how much does a phd from stanford cost

Estimated Expense Budget

Main navigation, graduate tuition, 2024-25, three academic quarters of graduate tuition.

Full-time enrollment may be considered 8-10 units per quarter or 11 or more units per quarter depending on the type of financial support and the program.

2024-25 Average Graduate Student Expense Budget

Child Care:  Costs can range from $1,000 - $3,000 per month (or more).

Living Costs for Spouse:  $12,000 (9 months); $16,000 (12 months).

Living Costs for Children:  $3,000 (9 months); $4,000 (12 months).

Medical Insurance for Spouse and/or Children:  See the  Vaden Health Center  web site or contact the Insurance Office at (650) 723-2135 or email  [email protected] .

Taxation:  Fellowship stipends and assistantship salaries are subject to taxation. This tax liability should be included in budget planning.

Financial Assistance for PhD Students

Application fee waiver.

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Preference is given to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

University Resources

Estimated Expense Budget

The Estimated Expense Budget provides information about the cost of graduate tuition and estimated living expenses for the current academic year. PhD students in Electrical Engineering enroll in 8-10 units each quarter.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program cultivates a diverse, multidisciplinary community of emerging leaders from around the world and guides them to collaborate, innovate, and communicate as they prepare to address the complex challenges facing society. Knight-Hennessy Scholars become part of a supportive family of fellow scholars. Through the King Global Leadership Program, scholars will broaden knowledge, develop skills, and strengthen character; this platform provides a collection of community experiences, workshops, meetings with leaders, domestic and global study trips, and personal development opportunities. Knight-Hennessy Scholars also receive funding for graduate study at Stanford University. Apply at https://kh.stanford.edu/apply. The application deadline is October 12, 2023 at 1:00 pm Pacific Time

Full Financial Support

All PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support for the duration of the doctoral program.

To meet the conditions for satisfactory academic progress, each PhD student must:

Find a dissertation advisor who will supervise the student's PhD research and provide funding in the form of a research assistantship when the student is not receiving funding from a different source.

Enroll in 8-10 units each quarter during the academic year (except when on approved leave of absence).

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Complete other required University and department milestones in a timely manner. Consult the EE Graduate Handbook for details.

We encourage prospective students to apply for nationally competitive fellowships (such as the NSF and NDSEG above) and other  external awards . Awards that provide tuition and stipend support for at least one academic year typically replace the initial department fellowship offer. Any offers of external funding should be discussed with the  EE Admissions Office  after admission is offered and in advance of accepting any funding awards.

On rare occasions, an incoming student may be offered a three-quarter research assistantship with a specific faculty member instead of a department fellowship during the first year.

Interested students may apply for course assistantships and advanced teaching assistantships in the department to supplement their graduate training. For more information, please consult the  CA Appointments  section of the website.

Return to Program Overview:

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. program is a full time program leading to a Doctoral Degree in Economics.  Students specialize in various fields within Economics by enrolling in field courses and attending field specific lunches and seminars.  Students gain economic breadth by taking additional distribution courses outside of their selected fields of interest.

General requirements

Students  are required to complete 1 quarter of teaching experience. Teaching experience includes teaching assistantships within the Economics department or another department .

University's residency requirement

135 units of full-tuition residency are required for PhD students. After that, a student should have completed all course work and must request Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Department degree requirements and student checklist

1. core course requirement.

Required: Core Microeconomics (202-203-204) Core Macroeconomics (210-211-212) Econometrics (270-271-272).  The Business School graduate microeconomics class series may be substituted for the Econ Micro Core.  Students wishing to waive out of any of the first year core, based on previous coverage of at least 90% of the material,  must submit a waiver request to the DGS at least two weeks prior to the start of the quarter.  A separate waiver request must be submitted for each course you are requesting to waive.  The waiver request must include a transcript and a syllabus from the prior course(s) taken.  

2.  Field Requirements

Required:  Two of the Following Fields Chosen as Major Fields (click on link for specific field requirements).  Field sequences must be passed with an overall grade average of B or better.  Individual courses require a letter grade of B- or better to pass unless otherwise noted.

Research fields and field requirements :

• Behavioral & Experimental
• Development Economics
• Econometric Methods with Causal Inference
• Econometrics
• Economic History
• Environmental, Resource and Energy Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Trade & Finance
• Labor Economics
• Market Design
• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomics
• Political Economy
• Public Economics

3.  Distribution

Required:  Four other graduate-level courses must be completed. One of these must be from the area of economic history (unless that field has already been selected above). These courses must be distributed in such a way that at least two fields not selected above are represented.  Distribution courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.

4.  Field Seminars/Workshops

Required:  Three quarters of two different field seminars or six quarters of the same field seminar from the list below.   

PhD Program Overview

Main navigation, academic and departmental matters.

We have orientations and academic advising sessions for all new graduate students before you select your courses and start your first classes. Furthermore, you'll get ongoing support and advising from faculty and staff throughout your graduate career.

PhD Frequently Asked Questions

Where do i find information.

• Go to Stanford's Graduate Admissions site .
• Explore all the information available on our Chemical Engineering site, (including the faculty pages and and the multiple pages under the PhD and admissions tabs). If these resources do not address any remaining questions, please send an email to the department at [email protected] . Use your email subject line: Admissions - [family name] - [topic of your inquiry]

When may admitted PhD applicants visit Stanford?

March 2-5 2023, is the Chemical Engineering Virtual Visit Weekend. If you are seriously considering Stanford's Chemical Engineering's PhD program for your doctoral work, please reserve these dates for your virtual Stanford visit, as we will be unable to accommodate a request to visit at another time.

How long does it take to get the PhD degree?

The average time to earn a PhD degree is between 5 and 6 years. Some students finish a little earlier and some a bit later.

If I have a master's degree from another university, do I need to get a MS from Stanford before pursuing a PhD?

No. In Chemical Engineering, having an MS degree is not a requirement for conferral of a PhD degree. PhD students without a master's may petition for conferral of a Stanford master's in the course of fulfilling their PhD requirements. Matriculated PhD students with a MS earned elsewhere either may petition for conferral of a Stanford MS or may petition for approval of transfer units, to be applied toward the total unit requirements for a PhD degree. Any student contemplating petitioning for approval of transfer units should consult first with departmental student services.

How many faculty members do you have and how long have they been teaching?

See the faculty pages. Our faculty is well-distributed in terms of experience and areas of emphasis.

What are the course requirements, and how long do they generally take to complete?

PhD students take 10 units per quarter.

PhD students take three 3-unit courses and one 1-unit colloquium (seminar) per quarter in the first two quarters and the majority of their lecture courses during the first two academic years. Then they finish the coursework requirements by taking a class here and there until they have a total of 42 units for lecture courses in science and engineering, plus 3 units of colloquia (seminar). Because of the importance faculty place on honing communication skills while pursuing a doctorate, all candidates are also required to assist in the teaching of two chemical engineering courses.

What are PhD research rotations?

Each first-year PhD student rotates with two different faculty research groups before choosing an advisor and lab in which to develop his or her own research projects. The rotations enable students to gain a better understanding of a given faculty member’s research program and to determine if that lab is a good fit for their future research. Furthermore, during the first six months, there are multiple opportunities to talk with a wide range of faculty members about their research.

How do PhD qualifying examinations work? What is the usual pass rate?

To be admitted to PhD candidacy, students must pass a qualifying examination, taken at the end of the summer quarter of the first year, respectively. The PhD Qualifying Examination has three parts: 

• A one-page written summary of their research project
• A 20-minute presentation about the research project before research advisors and other faculty examiners
• A 20-minute question-and-answer session with faculty

This exam focuses on the student’s progress report on original research performed during the previous half-year, e.g. from April until the time of the exam in late September. A progress report may have no conclusions, but the talk should demonstrate a depth of thinking about the research strategy and the fundamental chemical, physical and biological concepts that govern the molecular behavior of the system being studied.  The focus is on the ability to think critically and to communicate understanding the fundamental concepts, techniques and questions within the field. The faculty are looking for the student's understanding of how one's research relates to the field as a whole and how he or she demonstrates an understanding of where the project will lead.

