how much does a phd in biology cost

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology

The PhD in Biology is a research degree requiring graduate-level coursework, completion of a dissertation, and two semesters of participation in teaching (usually as a teaching fellow in laboratory or discussion sections of lecture courses led by Biology faculty). For most students, obtaining this degree typically involves five or more years of full-time study.

A summary of Biology PhD student expectations by year can be found here . Full details can be found in the Graduate Program Guide .

The Biology Department guarantees support for five years for all PhD students, contingent on satisfactory performance in the program.

How to Apply    Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate academic mastery in one of three areas of Biology: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior & Marine Biology; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

2. Attain research expertise , including grant writing experience, and complete original research that advances a specific field of study within one of three broad subject areas represented in the department: Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

3. Attain teaching experience and expertise in one of three broad areas of Biology: Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

4. Attain the skills and qualifications needed for employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to the life sciences.

Coursework Requirements

Students must complete 64 credits with a minimum grade point average of 3.0; at least 32 of these credits must be accrued from lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. Students with prior graduate work may be able to transfer course credits.  See the  Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Transfer of Credits policy  for more details. 

• 2 semesters of Progress in Research Seminars (2 credits each):

Cell & Molecular Biology:  BI 583 & BI 584 (CM section)

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology:  BI 579 & BI 580

Neurobiology:   BI 583 & BI 584 (NEURO section)

• 1 semester grant-writing course (2 credits):

Cell & Molecular Biology:  BI 581

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology: BI 671

Neurobiology: BI 581

• 1 semester pedagogy course (1 credit): All Biology PhD students take  BI 697
• 1 quantitative course (3–4 credits): from a list of recommended courses .
• Additional courses vary by specific track below:

Cell & Molecular Biology

1. GRS BI 791/GRS BI 792 Graduate Rotation Credits (2 credits each/4 credits total)

2. GRS BI 753 Advanced Molecular Biology  (4 credits)

3. GRS MB 721 Graduate Biochemistry  (4 credits)

4. GRS BI 735 Advanced Cell Biology  (4 credits)

5. Two electives (8 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

6. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology

1. Six electives  (24 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

2. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology PhD candidate coursework is highly variable. Students, in consultation with advisors, develop a plan of coursework and research. Students are required to take a minimum of 32 credits of coursework. The remainder of the credits should be research.

Neurobiology

2. GRS BI 755 Cellular and Systems Neuroscience  (4 credits)

3. GRS BI 741 Neural Systems: Functional Circuit Analysis  (4 credits)

4. Four electives  (16 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

5. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Teaching Requirement

The department requires a minimum of two semesters of teaching as part of the Doctor of Philosophy program. During the first semester of teaching, students are required to enroll in our first-year seminar course, GRS BI 697 A Bridge to Knowledge . The course provides guidance and training on pedagogy and other aspects of graduate school.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination must be completed no later than six semesters after matriculation. In most graduate curricula in the department, this consists of a research proposal—often in the form of a grant application—which the student submits to their committee and subsequently defends in an oral presentation. In the  Cell & Molecular Biology and Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology curricula , this is preceded by a comprehensive written examination testing the student’s general background from coursework.

Dissertation & Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Biology Department Chair. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the  GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree . The results of the dissertation must be presented at a department colloquium.

Graduation Timeline

Forms and additional information about PhD graduation can be found on the GRS website .

9 – 12 months before proposed graduation date

• Dissertation Prospectus & approval form due to Graduate Program Specialist for departmental review and submission to GRS

Semester prior to your intended graduation cycle

• Intent to Graduate Form completed online

About 2 months before dissertation defense

• Meet with Graduate Program Specialist, Director of Graduate Studies, and Faculty Advisor to review requirements for defense
• Arrange for Special Service Appointments if committee members are not BU faculty
• Send first draft of dissertation to readers

Once defense date is confirmed with committee

• Reserve room(s) for public seminar and defense

At least three weeks prior to dissertation defense

• Schedule of Final Oral Exam with Abstract Approval due to GRS
• Properly formatted draft of dissertation submitted as PDF to [email protected]

At least two weeks prior to dissertation defense

• Send dissertation to all committee members

At least one week prior to dissertation defense

• Send program information to Graduate Program Specialist

See the Graduate Program Guide for final dates to submit dissertation to ETD

• Submit final dissertation to ETD (online submission)
• Complete electronic signature page and forward confirmation to Graduate Program Specialist along with a copy of your submitted dissertation

MS Degree (En Route to PhD)

Option one: A PhD student who has advanced to candidacy (as demonstrated by passing the PhD qualifying exam), and has completed 32 credits of graduate-level coursework (not including research) may apply to the Graduate School for an MS degree in Biology. This must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies within the Biology Department. The student’s major professor will receive notification of this application process.

