up to 100 students each year and provides three years of financial support that is integrated into the GSE’s funding package for PhD students.

Vice Provost for Graduate Education awards various fellowships for doctoral students and maintains a list of other Stanford fellowships that students may consider.

Cardinal Care subsidy is an automatic university-wide subsidy program for graduate students. Vaden Health Center manages the university’s Cardinal Care student health insurance.

Stanford Financial Aid Office oversees a number of financial support programs specifically for graduate students with challenging financial situations. 

Additional hourly work is available to students who wish to work for pay as "casual labor" at Stanford up to eight hours a week, provided work does not adversely affect the academic program. Requires approval from the student’s advisor and the Academic Services team.

Other funding sources

External fellowships are integrated into the GSE’s funding package. There are many funding opportunities offered outside of Stanford. The GSE admissions team has compiled an external fellowships and grants document for you to explore, though you should plan to do your own research as well. International students can find additional sources of funding on the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website and this publication .

Stanford is committed to providing benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to students in degree-seeking programs. GSE students who qualify for Chapter 33 benefits at the 100% level may be eligible for additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please note that for GSE students receiving tuition fellowship funding, the Yellow Ribbon match may reduce and in some cases replace institutional grants and scholarships. For instructions, visit the page, Activate VA Education Benefits at Stanford .

International students are guaranteed the same funding package as domestic students. However, there may be restrictions regarding the number of hours and opportunities to work during the summer months. To learn more, please contact the Bechtel International Center .

To meet immigration regulations, international students must show proof of adequate financial support to cover the length of time of their graduate program. While international students are not eligible for U.S. federal loan programs, they may qualify for private/alternative loans. Many lenders, however, require that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-sign the loan. You can find information and tools to help you choose private loan programs most frequently used by Stanford students here. A comprehensive list of private loan programs is available at FinAid.org .

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PhD student salary – How much cash will you get?

When considering starting a PhD you need to think about how much you will get as a PhD student at a minimum. Ideally, you would be fully funded so that you could focus 100% on your studies.

A PhD student salary ranges from US$17,000 a year (New Zealand) all the way up to US$104,000 a year (Austria). The amount you need depends significantly on the living costs of a particular country. Places like the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark and Sweden have the highest living cost ratio.

Generally speaking, you can expect to receive a modest stipend for living expenses as well as tuition assistance.

In 2007 my PhD stipend was AU$20,000 (approximately US$13,000). At the time, this was enough for me to live comfortably and save a little bit of money as well.

As the cost-of-living increases PhD student salaries are being stretched to their limits.

Here is data for a range of countries ordered by the best living ratio the higher. The living to cost ratio the further the stipend goes. Data was collected from Glassdoor.com and Numeo .

In the US, most PhD students make between $20,000 and $45,000 per year. Some more prestigious programs may offer higher salaries.

Salaries vary by institution and field of study, so you should check with your school’s department to find out what kind of compensation they offer.

Additionally, many universities provide additional funding opportunities such as research grants or teaching assistantships that can help supplement your income. While you may not get rich off of a PhD student salary, it is possible to make enough money to cover basic needs while continuing your studies.

What Are PhD Student Salaries?

PhD students don’t necessarily get “salaries”.

Full-time doctoral students are typically paid a stipend which is usually a fixed amount that covers living expenses as well as tuition.

Other forms of financial support may include fellowships, grants and teaching or research assistantships.

In addition to monetary compensation, PhD students may also receive health insurance and other benefits such as free housing or childcare services. Many universities also offer career counselling services for their PhD students in order to help them find jobs after graduation.

Ultimately, PhD student salaries can vary greatly and it’s important to consider all factors when evaluating PhD offers.

Countries offering Highest PhD stipends in the World

There are a variety of countries that are better at funding PhD students than others. Check out my YouTube video which goes through the countries with the highest PhD stipend and how you can boost yours.

Here is a quick rundown of other benefits if you are considering doing a PhD abroad.

Netherlands

As an international student, you may be considering studying for a PhD in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is home to some of the top universities in Europe and offers a wide range of PhD programs. In addition, the Dutch government offers a number of scholarships and grants for international students.

I’ve done some research and found that the average salary for a PhD student in the Netherlands is around US$74163 per year . This figure is before any additional income from grants or scholarships. So, if you’re planning on studying for a PhD in the Netherlands, it’s important to bear in mind that you’ll need to budget for living costs on top of your tuition.