Most years, all rising second-year PhD students pass their PhD candidacy examination. The format of this examination is designed to test for the essential skills of the successful researcher — the abilities involved in approaching new problems from a perspective grounded in scientific fundamentals. The focus is not on having the right answers, but in formulating approaches rooted in the scientific method. The faculty do their utmost to select applicants who will thrive as doctoral researchers, with the objective that the selection process should take place at the time of admission. The faculty, other students and staff are all motivated by the ultimate success of each year’s PhD students with their examinations. This culture fosters a uniquely positive environment of collaboration and teamwork among all students, rather than competition based on a "survival of the fittest" mentality.

How does PhD advisor selection work?

All during the first two quarters, first-year PhD students have many ways to become familiar with individual faculty, their research projects, students in their research groups, and how a research group functions. Toward the end of the second quarter each student-faculty dyad formalize their advisee-advisor relationship and then PhD students join their advisors’ research groups at the beginning of spring quarter, and start on their own projects.

Can I work with faculty outside of the department?

Yes. Some past examples have been with faculty in physics, chemistry, materials sciences, mechanical engineering, environmental microbiology, bioengineering and biochemistry.  These students also have a Chemical Engineering faculty co-advisor who helps ensure good degree progress and sits on the reading committee formed in the second year.

What sort of job opportunities does a PhD degree in chemical engineering from Stanford usually enable?

Graduates of our department are extremely versatile with regards to their post-doctorate careers. Over the last few years, many of the graduates from various research groups have chosen to spend a couple of years as a post-doc in another research lab (usually not at Stanford) either in preparation for a research/academic job or in profiting from further research experience before entering industry. Stanford grads are now current professors at many top universities (MIT, Harvard, etc.) or members of prestigious research centers (IBM, national labs, etc.). A significant number of students decide to enter industrial positions upon graduation, as engineers, consultants, etc. You will find companies from all sectors actively recruiting Stanford chemical engineers, including companies in the local biotech and nanotechnology industries.

What kinds of jobs do PhDs get and where?

There is a saying that a chemical engineer can do anything, and the range of employment and career options available to our students demonstrates this. Approximately two-thirds of our PhD students find challenging jobs in fundamental or applied research either in industry or national laboratories. Further generalization is not possible — graduates find careers in areas as diverse as the information technology companies, biotechnology, the oil industry, the chemical process industry, renewable resources and private consulting. (Approximately one-third go into teaching and research as a profession).

Student Life

Housing and living.

Stanford has a strong residential character. Over half of all graduate students live in university-operated apartments. The university’s residence system is among the largest and most diverse.

How does on-campus housing work?

There is a lottery and when you enter it, you list your choice of housing options in preferential order. Housing is guaranteed for first-year graduate students, but this means that you must apply on time and select the option that you are willing to accept any living arrangement (studio, two people in a two-bedroom, three people in a two-bedroom, etc.). If you submit your choices by the deadline, usually you obtain your top housing choices.

Students can renew the same housing assignment for the following year without entering a lottery. Thus, if you are happy with whatever assignment you get in the fall of your first year (and you live in a residence that is open year-round), in the spring of your first year you now can just check "renew" on your housing application for the next year and keep your assignment for the following year.

Pets are not allowed in campus housing.

How much does on-campus housing cost per month?

The cost of housing varies. The general rule of thumb is that the more room/suite-mates you have, the lower the rent. If you would like to have a room to yourself (double-occupancy two-bedroom, etc.) then you should expect to pay more. If you do not mind sharing a room, then the cost drops some. 

What is included in on-campus housing costs?

In addition to the rent, the cost of housing covers basic utilities (electricity and water). Laundry is free to students living on campus. Also, most on-campus apartments are furnished so you don't have to worry about the cost of furniture. Additional charges will apply for an internet connection, cable TV, etc. (These facilities are easily available and are relatively inexpensive). If you have a car, you will need to purchase a campus parking permit, but they are inexpensive for students.

What are the off-campus housing options?

A popular way to find off-campus housing is to use Craigslist . You can perform specific searches of price ranges or towns or places that accept pets. The places listed include condos, homes for rent, individual cottages, or apartments. If you do a search on Craigslist, go to "apts/housing" and then click on "Peninsula" at the top of the screen (S.F. Bay Area prompt). Depending upon the specific location, the following towns are within bikeable distance from Stanford: Menlo Park, Atherton and Palo Alto. Redwood City, Los Altos and Mountain View are a minimum of a ~30 min bike ride.

How much do off-campus apartments costs per month?

Depending upon how many roommates you have, monthly rent can range from $900-$1,700/per person.

How can I find a roommate?

Most incoming students do not know people at Stanford and so do not choose their roommates. However, if you do find/choose someone you would like to room with in university housing, then you can request that Housing Assignments Office assign both of you to the same housing location. There is also a roommate-finding website.

What about housing for couples or families?

There are several options for on-campus couples housing-furnished or unfurnished. Please see the Housing Options page for information about housing for couples without children and students with children.

What's the bottom line? Is it comfortable to live on the graduate stipend?

Yes. People can live comfortably and still afford to travel both nationally and internationally. Several students have hobbies such as skiing or cycling that they can afford on the graduate student stipend/salary. (English PhD students get by on ~10K less!)

Activities in the local and surrounding areas

How do i get involved in departmental social events.

All ChemE grad students are welcome to participate on the social subcommittees of the graduate student-run ACTION Committee, as well as staff-student planned events such as the annual Holiday Party in December.

What do people do for fun?

The  Office of Student Engagement supports over 600 university-recognized, incredibly diverse student groups on campus.

There are various gyms on campus, along with many intramural sports and club sports. There are also athletic classes you can take for credit (kickboxing, Pilates, boot camp, yoga, etc) or simply for fun at the residence complexes. Other than sports, there are a plethora of cultural events in the arts, dance, music and other live performances on and off campus. San Jose is ~20 minutes away while San Francisco is ~45 minutes away by car. Both are also accessible by public transportation. If you prefer outdoor activities, hiking trails and extensive bicycle routes are minutes away and a few hours of driving can take you to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, the northern California Redwoods, etc. while Santa Cruz and Monterrey are closer attractions.

What are the common attractions in the area surrounding the San Francisco Bay?

San Francisco has abundant theaters and cultural events, SFMOMA, Civic Center, Asian Museum, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park (de Young Museum) and Golden Gate Bridge. Further north, you can visit Muir Woods redwood park, various marinas, Point Reyes National Seashore, etc., while further south you can visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll beaches along the Pacific Ocean, go rock climbing and tour wineries in the Santa Cruz mountains.

How is the transportation system? How do you get around?

There are on-campus shuttles that also access the local train stations, local bus lines, CalTrain, BART and Muni. Many students have cars. Many do not. The majority of students also have bikes to get around on campus.

Are there intramural sports and sports clubs?

Yes to both. Intramural sports range from volleyball to soccer to billiards, and club sports range from triathlon to sailing to martial arts. This department fields several teams.

How are the gym facilities?

The Arrillaga Family Sports and Recreation Center is the primary gym for students. The facility is on Campus Drive right across from the track. At Arrillaga, you'll find squash courts, a climbing wall, basketball courts and a weight room with cardio-machines (ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.). Students also can take classes for physical activities such as martial arts (Arrillaga has a training room), fencing, yoga, etc.

Also, the recently opened Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC) is the newest recreational facility on campus. It's on Santa Teresa Street right next to Roble Field. AOERC features a fitness center, outdoor recreational pool, three indoor courts, academic classrooms, a climbing wall and an outdoor recreation center.

Stanford also has a great outdoor pool center and has several tennis courts spread across campus. It is not unusual for Stanford to host national track-and-field or ATP tour events, so you shouldn't be surprised to see some big names in sports strolling about on campus.