Option two: A PhD student who has taken, but has not advanced to candidacy based on the PhD qualifying examination, may still receive an MS degree. This student may receive a Coursework MS degree provided they have completed 32 credits of coursework (not including research credits). Alternatively, this student may receive a Scholarly Paper or Research Thesis MS degree if the written portion of the qualifying examination is adapted to ensure it is of sufficiently high quality for a MS degree, and approved by a majority of the qualifying exam committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Interdisciplinary Study Options

Biology PhD students have the option to participate in the Boston University Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN), the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program Understanding the Brain: Neurophotonics (NSF NRT UtB: Neurophotonics), and the Biogeoscience Advanced Graduate Certificate Program . These programs require separate applications in addition to the standard Biology PhD application; those interested in BU URBAN are encouraged pre-apply .

Time Limits

Officially, the PhD must be completed within seven years after the first registration for doctoral study. PhD degrees are conferred in either May, August, or January, as specified on the GRS website . In addition, the PhD candidacy expires after the fifth anniversary of passing the Qualifying Examination. Petitions to extend this deadline are possible at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School, and can be obtained from the Office of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

The Biology Department guarantees support for five years for all PhD students, contingent on satisfactory performance in the program. PhD students are encouraged to apply for fellowships and grants at funding agencies. All domestic students should apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships in the Fall semester of their first or second year. 

Travel Grants may be available to assist students in their travel to professional scientific meetings; students presenting papers or posters on their research will receive first consideration.

Common Types of Funding:

Dean’s Fellowships: These are non-service fellowships allocated to first-year PhD students that do not have immediate teaching requirements.

Teaching Fellowships: These provide a stipend plus full tuition and fees for up to four full courses per semester plus a 2-credit teaching course. Teaching responsibilities usually require approximately 20 hours per week. Full or partial awards may be given.

Doctoral Research Fellowships: These awards are given to students who assist individual faculty with specific areas of research. These Research Fellowships provide a stipend and full tuition. The supervising faculty member determines the specific duties of the Research Fellow.

In addition to the above funding sources, several competitive Department awards and fellowships are available to graduate students in the Department of Biology.

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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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Ph.D. Program

The training for a Ph.D. in Biology is focused on helping students achieve their goals of being a successful research scientist and teacher, at the highest level. Students work closely with an established advisor and meet regularly with a committee of faculty members to facilitate their progress. The Biology Ph.D. program is part of the larger Biosciences community at Stanford, which includes doctorate programs in the basic science departments at Stanford Medical School. 

There are two tracks within the Biology Ph.D. program:

• Cell, Molecular and Organismal Biology
• Ecology and Evolution

(Previously a part of the Department of Biology Hopkins Marine Station is now a part of the Oceans Department within  Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability )

All  tracks are focused on excellence in research and teaching in their respective areas; where there are differences between the tracks, they are indicated in the links below. 

Requirements & Forms

Dissertation defense, cellular and molecular biology training program, stanford biology ph.d. preview program, career development resources.

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Phd in biology: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in biology.

A PhD in Biology is a doctoral degree that focuses on the study of living creatures and how they interact with their surroundings. It is a four to six-year advanced academic degree that entails hard study and coursework in numerous fields of biology such as genetics, ecology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology.

Students engage closely with faculty members throughout the program to undertake original research in their subject of interest, culminating in a dissertation that explains their results and adds to the field of biology.

PhD biology graduates are equipped for positions in academia, research, business, government, and other professions requiring biological scientific competence.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Biology?

The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists (which normally require a PhD in Biology or a related subject) is $98,940, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Microbiologists made $79,590 per year on average, whereas zoologists and animal biologists made $67,760. Here’s a table summarizing the salary ranges for various career paths for individuals with a PhD in Biology:

What is expected job growth with PhD in Biology?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biochemists and biophysicists is expected to expand 6% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Microbiologists, zoologists, and wildlife biologists are expected to gain 3% and 4%, respectively, throughout the same time period.

Looking For Fully Funded PhD in Biology? Click Here

What can you do with a PhD in Biology?

A PhD in Biology can lead to a variety of employment options in academia, research, industry, government, and other disciplines. Here are some common career paths for people with a PhD in Biology:

1. Academic research: Many PhD holders go on to work as academic researchers at universities, research institutions, or government agencies. They may perform research in genetics, ecology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology, among other fields.

2. Biotechnology: Biotechnology firms frequently engage PhDs in Biology to perform research and development of new products and technologies such as medications, vaccines, and genetically modified organisms.