Switzerland

Every year, the Swiss Confederation and Swiss National Science Foundation award scholarships to international postgraduate researchers who desire to pursue their PhD in Switzerland. It’s home to some of our planet’s most stunning landscapes and among its brightest minds.

Switzerland is known for its degrees in business, is home to some of the best institutes of technology, and is a world leader in finance and banking.

Sweden is a well-developed and prosperous country with a strong tradition of academic excellence.

Swedish universities are consistently ranked highly in international rankings, making it an attractive destination for students from all over the world.

PhD students in Sweden can expect to receive a competitive stipend to help cover living costs during their studies. About USD$42618 per year , according to my research.

In addition, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to help cover the costs of tuition and other expenses.

Denmark is one of the top countries in the world for research and development, making it an attractive prospect for PhD students. The country offers generous stipends to PhD students, with no additional fees for being a student. The average PhD stipend in Denmark is around US$53,436 per year.

Norway is one of the countries offering a high PhD stipend. The average PhD stipend in Norway is around US$50,268 per year . PhD students in Norway also benefit from a high quality of life, as the country is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.

If you are considering pursuing a PhD, Norway should definitely be on your list of potential countries to study in.

Things to consider for PhD stipends

Before you settle on your PhD there are a few things to consider about your stipend.

Things such as industry top ups can significantly increase your earning potential as a PhD student and looking at the living costs in a particular country as well as the particular terms and conditions for your PhD stipend will mean you do not end up being shortchanged.

Industry Top-ups

One of the best ways that I have seen PhD students earn more money and raise their minimum salary is by looking for industry supported PhD positions and top ups.

For example, while I was on AU$20,000 a year, one of my colleagues in the department was on AU$60,000 a year and was guaranteed a job after their PhD. They had a top up scholarship from an industry partner sponsoring their battery research.

Looking for these opportunities may help you earn significantly more money during your PhD.

Living costs

Quite frankly, PhD living costs vary dramatically from country to country and city to city. European countries may have a relatively high PhD stipend but the living costs are also higher.

The best way to determine the buying power of your PhD scholarship is to consider it in terms of the living costs. The best way to do that is with the living cost index.

Here are the best countries to get a PhD stipend relative to the cost of living. The higher the living ratio the better.

You can see that Austria tops this list and many of the Scandinavian countries also are high on the list. Places like Ireland and New Zealand are one of the worst places to do your PhD if you want your stipend to go a long way.

Length of the PhD

In countries like the United States of America, the PhD system means that you need to do a 5 to 7 year PhD. This significantly increases the amount of time that you will spend in university and, therefore, your earning potential will be limited for a longer amount of time.

I chose to do my PhD in Australia because it would only take me three years as an international student. Choosing a PhD with a shorter timescale from the UK, Australia, New Zealand or European countries may be best for you.

Terms and conditions

Lastly, it is important to scrutinise the terms and conditions of your PhD stipend.

Some stipends do not allow students to get a second job which significantly limits their full-time earning potential. Other places, do not put any restrictions on their PhD students even with a full scholarship.

If you want to know more about earning more money during your PhD check out the two articles below.

• The best PhD student part-time jobs [Full guide]
• Is it possible to earn a PhD while working? The brutal truth

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To get a stipend, you will need to apply for funding through the university or other organizations offering scholarships and grants.

Be sure to carefully read through all requirements of the application process and submit all necessary documents, such as transcripts, essays, recommendation letters and financial aid forms.

You may also need to show proof of academic excellence, such as high grades or awards. For example, I was required to achieve a first class masters before being able to access any funding from a foreign university.

Once accepted, you will usually receive a monthly payment from the organization as well as tuition assistance. Additionally, many universities offer research assistantships which provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field while earning money at the same time.

With dedication and hard work, obtaining a PhD stipend can help reduce some of the financial burden associated with higher education.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to know that PhD student salaries and giving you some real-world numbers on what you can expect in different countries.

The real important value is the living cost ratio to ensure that your PhD stipend goes as far as possible and is not eaten up quickly by rent, food, and other basic necessities.

It is possible for PhD students to not only live comfortably but also put some money aside if you are very careful about choosing a PhD with a full stipend and looking for other opportunities to top up the money with industry partnerships and other grants.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Do you get paid to do a PhD?

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

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

Yes and no.

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

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

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

How can you get paid to do a PhD?

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

• living stipend
• tuition scholarship

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

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

Living stipend

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

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

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

Search all living stipend scholarships for PhD students

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

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

Top-up scholarship

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

Top-up scholarships can:

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

Browse postgraduate research top-up scholarships  

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

How much funding do you receive for a PhD?