To date, the Department of Psychology has been successful in providing financial support for graduate students in the form of a living stipend, tuition and health insurance through summer quarter of their fifth year. This support can be obtained from different sources of funding. Department financial aid assignments are made at the beginning of each academic year.  Continued financial support is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. 

Department Funding

Research and teaching assistantships.

Stanford University sets a minimum level of support for assistantships each year.  Assistantships cover salary, tuition, and health insurance.

Students with assistantships are paid their salaries through bimonthly paychecks from the Stanford Payroll Office. Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit online via AXESS. Usual paydays are the 7th and the 22nd of every month. Student assistantship salary is taxable income, and applicable taxes and deductions will be withheld in accordance with the W-4 Tax Data form completed by each student. This form and other payroll forms will be provided to new students during the orientation in Autumn Quarter.

Pay Periods

Pay periods within each quarter are based on a calendar year, not the academic year. Pay cycles run one week behind the actual pay date. Therefore, a student's first Autumn Quarter paycheck is issued on October 22nd (for work completed during the pay period of October 1st to the 15th). Thereafter, students are paid every 7th and 22nd of the month.

• Autumn Quarter pay periods run from October 1 – December 31
• Winter Quarter pay periods run from January 1 – March 31
• Spring Quarter pay periods run from April 1 – June 30
• Summer Quarter pay periods run from July 1 – September 30

Students who secure external fellowships usually are paid via quarterly stipend rather than assistantship salary. When awarded, fellowship stipends are disbursed on the first day of each quarter provided that students enroll in the required number of units by the published deadline. Students must register in exactly 10 units in Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters (note that students in TGR status must be enrolled in the 0-unit PSYCH 802 course and no more than 3 additional units). If the enrollment deadline is missed, stipends are disbursed a few business days after the student eventually meets the enrollment requirements. Mandatory charges on the student bill, including rent for campus housing, will be deducted from the stipend before it is issued. No taxes are withheld, but stipends are reportable as taxable income. (Fellowship tuition and tuition allowance are not taxable in most cases.)

Banking Funding for Off-Campus Summer Internships

If a student chooses to pursue an internship or similar off-campus opportunity during the summer in years 1-4, the student forfeits their summer funding package (per University policy) and does not enroll in units during the internship. The forfeited summer funding is "banked" and applied to the summer after 5th year, if needed. Funding is banked only if the student is not enrolled and not participating in Stanford research or courses during the summer internship. Students are only eligible to bank ONE quarter of summer funding, and that funding can ONLY be applied to the fifth summer.

Research Support Funding

Departmental funding is also available to specifically support research initiatives by courtesy of generous donors. Click on each link for more information:  

• Norman H. Anderson Research Fund

Outside Funding: Fellowships and Grants

The Department depends on a number of our students receiving outside awards (either external or internal to Stanford). We strongly encourage all students to apply for these funding opportunities.  This spreadsheet  lists some of the funding opportunities available to our students. This resource is a living document that our student and faculty communities are invited to update whenever they learn about relevant opportunities. Current students and faculty have direct access to the spreadsheet; if you are a current student with questions about how to access this document, please contact the Student Services Manager. The Department is deeply grateful to PhD student Julie Cachia for her work in compiling the original resource. 

Financial Support

Financial support of graduate students is provided in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. Historically, all graduate students in good standing have received full financial support (tuition and stipend) for the duration of their graduate studies at Stanford.

First-year students (except those with fellowships) usually receive teaching assistantships for three quarters, which provide a stipend plus full payment of tuition. Support in summer months and in succeeding years is typically provided through research assistantships or fellowships. First-year students for the '23-24 AY (academic year) will receive no less than $52,092 for the first year plus tuition support. Post first-year students earn no less than $51,600 over four quarters plus tuition support for '23-24 AY.

Teaching opportunities for first-year students include classroom or laboratory instruction. These require about 15-20 hours per week for three quarters, and are specifically arranged so as not to interfere with normal academic progress. Sources of funding for research assistantships include grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense in addition to industrial contracts, corporate gifts, and Departmental fellowships.

In addition to the students on national fellowships, the Chemistry Department will nominate its top 10 applicants for the prestigious Stanford Graduate Fellowship. This institutional fellowship will provide the recipients with full tuition support as well as stipend at a level competitive with the national fellowships. As Stanford Graduate Fellows, the recipients will also enjoy exclusive events and lectures organized by Stanford and the School of Humanities and Sciences. For more information about the SGF, please visit the  Stanford Graduate Fellowships  website.

Additionally, Stanford's  Knight-Hennessy Scholars program  awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including the PhD in Chemistry. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by October 11, 2023. 

Details of student financial support are provided in a separate letter following admission. Stipends are set such that the students' net income is equivalent to the net income received at other major universities, and is consistent with the cost of living in the Stanford area. Additionally, first-year students arriving from distant locations may receive a travel allowance to partially defray the cost of necessary travel.

The Chemistry Department is committed to providing salary/stipend and tuition for Chemistry Ph.D. students who are in good academic standing, working for chemistry professors. Chemistry students receive support from three different sources: Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA), and fellowships. Salaries and tuition benefits depend on the sources of funding received. Students with a 50% assistantship cannot work more than eight additional hours a week at a part-time job. During breaks (e.g. between quarters and summer) students can work more than eight hours a week at a part-time job.

Support Sources for Doctoral Students

The University sets the fixed TA salary rate for each teaching category (e.g., teaching assistant or affiliate) and percent appointment. TAs are paid semi-monthly and the appointment includes tuition benefits. Chemistry’s total TA budget is set by the Dean of H&S and is related to course enrollments.

The University sets the minimum RA salary, and departments have the option of paying above this minimum. In Chemistry, it is Department policy that all RAs be paid the same departmentally approved salary. RAs are paid semi-monthly, and normally the research advisor pays them from his/her research grants.

Including salary, tuition benefits, and indirects, but excluding laboratory supplies, it cost more than $100,000/year to support each student on a grant. Including supplies and equipment, a typical grant in Chemistry supports one or two graduate students a year. Research grant budgets are set at the time of award, leaving almost no room for subsequent RA salary adjustments outside of University-projected annual rate increases. Most grants run for three years. Continuing RA support depends on continued success at winning new and renewed grants.

External - Stipends vary, amounts are set by the funding institution (e.g., NSF, Hughes, Hertz, Dept of Defense, etc.). Typically students are paid quarterly at the beginning of each quarter in a lump sum, and usually fellowships cover three years of support.

Internal - Students without TA, RA, or other support are paid from the Department’s endowed fellowship funds. For convenience, these students are often referred to as “RAs”. They receive a quarterly stipend equivalent to the Department RA salary. Including stipend and tuition, it cost approximately $60,000/year to support a (non-TGR) student on fellowship. Use of the Department’s endowed fellowship funds is restricted by the terms of the individual endowments (e.g., to field of specialization). The major use of these funds has always been to support students of junior faculty who are still developing a research grant support base.

A 50%-time appointment is the maximum TA, RA, or TA/RA-combined appointment for a graduate student in chemistry. Fellows do not have percent appointments. A 50% TA or RA appointment carries with it eight, nine, or ten units of tuition credit which covers normal registration for a graduate student. Lesser TA and RA appointments are possible at adjusted salaries and tuition credits.

Normal practice in Chemistry is to support students as TAs during their first three quarters, and as RAs thereafter, but this model is subject to change. The TA obligation to the Department is three 50% TA quarters and one Head TA (30%) or Advanced TA (20%). These numbers are reduced for those with fellowships. TA assignments are based on the needs of the Department and are at the discretion of the Department.

Support in Chemistry

Entering students normally are supported as TAs for three quarters (50%-time) and then an RA (50%-time) for one quarter, providing a minimum annual income based on the University TA and RA salary rates. First-year students on external fellowships are typically TAs for only one quarter. The TA salary supplements the fellowship stipend, but caps on allowable supplementation limit TA opportunities for Fellows.