3. Medical research: Pharmaceutical and biotech businesses, as well as government agencies, engage people with a PhD in Biology to undertake medical research, such as discovering new treatments for ailments and analyzing drug effects on the body.

4. Environmental science: Individuals with a PhD in Biology can work in environmental science, studying the interactions of living organisms and their environments, as well as the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

5. Science writing and communication: Many people with a PhD in Biology go into science writing and communication, putting complicated scientific concepts into language that the general public can understand.

6. Science policy: Individuals with a PhD in Biology are frequently hired by government agencies and non-profit organizations to establish and implement science policy, such as legislation and funding priorities for scientific research.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Biology?

The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in Biology can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in Biology must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.

2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.

3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in Biology.

4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in Biology are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.

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How long does it take to get a phd in biology.

The length of time it takes to obtain a PhD in Biology depends on a variety of factors, including the program, the individual’s level of preparedness, and the nature of the research. A typical PhD program in Biology, on the other hand, takes roughly 4-6 years to finish.

Looking For Fully Funded PhD Programs? Click Here

Do you need a masters in biology to get a phd in biology.

A Master’s degree in Biology is not usually required to pursue a PhD in Biology. Many doctoral programs in Biology accept students immediately after they complete their Bachelor’s degree.

Coursework is usually included in the first few years of these programs to give students with the essential basic knowledge and research abilities before they begin their independent research projects.

Some PhD programs, however, may prefer or require applicants to have a Master’s degree in Biology or a related field prior to applying.

A Master’s degree can give a student more experience and expertise in their field of study, which can be useful while applying for PhD programs or performing research during their doctoral program.

What are the Best PhD in Biology Degree programs?

1. massachusetts institute of technology (mit) 2. stanford university 3. california institute of technology (caltech) 4. harvard university 5. university of california–berkeley 6. johns hopkins university 7. university of california–san francisco 8. princeton university 9. university of chicago 10. yale university, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Tuition, Fees, and Ph.D. Stipends

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

Last updated March 18,2024

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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.

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PhD Program Costs

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Costs listed below reflect the 2023-2024 academic year.

Most of our PhD programs are fully funded, meaning that for 4-5 years, the program will pay for your tuition and fees, as well as provide you with a stipend. In 2023-24, the University minimum stipend is $38,000; some PhD programs provide more. After your guaranteed funding period, you may be responsible for paying reduced tuition and fees. These details can be explained by the PhD program to which you are applying. Living expenses and the cost of books should also be considered as you plan your budget for the academic year. 

Living Expenses

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• Doctoral Programs

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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University of California - San Diego PhD in General Biology

General Biology is a major offered under the biological and biomedical sciences program of study at University of California - San Diego. Here, you’ll find out more about the major doctor’s degree program in biology, including such details as the number of graduates, ethnicity of students, related majors and concentrations, and more.

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• Graduate Cost
• Average Salary
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How Much Does a Doctorate in Biology from UCSD Cost?

Ucsd graduate tuition and fees.

The following table shows the average full-time tuition and fees for graduate student.

How Much Can You Make With a PhD in Biology From UCSD?

biology who receive their doctor’s degree from UCSD make an average of $69,338 a year during the early days of their career. That is 25% higher than the national average of $55,367.

Does UCSD Offer an Online PhD in Biology?

Online degrees for the UCSD biology doctor’s degree program are not available at this time. To see if the school offers distance learning options in other areas, visit the UCSD Online Learning page.

UCSD Doctorate Student Diversity for Biology

Male-to-female ratio.

Women made up around 50.0% of the biology students who took home a doctor’s degree in 2019-2020. This is less than the nationwide number of 53.6%.

Racial-Ethnic Diversity

Racial-ethnic minority graduates* made up 26.6% of the biology doctor’s degrees at UCSD in 2019-2020. This is higher than the nationwide number of 21%.

PhD in Biology Focus Areas at UCSD

General Biology students may decide to major in one of the following focus areas.

Majors Related to a PhD in Biology From UCSD

You may also be interested in one of these majors related to general biology.

View All General Biology Related Majors >

*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.

• National Center for Education Statistics
• O*NET Online

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Biology Ph.D. Cost

How much does it cost to earn a Ph.D. in Biology from UND?

UND's School of Graduate Studies is one of the best values in the nation, offering lower tuition and fees than similar Midwest four-year doctoral universities. For an affordable tuition price, our students are learning from top experts and leading research.

The work you do at UND will be worth it — in more ways than one. Depending on your field, your paycheck could jump by $1,000/month with a master's degree or more than $2,490/month with a doctoral degree. Graduate degrees can also open new career opportunities and provide personal growth.

On-Campus Tuition Costs

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The best way to figure out what UND will cost is to calculate your cost with financial aid. The price you actually pay is usually far less once your custom financial aid package is considered.

