PhD in USA is offered as a 3-5 year full-time program in various popular specialisations such as Engineering, Applied Sciences, Computer Science, and Management. Students enrolled in US universities have 10 years to complete their doctoral thesis, despite the fact that the course duration is 6 years. What distinguishes PhD in USA from other countries is that you don't necessarily need a master's degree to enrol for the programs.
For PhD admission in USA, applicants need to have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale (90%) or a Master’s degree in a relevant stream. Furthermore, international candidates must produce English proficiency scores such as IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score and a TOEFL iBT overall score of 79 to 110.
The average cost of PhD in USA varies from USD 26,500 to USD 109,000, which is equivalent to INR 21.9 Lakhs to INR 89.9 Lakhs for Indian candidates. In return, graduates of PhD programs in USA become capable of bagging an impressive average annual salary range of USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs).
Check: Highest paying jobs in USA for international students
PhD in USA: Highlights
| Popular Courses Available | Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering | Ph.D. in Business Administration | Ph.D. in Applied Physics | Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering |
| Course Type | Full-time | Part-time |
| Program Duration | 3-5 Years |
| Degree Requirement | 4-year Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized university OR Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university |
| GPA Requirement | A minimum GPA of 3 to 3.6 out of 4 |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score | TOEFL iBT: 79 to 110 overall score |
| Annual Tuition Fees | USD 26,500 to USD 109,000 (INR 21.9 Lakhs to INR 89.9 Lakhs) |
| Annual Salary Range | USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs) |
Top universities for PhD in USA
Some of the top PhD universities in USA are represented in the following table along with their application deadlines, popular programs, and tuition fees:-
| University | Program | Application Deadlines | Tuition Fee per year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Aeronautics | Chemical Engineering | Biology | Mathematics | Physics | 1 Dec 2023 | 15 Dec 2023 | 7 Jan 2024 | 28,800 |
| Stanford University | Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education (CTE) | Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS) | Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education | 2 Dec 2022 (Closed) | 56,500 | 66,300 |
| Harvard University | Business Economics | Business Administration | Applied Mathematics | Varies | 52,500 |
| California Institute of Technology | Astrophysics | Mathematics | Geophysics | 15 Dec 2022 to 1 Jan 2023 (Closed) | 60,650 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Engineering | Nursing | Biomedical Sciences | Design | Arts and Sciences | Education | Social Sciences and Practices | 15 Dec 2023 | 39,900 |
| Yale University | Architecture | Applied Physics | Biomedical Engineering | Computer Science | 15 Dec 2023 | 46,900 |
| Columbia University | Biostatistics | Environmental Health Sciences | Epidemiology | Sociomedical Sciences | 1 Dec 2023 | 52,000 - 67,900 |
| Princeton University | Molecular Biology | 1 Dec 2023 | 57,400 |
| University of Michigan | Computer and Information Sciences | Industrial and Systems Engineering | Mechanical Sciences and Engineering | | 1 Dec 2023 | 15 Dec 2023 | 26,500 |
| John Hopkins University | Applied Mathematics and Statistics | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Civil and Systems Engineering | 15 Dec 2022 (Closed) | 46,600 - 60,500 |
| Northwestern University | Finance | Economics | Clinical Psychology | Health Sciences | | 15 Dec 2022 (Closed) | 37,400 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Accounting | Finance | Marketing | Real Estate | 1 Dec 2023 | 36,000 |
| New York University | Accounting | Economics | Management | Information Sciences | Operations Management | Statistics | 15 Dec 2023 | 39,350 - 109,000 |
| Duke University | Biological and Biomedical Sciences | Humanities | Physical Sciences and Engineering | Social Sciences | 3 Oct 2023 | 31,300 |
| University of Arizona | Aerospace Engineering | Applied Mathematics | Audiology | 1 July 2023 | 34,000 |
Why study PhD in USA?
PhD in USA is offered by several well-ranked and globally accredited universities. Here are some of the reasons why one should pursue PhD in USA:-
- It is the highest level of education one can pursue. Therefore, it offers extensive knowledge in the preferred field of study.
- Around 15 universities in USA, offering a Ph.D. program, are ranked among the top 50 institutions of the world.
- Candidates can opt for a Ph.D. program in USA directly after completing their Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- PhD in USA is accompanied by several funding options such as stipends, fellowships, etc.