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

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

Is it enough?

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

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

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

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

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Key takeaways

• Student stipends can be low, so having additional income from teaching or research may be essential
• Graduate students aren’t guaranteed funding, but there are plenty of options to reduce the cost of your education
• Teaching and research assistantships are the most common ways for graduate students to get paid

Getting a master’s degree can be extremely rewarding, but it is also expensive. Plus, being a graduate student is often a full-time job. If you are considering graduate school, you might be concerned about finding a source of income while you’re enrolled. Many colleges offer paid programs and positions to high-performing graduate students. These opportunities typically come in the form of graduate assistantship programs.

Not every graduate student will qualify for these programs, but it’s worth seeing what your school offers and whether you’re eligible to apply. Here’s what you need to know about graduate assistantship programs and how much you could make.

How graduate students get paid

Many programs offer stipends or tuition waivers in exchange for helping professors or engaging in advanced research with department faculty. These usually take the form of teaching or research assistantships or fellowships. Some programs may also offer salaried positions to students willing to become teaching assistants or independently teach courses.

Assistantships are generally competitive programs offered to high-performing students who excelled during their undergraduate education. Fellowships are often even more competitive and can be found either internally or through an external institution.

Other options outside of student loans are similar to undergrad: scholarships and grants. Scholarship opportunities may be more limited, but depending on your field of study, you may be able to find several that cover or significantly reduce the cost of your tuition.

How much do graduate students get paid?

The overall pay depends largely on the type of assistantship you pursue. PayScale lists the average salary for graduate assistants as around $26,000, but research graduate assistants make a slightly higher $30,500. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data shows that teaching assistants at the postsecondary level earn an average of $20,000.

That said, it can be hard to pinpoint an exact amount. Pay is based on the university you attend, your program of study and where you live, among other factors. Some salary averages may include an additional stipend, while others list the amount you get paid after tuition reimbursement.

If you are already enrolled in a program, reach out to your advisor to find more information. If you are considering graduate education, make potential assistantships and stipends a point of research when comparing schools. Using a budget calculator can also help you determine what path is best for you.

How much do Ph.D. students get paid?

Like graduate programs, some Ph.D. programs will offer stipends to students, but it’s common for students to be responsible for paying their way through their degrees. Many universities will post the exact stipend amount on the program website.

You may be eligible for a teaching or research assistantship, which will offer you a salary in addition to your stipend. For example, at the University of Arkansas , Ph.D. assistantships have a minimum base pay of $19,096 and receive additional benefits, like a portion of their health insurance paid. In comparison, at the University of Miami , the annual salary for an assistantship in 2024 is $40,140, with health insurance and tuition paid for.

Like with every aspect of graduate school, your salary will depend on your school’s funding, the type of work you do and other factors.

Depending on your field of study, you may also be eligible for a fellowship. Fellowships may be available internally or externally, but most will not require a teaching or research position.

These three avenues of financial support allow you to study and write your dissertation without having to take on an extra job — or significant amounts of extra debt .

Is a student stipend enough to live on?

Student stipends typically aren’t enough to live on, especially factoring in tuition costs. However, if you don’t have any debt, live for free with a close family member or friend and are careful with your spending, a student stipend could help you make it through the few years you’re in graduate school. You can also check with your graduate program to see if it offers free housing for assistants or if there are other scholarships or stipends available.

If you need more money to cover your tuition or other expenses, you may need to take out a graduate school loan . While taking on debt for school isn’t ideal, it’s an extremely common way to pay for advanced degrees.

How to create a budget with your stipend

Creating a strict budget can help stretch your stipend further. The first thing you’ll need to do is eliminate any unnecessary spending, including dining out, subscription services or services that are already provided through your campus (like gym memberships). Next, think about areas in which you could be overspending. For example, where are you getting your clothing and groceries? Try shopping at budget or bulk grocery stores and consignment shops instead of buying new.

Textbooks and school supplies can add up, especially on a student stipend. Check to see if your school offers technology rentals for things like laptops and specialty calculators. Also, consider buying or renting used textbooks outside your school’s bookstore, where the prices are typically inflated.

Lastly, when it comes to budgeting with a student stipend, prioritize your monthly living expenses and bills. Not paying bills on time can invite hardship — and potentially even a collection notice — down the road. If you have an emergency fund , try not to dip into it unless you truly need the cash.