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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

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

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

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

What is a PhD? 

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

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

How much does a PhD cost? 

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

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

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

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

Other costs associated with receiving a PhD

Living expenses .

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

Hidden costs of a PhD

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

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

Delayed opportunities

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

Lost income

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

The chance of not finishing

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

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

Ways to fund your PhD 

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

PhD Scholarships

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

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

Studentships

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

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

Assistantships

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

Fellowships

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

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

Employer sponsorships

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

Also see: Top graduate school scholarships

Is a PhD worth it? 

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

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

Some questions to ask yourself before pursuing a PhD

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

Related: What is a research university?

Overall cost of PhD

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

Also see: Grad school financing options

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Frequently asked questions about the cost of a PhD

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Program Costs

Academic year 2023-2024 estimated graduate tuition rates, tuition at a glance.

Colorado Resident (6 credits/semester; 12 credits/year) Estimated Tuition and fees: $4,283-$6,553/ semester; $8,566-$13,106/ year Colorado Resident (9 credits/semester; 18 credits/year) Estimated Tuition and fees: $6,174-$9,579/semester; $12,348-$19,158/year

* program costs vary by college Follow this link for Tuition Rates for Online and Extended Studies Programs .

Non-Colorado Resident (6 credits/semester; 12 credits/year) Estimated Tuition and fees: $8,453-$8,997/semester; $16,906-$17,994/year Non-Colorado Resident (9 credits/semester; 18 credits/year) Estimated Tuition and fees: $12,429-$13,244/semester; $24,858-$26,488/year

WRGP allows master’s, graduate certificate, and doctoral students who are residents of one of the participating WICHE states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States) the opportunity to pay a reduced tuition rate which is currently equal to in-state tuition. Not every graduate program participates in WRGP; see participating UCCS programs HERE .

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*Online Courses have a $100 per course online program fee.

The table does not include general fees and course program fees. Use the bill estimator located on the Bursar's Website to get a more detailed estimate of your anticipated investment in your degree.

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Tuition and costs for graduate students are based on residency, graduate program and the number of credits enrolled.

The  Office of the Registrar  provides an interactive spreadsheet to help students calculate their own cost of tuition and fees.

To access the most accurate information from be sure to select Graduate and the particular program from the student classification drop down menu (e.g., master’s/doctoral, sports product design, education, journalism, music and dance, etc.) and verify your residency status .

Cost of Attendance Estimate

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides estimates for cost of attendance beyond tuition and fees that include housing, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.

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Graduate employment.

Graduate employee (GE) is the term used at the UO for teaching, research, and administrative graduate assistantships.

Our GEs receive a competitive compensation package that includes a monthly salary, full-time tuition waiver, mandatory fees subsidy, health insurance premium coverage, and subsidized health insurance premium coverage for dependents.

All GEs at the UO receive labor union representation.

Graduate Employees

Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards

The Division of Graduate Studies administers a range of annual fellowships and research awards for graduate students.

Additional fellowships and awards are available from other departments, units, and research centers throughout the University of Oregon.

We also can help connect you with a variety of support opportunities offered by agencies and entities outside the UO.

Loans and Financial Aid

Various financial aid options are available to help fund graduate studies at the University of Oregon.

For domestic students, the options include unsubsidized federal student loans and credit-based loans that may cover up to the full cost of attendance.

In most cases, you must complete a FAFSA form to be considered for student loans. Loans are administered through the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships.

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Graduate Tuition and Fees 2023-2024

The Ohio State University's tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees; and as mandated by the State of Ohio. Tuition and fees may vary by college and academic program. In addition, students should anticipate expenses such as books, supplies, travel, recreation and personal items. The university reserves the right to assess fees for special services and programs applicable to students.

Autumn 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 Tuition and Fee Tables

Columbus graduate programs.

*Students pay a half credit hour fee for 0.0-0.5 credit hour. Per credit hour fee is not to exceed the total cost of 8 credit hours.

1 For non-resident students exclusively enrolled in a for-credit online degree or certificate program listed at Ohio State Online, the Distance Education Non-Resident Surcharge is $200 per student per term, otherwise the Non-Resident Surcharge is $1,662.56 per credit hour.

2 All on-site fees are waived, and the non-resident tuition is reduced to $200.

3 This program is primarily a distance learning program, with a few students who are enrolled on campus. Graduate Nursing students also pay a learning technology ($199.80) and program fee ($1,249.60).

4 The Occupational Therapy program transitioned from a Masters to a Doctoral degree program beginning in Summer 2016.

5 Summer term program-based fee. The program transitioned from 6 to 8 hours per semester and fees were reduced beginning in Summer 2017.