After the first academic year, graduate students in Chemistry are normally supported as RAs for four quarters each year, providing a minimum annual income based on the University RA salary rates.

After the first year, graduate students must serve, one time, as advanced TAs, head TAs, or instrument TAs. There are over 50 part-time TA positions, accommodating some 27% of advanced students. The advanced TA supplement makes the total income of advanced graduates about equal to or greater than that of first-year graduate students. Head TAs receive no less than $2,974 extra income and advanced TAs earn no less than $1,534 extra.

Financial Aid

The Lowy Fund is designated as loans for chemistry and medical school graduate students. Because of the high cost of living in the Bay Area, the University may continue an interest-free, short-term loan program designed to help graduate students with cash flow problems associated with moving off campus (e.g. security deposit, first and last month rent). Contact the Financial Aid Office (Montag Hall) for information on loans.

A program was developed in 1983 to help meet the problems of doctoral students with unusual financial hardships. Students admitted to study for a doctoral level degree (PhD, DMA, EDD) in the Schools of Earth Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, and Medicine (PhD programs) are eligible to apply. Applications are encouraged from students experiencing an unexpected financial hardship, associated particularly with new family or medical circumstances, who cannot reasonably be expected to alleviate the financial difficulty through fellowship or loan sources.

The grant is not intended to be used as complete support for students where other sources of aid have ceased, nor can grants be made for dissertation costs under this program. All students applying for these funds must have their basic support covered from another source. Preference in awarding will be given to students who have made satisfactory progress and are well advanced in their program, with an established expected degree date. Applications may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office.

For additional information, see also:

• Payments and Tuition Credits
• Tax Statements from the University

2021-2022 Graduate and Professional Tuition Rates

Tuition rates for the academic year 2021-22 

Choose your student classification to find tuition rates.

(Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer)

  Graduate Engineering Business School Medical School Law School   Postdoc & Non-Matriculated  Special Registration Statuses  

(Visiting Summer Session student? Use the Summer Session cost calculator .) 

Graduate School (Master's / Doctorate)

Please note: PhD students in the Biomedical Sciences and in the Graduate School of Business are assessed the standard graduate tuition rates.

For Coterm billing   details, please see the Registrar’s Office website . 

Graduate School of Engineering

For Coterm billing   details, please see the Registrar’s Office website .

Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Mba program , msx: m.s. in management for experienced leaders  .

$129,700 Annual tuition

This is the annual rate, comprising 4 quarters: Summer 2021-Spring 2022

School of Medicine (SoM) 

$21,249 per quarter

Stanford Law School  

$21,450  per quarter

Law/GSB Joint Program 

$22,712  per quarter

Multiple-Career Graduate Tuition   

For details, please see  Joint Degree Programs and Tuition Schedules

Tuition Agreement for Students with Multiple Programs (TAGM)

Postdoc & Non-Matriculated

Special registration statuses for graduate & professional students.

Matriculated graduate students are expected to register at the full-tuition rate applicable to their degree program unless they are in the final stages of their degree programs and therefore in a special reduced tuition category. Eligible categories are listed below. See Special Registration Statuses for Graduate and Professional Students for eligibility.

Special conditions apply to students admitted as coterminal graduate students; for more information, see Procedures for Coterminal Students (pdf).

Students in the Stanford Law School, Graduate School of Business, or in the M.D. program in the School of Medicine should consult appropriate school officers about tuition reduction eligibility.

Graduate Part-time Enrollment ( 3-7 units; Autumn, Winter, Spring )

Graduate students who need only 3-7 units to complete degree requirements or qualify for TGR status may be eligible for part-time enrollment. For more information on eligibility for part-time graduate enrollment and for information on how to apply, please see our special registration page.

Graduate Part-time Enrollment (OAE Accommodation) ( 3-7 units; Autumn, Winter, Spring )

This registration status is for graduate students who have been recommended for an approved reduced course load by the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) . For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please see our special registration page .

Graduation Quarter

$150 per quarter

Graduate students who have completed all degree requirements and need a registration status in order to graduate may qualify for a graduation quarter.  For more information on eligibility for the graduation quarter and for information on how to apply, please see our special registration page .

Medical School Research Rate

$3,531  per quarter

For more information on eligibility and for information on how to apply, please see the School of Medicine Registrar's Office Reduced/Research Tuition Rate Eligibility web page.

TGR (Terminal Graduate Registration) / TGR Final Registration

$3,531  per quarter TGR students who carry 0-3 units are assessed a TGR rate of $3,531.

Graduate students who have completed all degree requirements (including minimum residency units) but are working on finishing a thesis, project or dissertation may qualify for TGR. For more information on eligibility for TGR and for information on how to apply, please see our special registration page and our TGR page .

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The total cost of your tuition and other expenses to attend Stanford GSB is one of the primary components used to calculate your financial aid package.

What’s Included

The living allowance listed above includes rent, food, and personal expenses for a moderate lifestyle. An additional allowance may be made for eligible dependent children.

Stanford University Cardinal Care medical insurance is included in the cost of attendance for all students, even if they are covered by an alternative insurance plan. The single student health insurance rate is listed above on the assumption that spouses will have separate coverage.

What’s Not Included

Expenses related to the global experience requirement are not included above. The total cost for the GER may range from $4,000 to $6,000. Some GER experiences can be considered in your cost of attendance calculation, and some cannot. Recipients of need-based fellowships may be eligible for additional grant funding up to 40% of approved expenses for one qualifying trip.

Adjustments to Your Cost of Attendance

Your cost of attendance may differ from the calculation above based on allowable budget adjustments, such as certain GER experiences or medical expenses, if applicable. 

Allowable Budget Adjustments

Federal regulations specify the components of your cost of attendance, and we use a standard budget to determine your financial aid eligibility. However, if you have special circumstances we may be able to add additional items to your cost of attendance. While budget adjustments can increase your loan eligibility, they do not typically increase your fellowship award.

Medical Expenses or Child Care Costs

If you can submit documentation of required medical expenses not covered by insurance and/or child care costs, we may be able to adjust your budget. The most common budget allowances are for unusual medical expenses and for child care costs when both the student and spouse are working or attending school full-time.

Global Experience Requirement Expenses

Stanford MBA students complete their global experience requirement before winter quarter of their second academic year. Global Study Trips and the Stanford Tsinghua Exchange Program can be allowable budget adjustments. We add the required costs for these programs to your budget so you can receive fellowships (if eligible) and loans to help cover these expenses. Other programs that satisfy the GER requirements, such as the Global Management Immersion Experience (GMIX) and self-directed global experiences, cannot be added to your budget.

We assume that most students already have laptops and will not need to purchase new ones. However, if you do need to purchase a laptop, we will consider a reasonable purchase price for financial aid purposes. Once you have been admitted, you will be provided with more detailed information on how this expense can be incorporated into your cost of attendance.

Travel to and from Home

Your flight costs to and from home can be considered as part of your cost of attendance. Stanford GSB allows two round-trip tickets to be added to the cost of attendance each academic year.

Non-Allowable Budget Adjustments

We cannot factor in the following costs when determining your financial aid package.

Consumer Debt

Federal regulations specifically state that we cannot include consumer debt (examples include credit cards, consumer loans, and car loans) in your budget. We are unable to increase your cost of attendance - or decrease the value of your assets - to demonstrate additional financial aid eligibility to assist you in making payments for such debt. 

Non-deferrable Education Loans

Though most US government educational loans have deferment options for students enrolled at Stanford GSB, some educational loans may not have this option. We do not consider these loans as debt against your assets. 

Some programs that satisfy the global experience requirement are allowable budget adjustments. However, options such as the Global Management Immersion Experience or self-directed global experiences are non-allowable budget adjustments. Also, expenses incurred on additional global study trips that do not fulfill the GER are non-allowable budget adjustments. Some GMIX participants may receive Stanford GSB subsidies.