Bottom line

It can be difficult to manage your budget and find sources of income while you’re in graduate school. If you are smart with your money and have few other living expenses, taking on an assistantship or another funded opportunity from your graduate program could help you make ends meet while you’re in school. However, the stipends you earn as a graduate student are rarely enough to live on alone. It is always a good idea to look into financial aid and scholarship opportunities if you are worried about the financial logistics of going to graduate school.

Learn more:

• Ways to pay for graduate school
• The best grants for students
• Guide to college scholarships and grants

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What is a PhD Stipend?

• Updated on  
• Dec 2, 2023

PhD is amongst the toughest, most rewarding degrees in the world. One of the biggest perks of pursuing a PhD is that you get paid for it. A PhD stipend is a monthly allowance given every month to students to cover their daily expenses, research, and accommodation. The expense covered under a PhD stipend varies based on the degree as well as organization. It is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD. with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

Check out the Best Countries for PhD

This Blog Includes:

Stipend vs salary, types of phd stipends, average phd stipend in the uk, average phd stipend in the usa, average phd stipend in australia, average phd stipend in canada, average phd stipend in germany.

Colleges may pay graduate students who work at the school via a stipend or a salary. Generally, the key differences between these options are as follows:

• Stipends are for students. You receive this funding as part of an assistantship or fellowship from the school. The money is meant to support your living expenses while you perform research or your other educational pursuits. Stipend amounts may be based on the length of the academic year, not the calendar year.
• Salaries are for employees. The school has formally hired you as an employee to perform specific responsibilities, like leading a class, for instance. As a salaried worker, your wages may be a set amount or based on the hours you work. You may also receive employee benefits such as subsidized health care or workers’ compensation.

There are three types of PhD stipends:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs): In exchange for a stipend, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments, and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs): In exchange for a stipend, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD. supervisor and the research you’re asked to support relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD. student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills, and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

The average Ph.D. student salaries in UK for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions, and up £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship program, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively so as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment. The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions that sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors. Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust, a research charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

The United States is home to several of the world’s best universities making it a top destination for international researchers. A Master’s degree is not always required to do a PhD. in the US. Several top universities offer direct entry PhD programs. An American PhD begins with two to three years of coursework in order to pass qualifying exams. During this time doctoral students are able to develop their research interests and hone in on their thesis topic. They will then write a thesis proposal which must be approved before they can start their dissertation. Most programs require PhD students to gain two to three years of teaching experience as well, either by leading their own class or as teaching assistants for a professor. It takes an average of six years to earn a PhD. in the US. Unlike some European countries, there is no mandated minimum salary or national salary scale for PhD students in the US. PhD students earn between $15,000 and $30,000 a year depending on their institution, field of study, and location. This stipend can be tax-free (if it is a fellowship award) or taxable (if it is a salary e.g from a teaching position). American PhD students are usually only paid for nine months of the year but many programs offer summer funding opportunities. A PhD funding package will also include a full or partial tuition waiver.

Also Read: PhD in USA: Top Universities, Application Process and More! 410

The average PhD salary in Australiai s $29,500 per year or $15.13 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $28,092 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $40,000 per year. The Australian Government also offers a stipend for PhD students to live on while they research as part of the RTP. If your research qualifies for the RTP and you come from a qualifying country or are considered a domestic student, then you will also qualify for the stipend.

Must Read: PhD in Australia: A Complete Guide

An increasingly attractive and multicultural study destination, Canada is a great option to consider for your PhD studies, offering a wealth of research opportunities to help you expand your expertise. More than a third of the country’s overall research is conducted at Canadian universities, and this work contributes billions to the country’s economy. The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship provides a stipend of at least CA$18,200 (~US$13,700) per year plus full tuition for outstanding international/home doctoral students for all four years of their studies.

Must Read: PhD in Canada for Indian Students

With no doctoral fees at all at public universities and a range of funding options for international students, Germany isn’t just one of the most prestigious European destinations for PhD research: it’s also among the most affordable. German PhD funding takes various forms, reflecting the range of different ways you can complete a PhD in Germany . Doctoral students are often supported by traditional academic scholarships and fellowships, but German universities and research institutes also offer salaried assistantships for their PhD researchers. With no doctoral fees at all at public universities and a range of funding options for international students, Germany isn’t just one of the most prestigious European destinations for PhD research: it’s also among the most affordable.

Also Read: PhD in Germany: Types, Eligibility, And Admission Process

A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies.

PhD students in USA can earn between $15,000 and $30,000 a year depending on their institution, field of study, and location.