6 Students in this program also pay a $261 Learning Technology fee prorated by credit hour.

7 Students in this program also pay a $261 Learning Technology fee prorated by credit hour. Figures are based on program-based fees.

8 The Genetic Counseling program reduced the non-resident tuition $5,000 beginning in Autumn 2018.

9 Each additional credit hour above 8.0 will have additional Instructional Fee and General Fee.

10 Graduate Nursing students also pay a learning technology ($199.80) and program fee ($1,249.60). Students enrolled in an online program in the College of Nursing will pay a Nursing Distance Learning Fee of $190 in place of the Learning Technology Fee; site-based fees, including Student Activity Fee, Recreational Fee, Student Union Fee, and COTA Bus Fee will be replaced by the university's general $100 Distance Learning Fee.

11 Students in this program may also pay a field practicum fee of $94.50/semester.

12 Figures for SMB-Analytics program are based on program-based fees. Students enrolled in this program attend full-time two semesters and 7.5 credit hours in the third semester. For students taking all distance courses, all on-site fees are waived, and the non-resident tuition is reduced to $200.

13 This online certificate program is a total of 4.5 credit hours with a rate of $945 per credit hour.

14 Students in this program also pay a $261 Learning Technology fee prorated by credit hour. Figures for EMBA are based on program-based fees.

REGIONAL GRADUATE PROGRAMS

1 For non-resident students exclusively enrolled in a for-credit online degree or certificate program listed at Ohio State Online, the Distance Education Non-Resident Surcharge is $200 per student per term, otherwise the Non-Resident Surcharge is $1,733.13 per credit hour.           

Per Credit Hour Fees

Some programs charge a Learning Technology Fee and/or a Program Fee to pay for certain program related expenses. If enrolled in one of the programs listed below, the per credit hour fee will be charged based on a student’s course load (total enrollment hours) for the semester.

LEARNING TECHNOLOGY FEES

1 Specific Agriculture majors and plans only.

2 Students enrolled in an online program in the College of Nursing will pay a Nursing Distance Learning Fee of $190 in place of the Learning Technology Fee; site-based fees, including Student Activity Fee, Recreational Fee, Student Union Fee, and COTA Bus Fee will be replaced by the university's general $100 Distance Learning Fee.

PROGRAM FEES / LAB FEES

1 Beginning in Autumn 2019, master-level students enrolled in the Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science, Specialization in Couple and Family Therapy program.

2 Beginning spring 2024.

Per Semester Fees

Non-distance learning program fees.

All Non-Distance Learning Programs have the following fees per semester: 

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM FEES

All Distance Learning programs (All Campuses) have a $100 Distance Learning Program Fee.

AUTUMN 2023 COURSE FEES / LAB FEES

Course fee(s) are designed to fund additional costs for specific courses. Any courses that require added materials and/or equipment will have this fee assessed each semester/term. The college or plan (major) determines the level of the course fee. To see if a particular course has a fee, review the course fee list below.

All graduate courses are listed as Columbus regardless of the campus location of the course.

SPRING 2024 COURSE FEES / LAB FEES

Course fee(s) are designed to fund additional costs for specific courses. Any courses that require added materials and/or equipment will have this fee assessed each semester/term. The college or plan (major) determines the level of the course fee. To see if a particular course has a fee, review the course fee  list below.

1 Amount per credit hour

Additional Fees

Not all fees are represented above. Additional fees that may apply are detailed on the Explanation of Fees, Adjustments and Refunds page. 

View Additional Fees that may apply

Total Cost of Attendance

Tuition and fees detailed on this page do not include housing , and  dining options, financial aid or scholarships. Student Financial Aid provides a cost of attendance tool that provides an early estimate of your total cost of attending The Ohio State University as a graduate or professional student:

View the Cost of Attendance Tool for Graduate and Professional Students

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Ph.D. Program: Cost and Funding

• Cost & Funding

Tuition and Fees (2023-24, estimated)

• In-state students: $7,559 per semester
• Out-of-state students: $16,125 per semester

More information about tuition and fees is available from the Office of the University Cashier .

We strive to make our program as affordable as possible for all of our students through several generous fellowship packages. Most of our students enjoy three, four and sometimes even five years of funding depending on the nature and scope of their research.

School-based Fellowships and Scholarships

We offer a variety of full funding packages to applicants at the time of admission. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for this funding based on their applications for program admission. There is no additional application.