- PhD in USA caters to high-paying jobs and a lower unemployability rate. The unemployment rate of USA as of February 2023 is only 3.6%, indicating abundant job opportunities for graduates of PhD programs in USA
Popular PhD programs in USA
PhD in USA is available in several STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as well as other fields of study such as Humanities, Education, Psychology, etc. The following table shows some of the popular PhD programs in USA:-
| Stream | Popular Programs | Popular Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Aeronautics and Astronautics, Biochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, | MIT, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University |
| Business and Management | Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Financial Economics, Organization and Management | Yale University, MIT, University of California, Berkeley |
| Science | Computer Science, Applied Physics, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Environmental Health Sciences, Mathematics | Princeton University, MIT, University of Michigan, The University of Arizona, Stanford University |
| Humanities | American Studies, History, Philosophy, Medieval Studies, Music, Religious Studies, Italian Studies | Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, Stanford University |
Admissions to PhD in USA
The procedure for getting admission to Ph.D. programs in USA starts from selecting the field of study and shortlisting top universities or colleges for the same. Then, candidates must keep a check on the application deadlines, application requirements, Visa requirements, and English proficiency requirements. The following sections elaborate about these criteria in detail:-
PhD in USA: Eligibility Criteria
As the entry requirements vary within the field of study, it becomes very difficult to group this data into a piece of the overall information. However, the following eligibility criteria are followed by a majority PhD universities in USA:-
- 4-year Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized university OR
- Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university
- A minimum GPA of 3 out of 4.
- 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- A 500-750 word Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Official transcripts or certified copies of transcripts
- Writing Samples
- Updated Resume or CV
- Portfolio
- Personal Interview
- A valid passport
- F-1 or J-1 US Student Visa
- Proof of English Proficiency:-
- IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score
- TOEFL iBT: 79 to 110 overall score
- Valid Passport
- Student Visa
Also explore:
PhD in USA: Admission Requirements
The various requirements for PhD admission in USA in some of the popular universities is tabulated as follows:-
| University | Degree Requirements | English Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| Stanford University | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3.5 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| Harvard University | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3.6 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 8 (with at least 7.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 110 (at least 28 in each section) |
| California Institute of Technology | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3.5 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4-year Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized university | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| Yale University | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3.5 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7.5 (with at least 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| University of Columbia | Master’s degree from a recognized university | IELTS: 7.5 (with at least 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| Princeton University | Master’s degree from a recognized university | IELTS: 8 (with at least 7.5 in each band) |
| University of Michigan | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 84 |
| John Hopkins University | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3.5 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) |
| Northwestern University | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 90 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Master’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3.5 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 87 |
| New York University | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 3 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 |
| Duke University | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 90 |
| The University of Arizona | Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university with at least 3 out of 4 GPA | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 79 |
PhD in USA: Costs
The entire cost of PhD in USA is a combination of tuition fees and cost of living in USA. The section below provides a detailed description of the expenses to study in USA.
PhD in USA: Tuition Fee
The cost of PhD in USA varies with the specialisation or the preferred field of study. However, on average, the annual tuition fees range from USD 26,500 to USD 109,000, equivalent to INR 21.9 Lakhs to INR 89.9 Lakhs. The following table presents the university-wise distribution of the average tuition costs for opting PhD in USA:-
| University | Tuition Fee per year (USD) | Tuition Fee per year (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | 26,500 | 21.9 Lakhs |
| MIT | 28,800 | 23.8 Lakhs |
| Duke University | 31,300 | 25.8 Lakhs |
| UCLA | 33,250 | 27.4 Lakhs |
| University of Arizona | 34,000 | 28 Lakhs |
| University of California, Berkeley | 36,000 | 29.7 Lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 37,400 | 30.8 Lakhs |
| New York University | 39,350 | 32.5 Lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 39,900 | 32.9 Lakhs |
| John Hopkins University | 46,600 | 38.4 Lakhs |