PhD students in the UK receive approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions, and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

This was all about a PhD stipend. For more study abroad services, call Leverage Edu at 1800 572 000 and get a free consultancy session by our experts.

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• PhD Salary in UK – Explained
• Funding a PhD

What Are PhD Salaries?

The average cost of undertaking a PhD in the UK is approximately £20,000 per academic year for UK students and £40,000 for international students. To help offset the cost of this, many students question whether undertaking a doctorate comes with a PhD salary.

The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

To help show you how you can fund your postgraduate degree and how much you can expect to earn whilst doing so, carry on reading below.

Types of PhD Salaries

There are three types of PhD degree salaries:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) . In exchange for a salary, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes, but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs) . In exchange for a salary, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD supervisor and the research you’re asked to support with relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can be also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

Average PhD Salary in UK

The average PhD student salary for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship programme, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment.

The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions which sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors.

In the UK, PhD students can receive a stipend which varies between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum. As part of the studentship your stipend is provided under, your tuition fees will also be paid for. UK tuition fees will vary between universities but are approximately £4,500 per year for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 as per the UKRI recommendations .

Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust , a research-charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

Are PhD Salaries Taxed?

PhD stipends are tax free. Therefore, you don’t need to pay any income tax nor do you need to make any national insurance contributions. This means you’ll keep all the money you receive from an annual stipend. However, this is not the case for Research Assistants.

In the UK, Research Assistants are employed as university staff members and are paid a direct salary as opposed to a stipend. As a result, it will require you to pay tax on your earnings and make national insurance contributions.

To put this into perspective, for the 2019/20 UK tax year, you’re required to pay a 20% tax on any income above £12,500 but less than £50,000. You’re also required to make national insurance contributions of 12% of your weekly earnings over £166 but less than £962. This means that an annual Research Assistantship salary of £30,000 will equate to a take-home salary of £23,938 per year.

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To find research positions which offer stipends, we recommend you search our PhD database and filter by ‘funded’ positions.

Besides this, you can also secure a studentship from UK Research Councils or directly from your university as a scholarship. Independent organisations, such as charities and research trusts, and innovative firms within your industry also offer funding. You can read our PhD studentship guide to see how these work or our Where to find a PhD guide for further ideas.

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

How to Get a Research Assistantship PhD

Unfortunately, research assistantships opportunities aren’t as common to come across compared to PhD stipends. Besides this, when they are available, they’re predominantly in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering. The reason for this is these subjects usually have access to greater research grants and have a greater volume of practical work available.

To find a research assistantship, we recommend that you contact the university departments who host the courses you’re interested in directly. This is because research assistantships help professors with their research, and while they may require help, they may not be openly advertising for it. They may, therefore, be able to create a role for you within their department or put you into contact with one of their colleagues who already has an open position.

International Students

It’s worth noting that international students will have a harder time securing a funded PhD position than UK ‘home’ students will. This is largely because there are usually fewer funding opportunities available to international students, which as a result also attract significant competition.

Besides this, if you’re an international student studying in the UK you will most likely than not be on a Tier 4 visa. Although a Tier 4 visa will allow you to work to earn an additional income alongside any studentship you may have, there will be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do. For example, during term-time, you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. For a full list of restrictions, please refer to the government website.

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• Office of Financial Assistance /
• Financial Aid Process /
• Graduate Students

GRADUATE STUDENTS FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

How to Apply

Learn how to apply for federal loans, eligibility criteria and financing options.

We recommend completing the financial aid process at least two months prior to the semester start date.

Eligibility Criteria

The Office of Financial Assistance reviews requests for financial assistance once a student is registered AND all financial aid applications have been submitted.

To receive financial aid, graduate students are required to meet the following criteria:

• Must be accepted and matriculated into a degree-seeking program
• Remain enrolled on at least a half-time basis
• U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress*

*Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is defined as maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA and completing the total number of credit hours attempted in an academic year.  SAP is reviewed at the end of each spring semester.  Please take the time to review the full  SAP Policy for Graduate Students.

Complete the FAFSA

• Complete the Student Aid FAFSA
• Villanova School Code: 003388

Review Your Financial Aid Notice

After you have successfully submitted the FAFSA, our office will determine and award your Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility for the year.  You will receive an email advising you to log onto your MyNova account to view your offered aid.  