Roy H. Park Fellowships

Funded by the Triad Foundation of Ithaca, New York, the school annually awards Park Fellowships to five new doctoral students who are U.S. citizens. Each Park doctoral fellowship covers:

• Tuition and fees for three years
• Health insurance
• $22,000 annual stipend for three years
• Support for research and travel to conferences 

Each Park fellow works as a graduate assistant 15 hours per week for each semester while receiving funding. Each fellow serves as a research assistant for four semesters and as an instructor of record for two semesters. This balance allows students to develop both their research record and the teaching experience necessary to be competitive on the job market.

Park consideration requires an additional application component. See the Park Fellowships page for details.

Orville Gray and Lucille M. Cobbs Memorial Scholarship

The Cobbs Scholarship supports an outstanding international student in the Ph.D. program. It covers:

Faculty and Center Grants

Grants secured by UNC Hussman faculty and research centers support students with three- and four-year fellowships and assistantships. These students complete a work assisgnment assisting with faculty research and receive the following benefits:

• Tuition and fees for three or four years
• Monthly stipend comparable to stipend rate for Park Fellowships and Cobbs Scholarship

Other School-Based Funding

Fourth-year funding.

While our Park and Cole funding packages cover three years of study, fourth-year funding is also available. Some students elect to stay a fourth year to compete more effectively for research-intensive positions at Research 1 universities or to pursue more ambitious dissertations.

School Awards

The school also administers a number of other competitive awards each spring to enrolled doctoral students, including the Margaret Blanchard Dissertation Support Awards, Eli A. and Minnie S. Rubinstein Research Awards, William Francis Clingman Jr. Ethics Awards and Tom Wicker Award.

Additional Funding from The Graduate School

Early each January, we nominate top applicants, regardless of their citizenship, for highly competitive fellowships and assistantships that are available from The Graduate School. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for these nominations based on their applications for program admission. There is no additional application.

The Graduate School also accepts applications from returning students to fund an additional year of dissertation work, summer research, confernce travel or unexpected academic expenses.

Financial Aid Office

Students can apply for federal loans through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

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

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

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

Tuition Fees

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

International Fees

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

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

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

Part-time Fees

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

Other Degree-related Costs

Research support fees.

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

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

Overtime Period Fee

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

Living Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Fund Your PhD

Studentships.

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

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

Doctoral Loans

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

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

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

Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs

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

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

How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?

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

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

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

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

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What’s the difference between part-time and full-time college students.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

If college is on your radar, you may be deciding if you want to be a part-time or a full-time student.

If you have responsibilities outside of school, such as a job or family obligations, you may be considering enrolling as a part-time student. On the flip side, if you feel that you can afford the time and monetary commitment that comes with full-time enrollment, then this may be the option that you’re leaning towards.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between full-time and part-time student statuses, including the number of credits students can expect to take in these two statuses and how long it may take to graduate if you're a part-time or full-time student.

Also, of note, you don’t necessarily have to think of this decision as a permanent one. Some schools and programs allow students to change their enrollment status between full-time and part-time for a semester or trimester, depending on their needs. Another thing to remember as you make this choice is not all schools and programs offer the opportunity for students to enroll part-time.

What’s considered full-time college enrollment?

There are three definitions to be aware of when understanding what it means to be a full-time student – your school’s definition, the U.S. Department of Education’s definition, and the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) definition.

First, colleges and universities each have their own definitions for what’s considered full-time. To be considered full-time by a college, most colleges require students to be enrolled in a certain number of classes and credits for a semester, although the requirements may vary.

The U.S. Department of Education defines full-time student status as being enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per term. This definition is important to understand because it may relate to your eligibility for financial aid provided by the federal government.

There’s also a legal tax status in order to be considered a “full-time student” by the IRS. Having this status may enable you to take certain exemptions on your taxes. To be a full-time student as defined by the IRS, you must:

• Be a full-time student as defined by your school.
• Be a student for five calendar months of the year (these months don’t need to be consecutive).
• Be a full-time student at a school that has a regular teaching staff, course of study, and a regularly enrolled student body. A student taking a full-time, on-farm training course offered by a school, state, county, or local government agency may also qualify.

How many classes do full-time students take a semester?

There’s no set number of classes that are considered full-time across the board. However, for many schools, full-time enrollment often involves taking between three and four classes a semester, depending on how many credits each class is worth. The same is true to meet the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of being a full-time student.

Remember that all schools are not on a semester schedule, so the guidelines may differ.

How many credits do full-time students take a semester?

To meet the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of being a full-time student, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Individual schools may have different credit requirements for students to be considered full-time. As a refresher, credit hours are a measure that determines the weight of a particular class. Since all schools aren’t on a semester schedule, this may vary.

How much does college cost for a full-time student?

According to data from College Board, a nonprofit organization that helps students with college admissions, the average cost for a full-time student was $10,940 for those attending in-state public colleges and $28,240 for those attending out-of-state public colleges in the 2022-23 school year. For students who attended private schools, tuition was on average $39,400.