Club Fees and Other Expenses

Some expenses, like Stanford club fees, are not part of the required curriculum and are not included in the cost of attendance or considered for budget adjustments.

How Spouses Are Accounted for US Students

The US Department of Education compensates for the cost of additional family members by reducing the amount of income a married student is expected to contribute toward the cost of attendance, which is lower than that of a single student with the same income.

If you are a married US citizen or permanent resident , the cost of attendance that appears on your award letter will reflect that of a single student, and loan eligibility will be determined based on the single student cost of attendance. However, your fellowship eligibility will be determined based on the married student cost of attendance.

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Planning for Ph.D. Programs

Main navigation.

Thinking of pursuing a doctoral degree?  Your Academic Advisor in your neighborhood is a Ph.D.-level advisor who can give you general information about the experience. But it will also be important to check in with your faculty mentors for more specific advice and support.  Here are some important considerations to keep in mind, both in the early days and as you start to apply.

Reflection and Exploration

Ask yourself the hard questions.

Before applying, consider your goals and what you hope to get out of a Ph.D. program. These days, many Ph.D. programs require five or more years of study, and being fully funded for your entire time in the program isn't guaranteed. Furthermore, tenure-track jobs as professors are highly competitive and difficult to attain even with a Ph.D. from an elite institution. So simply being good at school and wanting to stay a student for a while longer may not be the best reason to pursue a doctoral degree. Ask yourself, are you passionate about research? Are you committed to becoming a professor despite the challenges? Or can you envision how you might use your specialized training in a non-academic career?

Consider Your Finances

Unlike Master's programs, most Ph.D. programs at elite institutions will offer to fund you while you pursue your doctoral degree. This funding may take the form of a stipend, or teaching opportunities, or a combination of both. If the school you are considering does not offer any funding to its Ph.D. students, you may want to look elsewhere for a school that does. But just because a school offers you funding doesn't mean that your finances will be all set. Be aware that you may face challenges down the line, such as balancing your teaching work load and time spent on your dissertation, or supporting yourself if your funded years are finished and your dissertation takes longer than expected.

Check in With Your Faculty Mentors

Not sure if you need a Ph.D. for your dream career? Unsure if your GPA is good enough? Wondering what schools you should apply to? Your faculty mentors can be an invaluable source of advice on the Ph.D. planning process. Talking to them early on can give you a good sense of whether you need a Ph.D. to achieve your career goals. If you do decide to apply, your professors are experts in their fields and have a good sense of which schools you might want to look at. In addition, faculty members regularly sit on the admissions committees for their own department's Ph.D. programs, and can tell you what makes for a strong candidate in general.

Get Involved in Research

The centerpiece of most Ph.D. programs is a dissertation that showcases your own original research. Doing your own independent research project during your undergraduate years can help you figure out whether you enjoy the research process or not. Such projects also mark you as a strong candidate to Ph.D. programs because they demonstrate your readiness and ability to take on a dissertation someday. You may want to think about applying for an  Undergraduate Research grant,  or doing a senior capstone project or honors thesis.

Applying to Ph.D. Programs

You don't need a master's degree to apply.

Many students think they have to do a coterm program or get a Master's degree elsewhere before they apply to Ph.D. programs. This is untrue! You can be a strong candidate for a Ph.D. program even without a Master's degree. In fact, it's common for students to be accepted into a Ph.D. program and earn a Master's degree along the way without any additional cost, usually after taking a certain number of classes or passing certain exams.

Know the Admissions Process

Generally speaking, the Ph.D. admissions process isn't centralized the way your Stanford undergraduate admissions experience was. Instead of applying to a university, you apply to a particular department's Ph.D. program within the university. The admissions committee isn't made up of professional admissions officers, but faculty members within that department. And different departments will have different application requirements and deadlines: be sure to double check what your desired program is asking of you. It's common for Ph.D. applications to ask for a personal statement, GRE scores, a transcript, and letters of recommendation. It's possible you may also be asked for a writing sample or an example of your past work, as well as other components.

Think About Applying Elsewhere

Just because you loved your Stanford undergraduate experience doesn't mean you should pursue a Ph.D. program at Stanford. Many professors will tell you they valued the chance to do their Ph.D. program at a different institution from their undergraduate college. There's a lot to be said for exposing yourself to the difference in perspective, knowledge, and skills that a new set of faculty at a new school can bring. Talk to your faculty mentors and dig around on department websites at different schools. Try to get a sense of the strengths of the particular department you're applying to, and whether they might be a good a fit for you.

Ask for Rec Letters Early On

Be sure to give your faculty mentors enough time to write you a thoughtful letter of recommendation. To be courteous, you should ask for letters at least a month in advance of when you'll need them, and two months in advance is even better! Even if you don't plan on going to graduate school immediately, it's a good practice to ask your professors to write you letters of recommendation during or shortly after your time at Stanford, while their knowledge of you is still fresh in their mind. You can use a dossier service like  Interfolio  to store your rec letters and then send them out at a later date.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Most Ph.D. programs have application deadlines in the fall, and a strong application usually can't be completed in just a couple days. You'll want to give yourself enough time to write a strong personal statement, request copies of your transcript, ask your faculty mentors for their rec letters, and take the GRE exam if it's required. The entire application process can be time-consuming and sometimes stressful. Don't make it harder than it needs to be by rushing it!

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Return to the Advising Student Handbook

How to Apply

The application period for admission in Autumn 2020.

The applications for Autumn 2021-22 will open in September 2020 and will be available on the  Biosciences Admissions website .

In light of the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanford reaffirms its commitment to perform individualized, holistic review of each applicant to its graduate and professional programs. We recognize that students may have faced significant challenges during the period of disruption caused by the pandemic, and we will take such individual circumstances into account during application review. Importantly, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Credit/No Credit and other grading options during this unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruption, whether they are made by institutions or by individual students. Our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are excellent and encompass a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that enrich the graduate educational experience.

Application Instructions

To access the application form and obtain general information about requirements and procedures please visit the stanford biosciences admissions page .  , eligibility for the neurosciences program.

Selection for admission to the Stanford Neurosciences Program is based on a student's academic achievements, letters of recommendation attesting to research and academic skills, and statement of purpose. Research experience is very important, but the exact disciplinary area is not critical. The program does not have specific requirements for the GPA or undergraduate courses taken.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience, students with biological and computational backgrounds are equally appropriate for the program.

• Students from traditional biology backgrounds are expected to show strong achievement in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and neuroscience.
• Students from more quantitative backgrounds should demonstrate considerable competence in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra), physics, probability theory, and statistics. 
• Students from psychology backgrounds should be well versed in cognitive science, experimental psychology, neuroscience and statistics.

The program is committed to training a diverse group of neuroscientists who come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Qualified applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are eligible for admission.

Financial Support

Students admitted to the Neurosciences Program are funded by training grants or predoctoral fellowships that provide for stipend, tuition, and health insurance. The University also offers a limited number of fellowships to outstanding admitted students. All students (entering and continuing) are strongly encouraged to apply for extramural predoctoral fellowships, and our students have been very competitive for prestigious fellowships in past years.

Please see the Graduate Admissions page "Required Exams" web page for information regarding COVID-19 and special TOEFL Test accommodations. 

Final Official Transcripts

Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. More details on this can be found on the following Graduate Admissions webpage . Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to our office.

Biosciences PhD Admissions Temporary Mailing Address

Biosciences PhD Admissions

Stanford University

3165 Porter Drive

Palo Alto, CA 94304-5261

Frequently Asked Questions

For general information about application procedures, documents, test scores, and more, visit the  biosciences admissions page ., for answers to questions specific to the neuroscience program,  see our faq's here ., international applicants.

Applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are eligible to apply. Stanford offers a limited number of fellowships to outstanding admitted students, and international applicants may be nominated for these fellowships.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Prospective students may also be interested in the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars , which develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. This year, the program will award up to 75 high-achieving students with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including PhD's in Biosciences. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by September 12, 2018, and separately apply to the Biosciences Department by November 14, 2018.

Stanford University Tuition & Financial Aid

Stanford University's tuition is $62,484. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of $43,477, Stanford University is more expensive.

These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price . Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of room and board, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Stanford University, the total cost is $82,162. The net price is the average cost of the university after aid and scholarship funds are discounted from the total cost, which comes in at $18,162 for the average student receiving need-based aid.

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Stanford University Tuition & Expenses

Tuition and fees

$62,484 (2023-24)

Net price for federal loan recipients (2020-2021)

Net price by family income (2020-2021)

Room and Board

$19,922 (2023-24)

Go to this school's net price calculator

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Financial Aid Statistics for Stanford University

Financial aid refers to funding that students can use to pay for college and is generally awarded based on need or merit .

Need-based aid is determined by your or your family’s demonstrated ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Stanford University was $68,000. Additionally, 47% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2021.

Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $2,800.

Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Stanford University – excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable – was $32,949.

Stanford University met 100% of its students’ financial aid need. Read below to learn more about the types of aid available.

Applied for need-based aid

Need was fully met

Received need-based financial aid

Received need-based self-help aid

Average percent of need met

Institution is G.I. Bill certified

Institution participates in Yellow Ribbon Program

Student Loan Debt for Stanford University

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

At Stanford University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $12,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $127.

Additionally, 3% of graduating students at Stanford University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $39,653 in private loan debt at graduation.

Typical total federal loan debt after graduation

Typical total federal loan debt among those who did not graduate

Typical total federal loan debt by family income

Typical monthly loan payment

Undergraduates paying down their federal loan debt by family income

Average Total Indebtedness of 2022 Graduating Class

Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2022)

Scholarships

Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses. See the types of scholarships and grants available at Stanford University below.

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.

Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards. Speak with professors, fellow students or career counselors for help finding a job related to your major and interests.

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How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Psychology?

Key Takeaways

• Universities often offer PhD students tuition waivers and stipends to help them cover tuition costs.
• It is typical for PhD students to work as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or at other positions within the university.
• Public universities are generally the lowest cost option for PhD in psychology students.

While a PhD in psychology can set you up for success for the rest of your life, the associated costs of this degree might turn away many prospective students. If the question “How much does it cost to get a PhD in psychology?” has ever popped up in your head, today is your lucky day because you’re about to get your answer!

Featured Programs

How much does it cost to get a phd in psychology.

The average cost of earning a PhD in psychology ranges from $500 to $1500 per credit hour, excluding personal expenses. The median program costs lie between $30,000 to $50,000 per year, making the degree a huge investment. With most programs requiring 60 to 90 hours, you can expect to spend at least 4-7 years at university before you graduate.

In addition to the tuition costs , other expenses like textbooks and supplies, living costs, and healthcare may add up to a significant amount. When picking out a psychology doctorate program, it’s important to factor in the additional costs. Once the expense sheet is ready, you can decide whether a PhD is worth the shot.

The good news is that, in most cases, you don’t have to bear the full tuition fee. Instead, universities often offer PhD students tuition waivers and stipends to help them cover the heavy costs. Your best bet is to check for these funding opportunities beforehand so that paying for your doctorate doesn’t interfere with your academic journey.

Factors that Influence the Cost of a PhD in Psychology

When it comes to the costs associated with a PhD program, there’s no one-size-fits-all situation. Luckily, the price tag of the doctorate isn’t set in stone. How much you’ll pay for it depends on a number of factors, some of which we have highlighted below:

Books and Materials

After the hefty tuition costs, the next big expense includes textbooks and supplies, which fluctuate based on the specific requirements of your chosen discipline.

For instance, when pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology , you might need to invest in numerous books, journals, and therapy manuals. On the other hand, for industrial-organizational psychology, you might have to spend on surveys, data analysis software, or organizational assessments.

Regardless of your field of specialization in psychology , you’ll need specific materials and resources for research and study. However, just like other disciplines, most schools offer support to cut down on these expenses either through funding or by allowing access to institutional resources.  

Health and Living

When pursuing a PhD in psychology, it’s important to consider the costs associated with daily life and healthcare. These expenses vary depending on where you choose to study. For instance, major cities in the US tend to have much higher living costs as compared to suburban areas.

While city life offers greater access to resources, research opportunities, and lifestyle choices, it often comes with a hefty price tag. However, you may offset these costs by the annual stipends offered by your school. These stipends help cover living and healthcare expenses so you can focus on research without the financial strain.

Cost of Dissertation

Another critical factor to look for when planning on pursuing a PhD in psychology is the cost of a dissertation. For instance, if your research requires specialized equipment, data collection, or compensation for the participants, these expenses may quickly add up. Your expenses also depend on whether you choose to conduct experiments, surveys, or interviews.

To avoid straining your pocket, it’s important to budget for these expenses and explore research grants or departmental support ahead of time.

The costs you’ll bear for the doctorate also depend on the duration of your degree. Many PhD programs in psychology offer funding for a limited amount of time, typically around four to five years. However, if you require more time to complete your degree, you still have options to secure additional funding.

One common avenue is graduate student employment, such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or other positions within the university. You may also apply for “finishing fellowships” to help cover your expenses while you focus on the final stages of your degree.

Type of Institution

On average, tuition at public institutions tends to be lower, averaging around $11,554 per year. In contrast, tuition at private institutions is higher, averaging around $20,015 per year. This huge difference indicates that your decision on the type of institution to attend will play a significant role in deciding the financial burden you’ll carry while earning a PhD in psychology.

When considering your options, it’s best to know the type of institution you wish to attend and explore their aid opportunities. This is because most schools offering PhD in psychology may be way cheaper than the others.

Top Schools for PhD in Psychology

Fortunately, the US is home to some of the leading universities that offer PhD programs in psychology. Depending on your requirements, you may look into factors like program length, tuition fees, and accreditation prior to deciding which school to attend.

To save you the legwork, we have reviewed the top schools for PhD in psychology and highlighted the critical factors to consider:

Stanford University

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• #2 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
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• #3 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #2 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #22 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Stanford University

Stanford University  is one of the top schools in the US offering a PhD program in psychology. The program offers a deep understanding of theoretical and empirical concepts and helps students cultivate independent research and analytical skills. At SU, academic courses, seminars, and research experiences go hand in hand.

To fulfill the requirements, PhD students need to complete five quarters of teaching assistantship (TA) under the supervision of faculty members. This provides valuable teaching experience and countless opportunities to mentor. Stanford University’s psychology department also actively collaborates with other departments to create a diverse academic environment.

• Program duration: 5 years (full-time)
• Accreditation: Yes (WSCUC)
• Tracks: Affective, Cognitive, Developmental, Neuroscience, or Social Psychology

When it comes to tuition fees at Stanford, here’s what you can expect:

• 8-10 units ($12,240) 11-18 units ($18,829)
• Each Graduate unit above 18 ( $1,255 per unit)
• 1-7 units (Summer only) $1,224 per unit

Harvard University

• #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
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• #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
• #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
• #2 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
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• #3 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
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• #1 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #1 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Harvard University

Harvard University  offers a comprehensive PhD program emphasizing four key areas: Clinical Science, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). These tracks offer students ample opportunities to explore different research topics and complete their dissertations in their preferred subjects.

What makes Harvard stand out is the university’s commitment to providing full financial support to its PhD students for a minimum of five years. These funds cover tuition costs, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses. Since the faculty has a proven track record of publication in various journals, you can expect to be under the guidance of field experts at Harvard.  

• Program duration: 4-6 years
• Accreditation: Yes (New England Commission of Higher Education) 
• Tracks: Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB).