You will need to accept, decline, or modify the loan amounts that have been offfered.  If you are offered loan funding for a semester in which you will not attend, please e-mail to Financial Aid  verifying which semester(s) you will be attending and the number of credits you plan to take per semester, and the total amount of loan funding (not to exceed $20,500) of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funding you wish to accept. We will then be able to make the necessary adjustments and send you a revised aid notice.

Please read the Financial Aid Booklet for Graduate Students , carefully in its entirety for it contains important information regarding eligibility, financing options, etc.

Complete Federal Loan Requirements

If this is the first time you are receiving a Federal Direct Loan at Villanova University as a Graduate Student, you must complete  Entrance Counseling  and  Sign the Master Promissory Note .

Please Note: Your Federal Direct Loan will NOT disburse to your account until BOTH of these requirements are complete.

Financing Options

William d. ford direct student loan program.

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a federal loan borrowed directly from the US Department of Education that you can use for your educational expenses.

• Award: $20,500 per academic year**
• Disbursements: loan funds are disbursed equally among the semesters you attend to your student account at the beginning of each semester
• Lender: US Department of Education
• The interest rate, once established, will be a fixed rate for the life of the loan.
• For All loans 1st disbursed between 7/1/23 through 6/30/24 the fixed interest rate is 7.05%.
• For All loans 1st disbursed between 7/1/24 through 6/30/25 the fixed interest rate is 8.08%.
• The interest accrues once loan funds are disbursed, however principal and interest can be deferred while enrolled on at least a half-time basis in a degree-seeking program.   
• For loans first disbursed on or after 10/1/20 the fee is 1.057%
• Aggregate Loan Limit: $138,500, which includes amounts borrowed as an undergraduate
• Grace period: 6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time status
• Repayment period: 10 to 25 years depending on one of the many repayment plans you can select
• Estimated Repayment Calculator    

  **Borrower Based Loan

If you choose to take courses during the summer session and enroll in at least a half-time status, you may be eligible to borrow the Direct Unsubsidized Loan during the summer, which is referred to as a Borrower Based Direct Loan.

**Please note that if the full Borrower Based Direct Unsubsidized Loan is borrowed in the Spring semester, eligibility for the Summer semester would be exhausted.  Students receive an e-mail from the Office of Financial Assistance's Loan Department to confirm their Spring request.

While the maximum amount you can borrow is $20,500, we encourage you to borrow  only the amount that you will need  to finance your program. You will need to indicate the amount of Direct Unsubsidized Loan that you wish to borrow for each semester on the Villanova University Graduate Institutional Financial Aid Application, again noting that the Direct Loan must be certified in equal amounts for each semester. 

Payment Plan

For graduate students, the Villanova Tuition Payment Plan, offered through   Nelnet , allows you to spread your semester's balance out over 2-3 months for a small fee. With this option, you have the freedom to use your money to earn your own interest or investment income while you pay in small installments.

For additional information, please visit My College Payment Plan .

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans provide graduate students with a viable alternative to private loans in situations where a student's Direct Unsubsidized Loan has not covered all costs. Some basic facts about the Graduate Direct PLUS Loan are:

• Students can borrow up to "cost less aid"
• Student is the borrower - no cosigner required
• Unlimited in-school deferment
• For all loans 1st disbursed between 7/1/23 through 6/30/24 the fixed interest rate is 8.05%.
• For all loans 1st disbursed between 7/1/24 through 6/30/25 the fixed interest rate is 9.08%.
• For all loans 1st disbursed after 10/1/20 the origination fee is 4.228%.
• Deferred payment while enrolled at least half time in a degree seeking program
• No aggregate or annual loan limits
• Based on simplified credit criteria regardless of income or employment status
• Endorser option available
• May reduce high-cost alternative borrowing
• Able to consolidate through the  Direct Consolidation Loan site .

To apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS loan, please follow these two easy steps:

• Go to  https://studentaid.gov  to complete the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan application.
• Complete and electronically sign the MPN at  https://studentaid.gov . Upon approval of the Direct Graduate PLUS application and credit check, our office will be notified and will certify your loan.

*NOTE: Your loan is not complete and will not be certified by the Office of Financial Assistance until ALL of the above steps have been completed.

Private Educational Loan Programs

Private Educational Loans are administered by private lenders and there are a variety of lending institutions that offer these.

The Office of Financial Assistance has selected a group of Preferred Lenders based on quality customer service, borrower benefits, and financing options.  ELM Select  is an external webpage where you will be able to review and compare Villanova University’s Preferred Lender information, and apply for private loans.  However, if you wish to use another lender that is not on this list, you may.  As a borrower, you have the right to select any lender you choose.  You may want to contact the bank, savings and loan, or credit union with whom you do business.