Remember, these numbers are averages, which means tuition varies depending on the exact school. The other thing to keep in mind is that these numbers reflect the sticker price of tuition at schools – many students ultimately pay less because of financial aid.

How long does it take to graduate from college as a full-time student?

It takes most full-time students four years to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. For students seeking an associate degree, it most often takes them two years to graduate.

Keep in mind, these timelines can vary. It takes some students less time to graduate with a college degree if they’re able to enter a degree program with college credits in hand, if they’re able to load up on credits during some terms, or if they take classes in summer or winter sessions (or some combination of this). On the flip side, it can take some students longer than the traditional two or four years to graduate with a college degree in some instances.

What’s considered part-time college enrollment?

A part-time student enrolls in fewer classes than a full-time student. They may have a day job or other responsibilities that they juggle in addition to classes. As a result, they may pay less in tuition per term (since they’re taking fewer classes), but it may take them more terms to graduate. They also may have less access to financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

How many classes do part-time students take a semester?

Most schools consider a student taking less than three or four classes a semester (depending on the credit hours of the class) a part-time student. This may vary depending on if a school is on a quarter or trimester schedule.

How many credits do part-time students take a semester?

A part-time student usually takes fewer than 12 credits a semester, though that may differ based on a school’s definition of what a part-time student is. Again, this may vary if a school is on a quarter or trimester schedule.

How much does college cost as a part-time student?

How much a school costs as a part-time student will depend on the school. Typically, as a full-time student, you pay by the term (quarter, trimester, or semester), but as a part-time student, you often pay by the credit hour or how many classes you enroll in for a term.

It’s important to note that even if being a part-time student is cheaper in the short term, in the long run, it may ultimately cost more to graduate as a part-time student than as a full-time student. This is because students who are enrolled part-time are often charged by the number of credit hours they’re enrolled in and also may encounter additional fees, while full-time students may be charged a flat rate for a term, enabling them to take anywhere from 12 to 18 credits a term. Full-time students who enroll in enough credits a term may ultimately see cost-savings.

You may want to speak to an academic advisor to fully determine the costs of part-time and full-time enrollment to make the best choice for your situation.

How long does it take to graduate college as a part-time student?

A 2023 study by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, a nonprofit, found that 20% of students from the class of 2017 who were enrolled exclusively part-time graduated in six years . The same study found that 51.1% of students with mixed enrollment (a combination of part-time and full-time) graduated within six years.

How long it takes you to graduate as a part-time student will heavily depend on how many credits you ultimately end up taking each term, and your consistency in enrolling in classes each term.

Does the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) cover part-time students?

The FAFSA ® is used by students to access federal student aid including federal student loans, grants, and work-study, if they’re eligible. Part-time students may be eligible for federal financial aid if they’re enrolled in at least a half-time class load (usually around six credits per semester).

If you’re enrolled half-time as a part-time student, you apply for federal financial aid in the same way a full-time student would via the FAFSA ® .

Part-time students who are eligible for federal financial aid may receive less aid than full-time students, including a reduced Pell Grant award , because of their enrollment status.

How to decide whether to enroll as a part-time or full-time student

By looking at your immediate financial circumstances as well as the time commitment you can make to school, you may be able to get a gauge of whether you should attend college part-time or full-time.

When it comes to enrolling full-time, on the pro side, full-time students may be able to immerse themselves fully in their academic pursuits, allowing for deeper engagement with their studies and the college experience. Being enrolled full-time often leads students to graduate quicker and enables graduates to enter the workforce or pursue more advanced studies sooner. Additionally, full-time status may qualify students for more scholarships and financial aid opportunities, which may reduce the cost of obtaining a degree.

When it comes to attending college part-time, one significant advantage is the flexibility it offers, allowing students to balance their education with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. This can make attending college more accessible, especially for those who need to maintain a job or care for family members. Part-time enrollment can provide an opportunity to gain practical work experience while in school, too.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, your status as a part-time or full-time student may change throughout your college career. Sometimes, life happens, and you may want to change from being a full-time to a part-time student, for instance. Even if you find yourself in this situation, know that if you stay the course, you’ll still graduate with a diploma; it may just take a bit longer.

Where To Earn A Ph.D. In Data Science Online In 2024

Published: Apr 3, 2024, 2:15pm

Data science is among the most in-demand skill sets in the modern economy. Data science professionals help businesses make decisions by creating analytical models, combining elements of math, artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistics.

If you want to pursue a high-paying data science career or teach data science at the college level, you may want to earn a terminal degree in the field. Online Ph.D. in data science programs allow you to advance your career while balancing other responsibilities at work or home.