When it comes to tuition fees at Harvard University, here’s what you can expect:

• Full Tuition -  Required first two years of study ($54,032)
• Reduced Tuition - Required third and fourth years of study ($14,048)
• Facilities Fee - Required post-fourth year of study ($3,574)
• Active File Fee - Minimum charge for approved non-resident status ($300)

University of Washington

• #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
• #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #16 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024
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• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024
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• #15 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
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Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Washington

The PhD in psychology program at the University of Washington  is highly flexible and designed to gear you up for various career pathways in research. At its core, the program is mentor-based, so students can receive one-on-one attention from experts in the field. As a prospective PhD student, it’s best to identify potential mentors with expertise in your areas of interest.

Once admitted, you can join hands with your faculty members to dig deeper into the subject you have chosen. While the Department of Psychology at UW offers seven general areas of study, you can only pick one area to pursue. However, it’s worth noting that a PhD degree at the University of Washington typically requires a longer duration than other institutions.

• Program duration: 6-7 years
• Tuition fee: $18,057 (residents) and $31,530 (nonresidents) 
• Accreditation: Yes (NWCCU)
• Tracks: Clinical Psychology, Data Science, Advanced Data Science, Psychology and Astrobiology

Yale University

• #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
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• #7 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #11 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
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• #3 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #2 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #8 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #12 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Yale University

At Yale University , the primary goal of a doctorate in psychology is to train researchers for both academic and applied settings. The aim is to foster individuals who contribute to the expansion of the field of psychology. The university typically admits around 15 students each year who may select one of the five psychology tracks to pursue.

The best part? At Yale, you may also participate in programs that go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, such as cognitive, affective, and social neuroscience, as well as health sciences.

• Program duration: 5 years
• Tuition fee: $48,300
• Accreditation: Yes (New England Association of Schools and Colleges)
• Tracks: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Neuroscience, and Social/Personality Psychology

University of California, Berkeley

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• #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #2 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #5 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges California 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
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• #2 Best Grad Schools California 2024
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• #3 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
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• #7 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
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Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley , has a PhD program in psychology that strongly focuses on research and offers six tracks, each with minor specializations. Among these tracks, the Clinical Science track is the hardest to secure a spot in.

If you’re worried about costs, UC Berkeley offers funding through different internal awards to ease your financial burden. It also has external support sources like the National Science Foundation and a bunch of extramural fellowships to ensure you have the financial resources necessary to pursue your research.

• Accreditation: Yes (WASC)  
• Tracks: Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Clinical Science, Cognition, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social-Personality

When it comes to tuition fees at University of California, here’s what you can expect:

• California residents - $5,850
• Non-residents - $5,850

Financial Aid Programs for Students Enrolling in a PhD in Psychology

If you’re on a budget, earning a PhD in psychology is still possible with the available financial aid options . More often than not, universities and research departments offer teaching or research assistantships as well. Military aid, federal aid, and government scholarships can also help reduce the financial burden. Here’s a list of financial aid programs you can pick from:

Graduate Assistantships

Most universities offering a PhD in psychology also offer graduate assistantship programs. These programs provide tuition waivers and stipends for students undertaking duties such as teaching, research, or monitoring the admin department. These assistantships are a win-win, easing the financial strain while providing years of professional experience to students.

Federal Aid Programs

Alternatively, you may utilize federal aid programs  like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get loans, grants, or work-study benefits.  Once you understand how these government initiatives work, it becomes simpler to get financial support to pursue your PhD in psychology.

Employer-Sponsored Assistance

While not many are aware of it, employer-sponsored assistance is highly popular among candidates pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Luckily, many organizations provide financial support for employees, which is worth exploring. This way, you can complete your degree while your employer looks after your professional development expenses.

Scholarships

You may also opt for scholarships and grants provided by many foundations, particularly to benefit psychology students. Research institutes like the American Psychological Association (APA) and other psychological foundations often open up scholarship opportunities. To maximize your chances of acquiring one, make sure your application stands out!

Private Loans

Once you’ve exhausted other options, you can turn to private loans to pay for your degree. However, don’t forget to thoroughly review terms and conditions, interest rates, and repayment plans before considering this option. Then, compare the benefits and drawbacks to see whether it’s worth it.

Related Questions

Is getting a phd worth it for psychology.

Yes, particularly if you’re more focused on the financial aspects of the journey. The average salary of a PhD psychologist  is around $115,454. Individuals with a doctorate in psychology have a higher earning potential than those with a master’s or bachelor’s degree in the field, making a PhD worthwhile.

How long does it take to complete a doctorate degree in psychology?

Once you’re done with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, a doctorate in psychology takes you anywhere between  4 and 7 years. However, if you have a master’s degree, your timeframe may be shortened by a few months.

Are there any doctorate psychology programs that are accelerated?

Yes. While the average time to earn a PhD in psychology may take anywhere from six to ten years, it’s possible to accelerate this timeframe. There are plenty of online doctoral degree programs in psychology  that can significantly shorten the time to complete your psychology PhD .

While the question, “How much does it cost to get a PhD in psychology?” can’t be answered with a specific number, we hope this article has given you a fair idea of what it could cost you. If you’re on a budget, we highly recommend thoroughly researching and evaluating different schools and programs before you make a final decision. Remember, there’s various ways to reduce costs. In the end, this degree is highly likely to get you excellent ROI!

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Over recent months, tech companies have been laying workers off by the thousands. It is estimated that in 2022 alone, over 120,000 people have been dismissed from their job at some of the biggest players in tech – Meta , Amazon , Netflix , and soon Google – and smaller firms and starts ups as well. Announcements of cuts keep coming.

Recent layoffs across the tech sector are an example of “social contagion” – companies are laying off workers because everyone is doing it, says Stanford business Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer. (Image credit: Courtesy Jeffrey Pfeffer)

What explains why so many companies are laying large numbers of their workforce off? The answer is simple: copycat behavior, according to Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business .

Here, Stanford News talks to Pfeffer about how the workforce reductions that are happening across the tech industry are a result mostly of “social contagion”: Behavior spreads through a network as companies almost mindlessly copy what others are doing. When a few firms fire staff, others will probably follow suit. Most problematic, it’s a behavior that kills people : For example, research has shown that layoffs can increase the odds of suicide by two times or more .

Moreover, layoffs don’t work to improve company performance,  Pfeffer adds. Academic studies have shown that time and time again, workplace reductions don’t do much for paring costs. Severance packages cost money, layoffs increase unemployment insurance rates, and cuts reduce workplace morale and productivity as remaining employees are left wondering, “Could I be fired too?”

For over four decades, Pfeffer, the Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior, has studied hiring and firing practices in companies across the world. He’s met with business leaders at some of the country’s top companies and their employees to learn what makes – and doesn’t make – effective, evidence-based management. His recent book Dying for a Paycheck: How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance–And What We Can Do About It (Harper Business, 2018) looks at how management practices, including layoffs, are hurting, and in some cases, killing workers.  

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why are so many tech companies laying people off right now?

The tech industry layoffs are basically an instance of social contagion, in which companies imitate what others are doing. If you look for reasons for why companies do layoffs, the reason is that everybody else is doing it. Layoffs are the result of imitative behavior and are not particularly evidence-based.

I’ve had people say to me that they know layoffs are harmful to company well-being, let alone the well-being of employees, and don’t accomplish much, but everybody is doing layoffs and their board is asking why they aren’t doing layoffs also.

Do you think layoffs in tech are some indication of a tech bubble bursting or the company preparing for a recession?

Could there be a tech recession? Yes. Was there a bubble in valuations? Absolutely. Did Meta overhire? Probably. But is that why they are laying people off? Of course not. Meta has plenty of money. These companies are all making money. They are doing it because other companies are doing it.

What are some myths or misunderstandings about layoffs?

Layoffs often do not cut costs, as there are many instances of laid-off employees being hired back as contractors, with companies paying the contracting firm. Layoffs often do not increase stock prices, in part because layoffs can signal that a company is having difficulty. Layoffs do not increase productivity. Layoffs do not solve what is often the underlying problem, which is often an ineffective strategy, a loss of market share, or too little revenue. Layoffs are basically a bad decision.