• It is suggested that you start the application process at least four weeks prior to the start of the semester to ensure the funds are disbursed in a timely manner due to numerous disclosures now required by lending institutions.
• Once approved for an alternative loan, the Office of Financial Assistance will review the loan for school certification.  This process includes confirming enrollment, verifying the eligibility for the type of loan requested and the borrowing amount requested.
• Each aid applicant will receive a notice of eligibility from the Office of Financial Assistance.
• Loan funds will be disbursed in accordance with the disbursement schedule once all necessary paperwork has been completed.

The Office of Financial Assistance will continue to meet with lenders on a regular basis to examine new products, services, and benefits for our students to make sure we are providing the best options.

Notes: Due to the numerous disclosures required by the Department of Education, students need to remain in contact with their lender to ensure timely disbursement of funds. Applying for the loan late, or failure to complete required disclosures may delay your funds and possibly cause you to incur University late fees, if your bills are not paid on time.

Click here for more information on the  Office of Financial Assistance Code of Conduct .

Do I need to submit the FAFSA to get the Grad PLUS Loan?

Yes, you must submit the FAFSA in order to apply for and receive the Graduate PLUS Loan.

Can I use my student loans to help pay my rent?

Yes, living expenses such as housing and food are items in the student's cost of attendance and therefore the student can receive loan funding to help cover the costs while enrolled in school.

• Kreyòl Ayisyen

CFPB Bans Navient from Federal Student Loan Servicing and Orders the Company to Pay $120 Million for Wide-Ranging Student Lending Failures

Order would put an end to Navient’s years of abuse of students and taxpayers in the federal student loan program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a proposed order against the student loan servicer Navient for its years of failures and lawbreaking. If entered by the court, the proposed order would permanently ban the company from servicing federal Direct Loans and would forbid the company from directly servicing or acquiring most loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program . These bans would largely remove Navient from a market where it, among other illegal actions, steered numerous student loan borrowers into costly repayment options. Navient also illegally deprived student borrowers of opportunities to enroll in more affordable income-driven repayment plans and forced them to pay much more than they should have. Under the terms of the order, Navient would have to pay a $20 million penalty and provide $100 million in redress for harmed borrowers.

“For years, Navient’s top executives profited handsomely by exploiting students and taxpayers,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “By banning the notorious student loan giant from federal student loan servicing and ensuring the winddown of these operations, the CFPB will finally put an end to the years of abuse.”

“I applaud the CFPB for obtaining concrete relief for borrowers and deterring similar failures in the future,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “Today’s action builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to hold loan servicers accountable and protect borrowers, including more than 1 million borrowers who have received debt relief by fixing past failures to properly track progress toward forgiveness, such as correcting harms from forbearance steering.”

The CFPB’s investigation of Navient kicked off a series of efforts by state and federal agencies to examine forbearance steering and other breakdowns in the income-driven repayment program. Those efforts have resulted in more than $50 billion in debt relief for more than 1 million borrowers who were wrongly steered into forbearance, as well as those who had payments miscounted. Today’s order complements actions already taken by the Department of Education and state attorneys general to provide redress to borrowers harmed by Navient.

Navient (NASDAQ: NAVI) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, and was formerly known as Sallie Mae. At the time of the CFPB’s lawsuit in 2017, Navient was the largest student loan servicer in the United States. It serviced student loans of more than 12 million borrowers, including more than 6 million accounts under its contract with the Department of Education. Altogether, it serviced more than $300 billion in federal and private student loans. During the period covering the CFPB’s lawsuit, the company was led by CEO Jack Remondi. Remondi orchestrated the launch of Navient out of Sallie Mae. Since the launch of Navient, the company’s performance has lagged others in the industry. Last year, Navient’s board of directors replaced Remondi and began to transition the company away from its sordid history.

The CFPB sued Navient for failing borrowers at every stage of repayment. The lawsuit alleges that Navient steered borrowers who may have qualified for income-driven repayment plans into forbearance instead. This practice was cheaper and simpler for Navient, but detrimental to borrowers. By steering struggling borrowers into forbearance – where interest continues to accrue and capitalize – Navient’s illegal actions led numerous borrowers to pay additional interest charges.

