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PhD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. It is a postgraduate academic degree that is recognised throughout the world and calls for students to finish a thesis or dissertation based on in-depth and unique research in their area of study.
In most nations, a PhD degree is a minimum requirement for employment as an expert in one’s chosen profession or as a university professor in that field.
The United States of America is not only the most popular study destination in the world, but it also provides international students with a distinctive educational experience. Graduate programmes in the United States are generally more structured than those in other nations because of the major and minor degrees that enable in-depth training and independent study. In this blog, we will cover the cost of PhD in the USA which will help you to make informed decisions.
This Blog Includes:
Cost of Living for PhD Students in the USA
Students should be aware of the estimated costs of living to survive in addition to the PhD tuition fees.
As a general rule, everyday costs incorporate convenience costs, utilities, transportation, and food costs. The average costs for each category are listed in the table below, although the cost of living varies depending on where a student chooses to live:
| Commodities | Average Cost |
| Utility costs | 50 to 100 USD / month (INR 4105-8210) |
| Transportation costs | 45 to 100 USD/ month (INR 3694- 8210) |
| Food expenses | 450 to 600 USD/ month (INR 36,947 – 49263) |
| Accommodation costs | On-campus accommodation – 450 USD/month (INR 36,947) Off-campus accommodation – 600 USD (INR 49,263) to 3,000 USD/month (INR 2,46,316) |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in the United States?
PhD studies in the United States are divided into three stages, the first of which is coursework that takes 1-3 years to complete, followed by a preliminary, comprehensive, or series of cumulative examinations.
The first phase of the examination focuses on the breadth of knowledge rather than depth. 2 to 8 years are normally required for the writing of a substantial and original addition to human knowledge in the form of a written dissertation.
Depending on the topic of study, a PhD programme requires 4 to 8 years of study after a bachelor’s degree, with students who already have a master’s degree taking a year or two less.
Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a Doctorate in the United States, international students must submit university-specific documentation. The following are some of the general eligibility requirements:
- Application fee: Each university has its own online application and application price.
- Academic transcripts: Students must submit transcripts from high school. Graduate transcripts in relevant subjects are required by the majority of universities.
- GMAT or GRE Scores: Most courses, such as Business, Engineering, and Biotechnology, require GMAT or GRE scores.
- Resume
- LOR: Most courses require two or three professional recommendation letters.
- Test results for English proficiency.
- A motivational letter
- PhD admission examination for research proposals
- Interview: The personal interview is your finest opportunity to demonstrate your dedication, passion, and determination to pursue the PhD programme.
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PhD in USA: Specializations
PhD programmes in the United States are available to Indian students in a range of subjects. Whether a student is seeking a Doctorate in science, business, or the humanities, the United States has it all. Nonetheless, some of the most popular PhD programmes in the United States are divided into two categories: STEM Courses and Non-STEM Courses
STEM Courses
STEM courses are highly valued in the United States. The majority of overseas students intend to study STEM courses in the United States because the country grants a 24-month visa extension. Some of the most popular STEM courses include:
- PhD in Natural Sciences
- PhD in Engineering
- PhD in Computer Science
Non-STEM Courses
Non-STEM courses are taken by 22% of Indian students and well-appreciated by international students. As a result, some of the most popular non-stem programs are listed below.
- PhD in Sociology
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Anthropology
- PhD in Law
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Top Universities in the USA for PhD
Below is the latest list of some of the top colleges in the USA that provide PhD programs, along with QS World University’s 2025 rankings.
| QS World University Rank (2025) | University | Program | Application Deadlines |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics | PhD in Architecture | Chemical Engineering PhD | December 2024 |13 November 2024 |
| 4 | Harvard University | Applied Mathematics | Applied Physics | Computer Science | 15 December 2024 |
| 6 | Stanford University | Learning Sciences | Developmental and Psychological Sciences | Data Science | 1 December 2024 |
| 12 | University of California, Berkeley | Applied Science & Technology | Architecture | Business Administration | 4 December 2024 | 1 December 2024 |
| 21 | University of Chicago | Economics | Accounting | Finance | 15 December 2024 |
| 11 | University of Pennsylvania | Accounting | Bioengineering | Learning Sciences and Technologies | 15 December 2024 |
| 16 | Cornell University | Applied Mathematics | Computer Science | Electrical and Computer Engineering | 15 December 2024 |
| 10 | California Institute of Technology | Applied Physics | Space Engineering | 15 December 2024 |
| 23 | Yale University | Applied Mathematics | Applied Physics | Architecture | 15 December 2024 |
| 22 | Princeton University | Computer Science | Environmental Studies | Mathematics | 15 December 2024 |
| 34 | Columbia University | Chemical Physics | Architecture | Economics | 14 December 2024 |
| 32 | John Hopkins University | Applied Mathematics and Statistics | Computer Science | 15 December 2024 |
| 44 | University of Michigan | Computer and Information Sciences | Industrial and Systems Engineering | Mechanical Sciences and Engineering | 1 December 2024 | 15 December 2024 |
| 43 | New York University | Data Science | Physics | 5 December 2024 | 30 December 2024 |
| 50 | Northwestern University | Finance | Economics | Clinical Psychology | Health Sciences | 15 December 2024 |
| 61 | Duke University | Biological and Biomedical Sciences | Humanities | Physical Sciences and Engineering | Social Sciences | December 2024 |
| 293 | University of Arizona | Aerospace Engineering | Applied Mathematics | Audiology | 1 January 2024 |
Employment Opportunities and Scholarships
Many universities provide assistantships to their PhD students in terms of work and career possibilities. This type of work opportunity involves receiving a fee waiver or a stipend in exchange for completing a list of duties. The following are just a few of the assistantships:
- Teaching Assistantship for Graduates
- Assistant Administrative
- Fellowships
- Assistantship in research
In addition, the National Science Foundation administers a fellowship programme for graduate research. This federal award programme is only available to talented STEM graduates in the United States and offers them several incentives, including a $34,000 (INR 27.91 Lakh) annual stipend and a $12,000 (INR 9.85 Lakh) per year tuition price grant.
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How to Choose the Right University?
The Doctorate degree is awarded by more tan 4,000 universities in the United States. Some significant variables to consider when selecting the ideal location for your studies include:
- Program availability
- University ranking
- Faculty and staff reputation
- Research facilities
- Scholarships and funding options offered by the university
- Graduate employability rate
- Tuition fees
- Location
Work Along with PhD in the USA
The F-1 student visa allows you to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. Furthermore, as a PhD student, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) comprises work assignments and opportunities that are required as part of your PhD programme.
Yet, if you are an extremely hard worker, you can study for a minimum Doctorate while working full-time in an unrelated career. But there’s a big if there. The risk of working full-time is that you won’t make much progress unless you put in a lot of effort. As a result, unless you have extremely modest ambitions for what you want to achieve with your degree, working full-time while studying for a Doctorate is often discouraged.
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FAQs
Obtaining a PhD generally costs more at some universities than others. The status of the student, including whether they are an in-state or out-of-state student, also influences this. For in-state students, the annual cost is roughly $12,410. Out-of-state or international students will pay more than $12,410 in tuition.
For a student obtaining a PhD, there are numerous employment prospects. He can apply for assistantship programmes run by the same university, instruct graduate students, and receive payment in return. In addition, individuals can sign up for a variety of administrative or research-based jobs.
Each person’s average cost of expenditure is unique. However, the estimate is within the range of $93,226 or more per year (including tuition, living expenses, food, etc.).
If you want to get into a high university, you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so you can realize your study abroad goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute consultation.
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