We found two online data science programs that met our ranking criteria. Read on to learn more about these schools and find answers to frequently asked questions about data science.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Online Ph.D. in Data Science Option

Capitol technology university, national university.

Located just outside Washington, D.C., in South Laurel, Maryland, Capitol Technology University offers an online doctoral degree in business analytics and data science. The program includes a limited residency requirement: Students must complete a course in contemporary research in management on campus, during which they take a qualifying exam. The degree requires 54 to 66 credits, and students can graduate within three years.

All students must also complete a dissertation and an oral defense of their work. The program costs $950 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state learners. Retired and active duty military receive a tuition discount.

At a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 to 66 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Management theory in a global economy; analytics and decision analysis
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for residency

Degree Finder

Based in San Diego, California, National University (NU) offers a variety of online programs, including a Ph.D. in data science. NU’s program requires 60 credits and takes an estimated 40 months. NU aims for flexibility, delivering coursework asynchronously and offering a new start date each Monday. The curriculum comprises 20 courses covering data science principles and data preparation methods.

NU runs on the quarter system and charges $442 per quarter unit for graduate courses. The program does not include any in-person requirements.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Principles of data science, data preparation methods
• In-Person Requirements: No

How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Data Science for You

Consider your future goals.

A Ph.D. in data science makes sense if you want to become a college professor , conduct original research or compete for the highest-paying and most cognitively demanding business analytics and machine learning positions. If you plan to pursue other careers, you may not need a terminal degree in this field.

If you want to work in academia, make sure your chosen doctorate in data science includes a dissertation requirement. A dissertation allows you to perform original research and contribute to scholarship in your field before you graduate. In turn, you’ll get a sense of your chosen career and a head start on professional publication.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the programs in our guide ranged from $442 to $950. A 60-credit degree from NU totals about $26,500, while the 66-credit option at Capitol Tech costs more than $62,000.

Private universities, including NU and Capitol Tech, tend to cost more than public schools. Graduate students at nonprofit private universities paid an average of $20,408 per year in 2022-23, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . Over the course of a typical three-year Ph.D. program, this translates to about $61,000. This roughly matches Capitol Tech’s tuition, while NU offers a more affordable program.

While a Ph.D. might help you land a lucrative role in the long run, the upfront investment is still significant. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA ® to access federal student aid. This application is the gateway to opportunities like scholarships, grants and loans. You can pursue similar opportunities through schools and nonprofit organizations.

As a doctoral student, you may be able to access graduate assistantships or stipends, but these are often reserved for on-campus students who teach undergraduates or assist professors with research.

Should You Enroll in a Ph.D. in Data Science Online?

Pursuing a Ph.D. in data science online suits a specific kind of learner. To decide if that’s you, ask yourself a few key questions:

• What’s my budget? In some cases, public universities allow students who exclusively enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates. Even if you have to pay full price, distance learners generally save on costs associated with housing and transportation.
• What are my other commitments? Distance learning is often a good fit for parents and students who need to work full time while pursuing their degree. Learners with outside responsibilities might pursue a program with asynchronous course delivery, which eliminates scheduled class sessions.
• What’s my learning style? Distance learning requires a great deal of discipline, organization and time management. If you need external accountability or prefer the structure of a peer group or physical classroom, on-campus learning might offer a better fit.

Accreditation for Online Ph.D.s in Data Science

There are two important types of college accreditation to consider: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is essential; it involves vetting schools to ensure the quality of their finances, academics, and faculty, among other areas. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and U.S. Department of Education oversee the regional agencies that administer this process.

You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible for federal financial aid. You can check a school’s accreditation status on its website or by visiting the directory on CHEA’s website .

Individual departments and degrees earn programmatic accreditation based on their curriculum, faculty and learner outcomes. However, this process has not been widely established for data science programs, so it shouldn’t make or break your enrollment decision. However, you can still keep an eye out for accreditation from the Data Science Council of America (DASCA).

Our Methodology

We ranked two accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D.s in data science in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed the two schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Ph.D. in Data Science Online

Can i do a ph.d. in data science online.

Yes, you can. National University and Capitol Technology University both offer Ph.D. programs in data science that you can complete mostly or entirely online.

Is a Ph.D. worth it for data science?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. A Ph.D. in data science may be a good fit if you want to pursue a career in research or academia or compete for advanced, lucrative positions in business analytics, artificial intelligence or machine learning.

Is it okay to get a Ph.D. online?

Yes, as long as the program is accredited. Distance learning requires strong motivation and self-discipline, so it suits some students better than others.

Can you become a professor with an online Ph.D.?

Yes, you can. Online diplomas feature the same coursework and degree requirements as in-person degrees, and your degree won’t say “online”.

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Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.