Companies sometimes lay off people that they have just recruited – oftentimes with paid recruitment bonuses. When the economy turns back in the next 12, 14, or 18 months, they will go back to the market and compete with the same companies to hire talent. They are basically buying labor at a high price and selling low. Not the best decision.

People don’t pay attention to the evidence against layoffs. The evidence is pretty extensive, some of it is reviewed in the book I wrote on human resource management, The Human Equation: Building Profits by Putting People First. If companies paid attention to the evidence, they could get some competitive leverage because they would actually be basing their decisions on science.

You’ve written about the negative health effects of layoffs. Can you talk about some of the research on this topic by you and others?

Layoffs kill people, literally . They kill people in a number of ways. Layoffs increase the odds of suicide by two and a half times. This is also true outside of the United States, even in countries with better social safety nets than the U.S., like New Zealand.

Layoffs increase mortality by 15-20% over the following 20 years.

There are also health and attitudinal consequences for managers who are laying people off as well as for the employees who remain . Not surprisingly, layoffs increase people’s stress . Stress, like many attitudes and emotions, is contagious. Depression is contagious , and layoffs increase stress and depression, which are bad for health.

Unhealthy stress leads to a variety of behaviors such as smoking and drinking more , drug taking , and overeating . Stress is also related to addiction , and layoffs of course increase stress.

What was your reaction to some of the recent headlines of mass layoffs, like Meta laying off 11,000 employees?

I am concerned. Most of my recent research is focused on the effect of the workplace on human health and how economic insecurity is bad for people. This is on the heels of the COVID pandemic and the social isolation resulting from that, which was also bad for people.

We ought to place a higher priority on human life.

If layoffs are contagious within an industry, could it then spread across industries, leading to other sectors cutting staff?

Of course, it already has. Layoffs are contagious across industries and within industries. The logic driving this, which doesn’t sound like very sensible logic because it’s not, is people say, “Everybody else is doing it, why aren’t we?”

Retailers are pre-emptively laying off staff, even as final demand remains uncertain. Apparently, many organizations will trade off a worse customer experience for reduced staffing costs, not taking into account the well-established finding that is typically much more expensive to attract new customers than it is to keep existing ones happy.

Are there past examples of contagious layoffs like the one we are seeing now, and what lessons were learned?

After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, every airline except Southwest did layoffs. By the end of that year, Southwest, which did not do any layoffs, gained market share. A.G. Lafley, who was the former CEO of Procter and Gamble, said the best time to gain ground on your competition is when they are in retreat – when they are cutting their services, when they are cutting their product innovation because they have laid people off. James Goodnight, the CEO of the software company SAS Institute, has also never done layoffs – he actually hired during the last two recessions because he said it’s the best time to pick up talent.

Any advice to workers who may have been laid off?

My advice to a worker who has been laid off is when they find a job in a company where they say people are their most important asset, they actually check to be sure that the company behaves consistently with that espoused value when times are tough.

If layoffs don’t work, what is a better solution for companies that want to mitigate the problems they believe layoffs will address?

One thing that Lincoln Electric, which is a famous manufacturer of arc welding equipment, did well is instead of laying off 10% of their workforce, they had everybody take a 10% wage cut except for senior management, which took a larger cut. So instead of giving 100% of the pain to 10% of the people, they give 100% of the people 10% of the pain.

Companies could use economic stringency as an opportunity, as Goodnight at the SAS Institute did in the 2008 recession and in the 2000 tech recession. He used the downturn to upgrade workforce skills as competitors eliminated jobs, thereby putting talent on the street. He actually hired during the 2000 recession and saw it as an opportunity to gain ground on the competition and gain market share when everybody was cutting jobs and stopped innovating. And it is [an opportunity]. Social media is not going away. Artificial intelligence, statistical software, and web services industries – none of these things are going to disappear.

How much money should I gift someone for college graduation?

• Updated: May. 29, 2024, 9:11 a.m. |
• Published: May. 22, 2024, 6:05 p.m.

Oh the places they'll go: College graduates have just crossed another major life milestone off their list, and if you'll be gifting one soon, here's what you need to know. Canva

• Danielle Halibey | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Any occasion where tassels are moved from right to left and then followed with a storm of caps being thrown into the air is cause for celebration!

It’s an exciting time when someone we care about graduates from college . So, whether you’ve been asked to a graduation party, invited to a more intimate graduation brunch, lunch or dinner with the family or, perhaps even less formally, sent a graduation announcement in the mail, you may like to show your support and celebrate their achievement with a monetary gift that lets them choose something they truly want or need.

Read More: How much money should I gift someone for high school graduation?

Deciding to give cash, a check or a gift card might seem straightforward, but there are various nuances to consider, such as your relationship with the graduate, their field of study, as well as their future plans.

Acknowledging your relationship. The first thing to consider when deciding on a monetary gift for a college graduate is your relationship with them. Are you a close family member, sibling, cousin, aunt or uncle, best friend, sorority sister or fraternity brother or, maybe, even a supportive mentor? Your level of closeness can influence the amount you may want to give. It’s not all about the dollar value, but rather the thought and effort put into it.

Taking their field of study into account. Next, think about the field of study the graduate pursued. The amount you give could vary depending on whether they completed their undergraduate, graduate, medical or law degree. Keep in mind that some fields may require additional economic support as graduates transition into their professional lives. For example, medical or law school graduates often face substantial student loan debts. Contributing towards alleviating those financial strains can be a truly meaningful gift.

Considering their next steps. Where the graduate is headed after college can also help you land on an appropriate gift amount. Are they entering the workforce, pursuing further education, embarking on an internship, traveling or exploring new opportunities before jumping into their next chapter of life? Factoring in their future plans lets you match your gift with their immediate needs. An ample gift can provide a helpful boost, while a smaller gift can still convey your support and encouragement.

Here are some general tips for determining the perfect gift amount for the newly-minted grad.

Budget within your means. Give from the heart, but remember to choose an amount that is comfortable for you and aligns with your personal finances.

Be thoughtful. Consider including a handwritten note or card to express your pride and well wishes. A sweet inscription goes a long way in making your gift truly special.

Personalize the gift. If you’re close to the graduate, think about their interests, hobbies or long-term ambitions. Consider making your monetary contribution toward something purposeful like a travel fund, a professional development course, or even a new work wardrobe.

College graduation gift: If you’d like some numbers as a jumping-off point

Again, these amounts are not set in stone and should be adjusted based on your own personal circumstances and the significance of your relationship with the graduate.

Acquaintance or colleague: $50 to $75. This reflects a gesture of goodwill and congratulations without overextending. If you’ve built a closer connection with the graduate over time, you might lean towards the higher end of this range to acknowledge your evolving rapport.

Close friend or distant relative: $75 to $200. This amount correlates with your closer relationship and shows that you’re invested in their future endeavors. If the graduate holds a particularly special place in your heart, leaning towards the higher end of this range can help relay that sentiment.

Family member: $200 to $500. Close family members, such as parents, grandparents, godparents or close aunts and uncles might consider a more substantial gift to mark the occasion and show your ever-brimming pride in this young adult’s accomplishments.

Do you need to give a gift if there’s no grad party or dedicated brunch, lunch or dinner?

It’s natural to wonder about gifting if there isn’t a formal graduation party or dedicated event to celebrate the grad on the calendar. If you find yourself in a position where sending a gift doesn’t quite fit the bill, there are still plenty of meaningful ways to honor and support the graduate without a physical present or cash gift.

Pen a heartfelt letter or send a meaningful card to express your sincerest congratulations and best wishes in a personal way. Or, if it feels comfortable, volunteer to update their resume, provide career advice or even help them prepare for interviews. Navigating the post-graduation phase can be overwhelming and confusing, but practical, work-focused, yet easy-going dialogue with the new professional can prove invaluable.

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