Navient is a repeat offender with a long history of regulatory violations. After a referral from the CFPB, in 2014, the Department of Justice and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ordered Navient and its predecessor, Sallie Mae, to pay almost $100 million for illegally overcharging nearly 78,000 servicemembers. In 2021, the Department of Education ordered Navient to return more than $22 million in overcharges. In 2022, 39 state attorneys general announced a $1.85 billion settlement with Navient for originating predatory student loans in addition to its forbearance steering practices.

In 2021, Navient’s contract with the Department of Education to service Direct Loans finally ended. Navient announced in early 2024 that it intended to transfer the servicing of its remaining loans to another servicer. The CFPB’s order would ensure that Navient can never harm federal student loan borrowers at scale by getting back into the business of directly servicing federal student loans or growing its Federal Family Education Loan Program loan portfolio.

Navient violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. In addition to its unlawful steering activities, the CFPB alleges Navient harmed student loan borrowers by:

• Misleading borrowers about income-driven repayment plans: Navient failed to adequately notify borrowers who enrolled in income-driven repayment plans about the requirement to annually recertify their enrollment. Borrowers were not properly notified that submitting an incorrect or incomplete application to recertify their enrollment could lead to an increase in their monthly payments and delay loan cancellation.
• Botching payment processing: Many borrowers had multiple student loans with varying interest rates and monthly payments. When borrowers made payments meant to cover multiple loans, Navient misallocated payments. Navient also misapplied payments made to a particular loan. These errors resulted in late fees, interest accrual, and negative credit reporting.
• Harming the credit of disabled borrowers, including severely injured veterans: Navient tarnished the credit reports of borrowers who had received a discharge on their federal student loans due to a total and permanent disability.
• Deceiving borrowers about Navient’s requirements for cosigner release: Navient made representations to private loan borrowers that if they paid down their loans in a certain way, they could apply for their cosigners to be released. But Navient did not honor those representations for some borrowers.
• Misleading borrowers about improving credit scores and the consequences of federal student loan rehabilitation: For federal student loan borrowers whose loans went into default, Navient’s debt collection arm promised credit reporting relief to borrowers if they completed a rehabilitation program. Navient failed to deliver on all of the promised relief.

Enforcement Action

Under the Consumer Financial Protection Act, the CFPB has the authority to take action against institutions violating consumer financial protection laws, including engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices.

If entered by the court, the CFPB’s order bans Navient from most federal student loan activities. Navient would no longer be able to service federal Direct Loans and, with certain limited exceptions, no longer be able to acquire Federal Family Education Loan Program loans. Navient would also be banned from conducting consumer-facing servicing activities for the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Where Navient is the master servicer for any remaining Federal Family Education Loan Program loans, the order requires Navient to take a series of steps to help ensure borrowers’ rights are protected, including the right to enroll in more affordable repayment plans.

The order also requires Navient to:

• Pay $100 million redress to consumers: Navient will be required to provide $100 million in redress for affected consumers.
• Pay a $20 million penalty: Navient will pay $20 million into the CFPB’s victims relief fund .

Read the proposed order .

Borrower Relief

The CFPB will mail checks to consumers who are eligible to obtain redress under the settlement. Consumers do not need to do anything to obtain redress and should be aware of scammers that may try to use CFPB employees’ names and imagery to try to steal money or private information. The CFPB will never require consumers to pay money to obtain redress, nor will we ask for additional information before consumers can cash a redress check that we’ve issued. On the CFPB’s webpage, consumers can obtain general information about CFPB redress checks and more information about how to avoid potential scams .

Since 2013, the CFPB has supervised the student loan market for risks to consumers. In addition to the Navient enforcement action, the CFPB has engaged in a range of supervisory work on the failures in the income-driven repayment system, in partnership with the Department of Education, state enforcement agencies, and banking regulators. This work has identified the shoddy student loan servicing that has derailed borrowers from making progress toward loan cancellation under existing federal programs, including income-driven repayment. This work was instrumental to a 2022 announcement by the Department of Education to implement a fix to correct the failures of servicers and to help borrowers receive or move closer to loan cancellation.

Learn more about the information and resources the CFPB has available for consumers considering student loans and for consumers with student loans.

Read consumer complaints about Navient.

Read consumer complaints about student loan servicing.

Consumers can submit complaints about financial products and services, including student loans and student servicing, by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372) .

Employees who believe their company has violated federal consumer financial protection laws are encouraged to send information about what they know to [email protected] . To learn more about reporting potential industry misconduct, visit the CFPB’s website .

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that implements and enforces Federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent, and competitive. For more information, visit www.consumerfinance.gov .