| Yale University | 46,900 | 38.7 Lakhs |
| University of Columbia | 52,000 | 42.9 Lakhs |
| Harvard University | 52,500 | 43.3 Lakhs |
| Stanford University | 56,500 | 46.6 Lakhs |
| Princeton University | 57,400 | 47.3 Lakhs |
| California Institute of Technology | 60,650 | 50 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
USA is the most popular as well as the costliest study abroad destination for PhD in USA as well as other programs. This corresponds to the quality of education, safety, ambiance, and health services the country offers. The following table shows the average expense and the cost of living in USA for international students:
| Expense Type | Cost Per Month (USD) | Monthly Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus Accommodation | 2,450 to 2,775 | 1.99 to 2.26 Lakhs |
| Books and stationary | 500 to 1,000 | 40,600 to 81,300 |
| Food | 2,500 | 2 Lakhs |
| Clothes | 500 | 40,600 |
| Public Transport | 500 to 1,200 | 40,600 to 97,600 |
| Miscellaneous | 2,000 | 1.63 Lakhs |
PhD in USA: Scholarships
Candidates who find the cost of living in USA and paying the tuition fees for PhD in USA unaffordable may look forward to applying for funding options such as fellowships, stipend, scholarships, etc. The following table contains some of the major scholarship options along with their eligibility criteria:-
| Scholarship | University | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistantship in Research | Princeton University | Candidates pursuing Ph.D. in Finance with academic excellence | 40,000 |
| Curtis B. Smith Cybersecurity Fellowship | University of California, Berkeley | Students pursuing MIMS, MIDS, MICS, and PhD with academic excellence | 3,000 per year |
| First-year Matriculant Stipend | Duke University | Candidates pursuing Ph.D. with academic excellence | USD 29,000 |
| Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | US Government | Citizen of a country with Rotary clubs | 2 years of college course work or equivalent | Up to 25,000 USD |
| Fulbright Scholarships for Indians | US Government | Indian citizen | Academic excellence | English proficiency | Monthly stipend, Tuition and cost of attendance coverage |
| Inlaks Scholarship | US Government | Indian citizen | Minimum 65-75% marks | 100,000 USD |
| AAUW International Fellowship | US Government | Non-US-based women pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in USA | 20,000-50,000 USD |
| Richard A. Freund International Scholarship | US Government | Minimum GPA of 3.25 (~87-88%) in UG and PG, member of ASQ | 5,000 USD per year |
| Josephine de Karman Fellowship | US Government | Academic excellence | 25,000 USD per year for tuition and fees |
Also Check: Education Loans to Study in USA
PhD in USA: Placements
Candidates can pursue PhD in USA in STEM or non-STEM fields, depending on which they may choose their profession. Here are some of the most popular job profiles for individuals who have completed a PhD in USA:-
| Job Profile | Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Research Associate | 55,200 | 45.5 Lakhs |
| Assistant Professor | 72,300 | 59.7 Lakhs |
| Business Analyst, IT | 72,300 | 69.7 Lakhs |
| Biomedical Scientist | 82,850 | 68.4 Lakhs |
| Professor | 89,900 | 74.2 Lakhs |
| Consultant | 91,000 | 74.9 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 98,800 | 81.5 Lakhs |
| Physicist | 101,100 | 83.4 Lakhs |
Explore:
PhD in USA: Return on Investment
With a high tuition cost, PhD programs in USA, generally, cater to a high return on investments. Here are the average annual salaries received after graduating from the popular universities offering PhD in USA:-
| University | Tuition Fee per year (USD) | Graduate Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 28,800 | 117,000 |
| Stanford University | 56,500 | 91,000 |
| Harvard University | 52,500 | 95,000 |
| California Institute of Technology | 60,650 | 117,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 39,900 | 66,000 |
| Yale University | 46,900 | 95,000 |
| University of Columbia | 52,000 | 76,000 |
| Princeton University | 57,400 | 75,000 |
| University of Michigan | 26,500 | 61,000 |
| John Hopkins University | 46,600 | 92,000 |
| Northwestern University | 37,400 | 87,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 36,000 | 94,000 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 33,250 | 88,000 |
| New York University, Stern | 39,350 | 111,000 |
| Duke University | 31,300 | 68,000 |
| The University of Arizona | 34,000 | 78,000 |
PhD in USA vs PhD in UK
When it comes to pursuing a PhD, deciding where to study can be a challenging task. The table below compares the differences between pursuing a PhD in USA versus a PhD in UK.
| Parameters | PhD in USA | PhD in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirement | 4-year Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized university OR Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university | First class or upper second class undergraduate degree in relevant stream OR Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university |
| GPA Requirement | A minimum GPA of 3 to 3.6 out of 4 (90%) | 70% or above aggregate |
| Duration | 3 to 5 years | 3 to 5 years |
| Cost of Living | USD 1,050 (INR 86,650) | GBP 700 (INR 70,850) |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score | TOEFL iBT: 79 to 110 overall score | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| Annual Tuition Fees | USD 26,500 to USD 109,000 (INR 21.9 Lakhs to INR 89.9 Lakhs | GBP 20,000 to GBP 50,000 (INR 20 to 50 Lakhs) |
| Graduate Salary | USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs) | GBP 40,000 to GBP 60,000 (INR 40 to 60 Lakhs) |
PhD in USA is a highly prestigious program to pursue as it stands at the highest level of studying. It offers theoretical expertise, excellent research opportunities and high employability rate to the individual who pursues it.
FAQs
Ques. How much does PhD cost in USA?
Ans. The precise cost of studying PhD in USA varies with the specialisation. However, talking about the extremities, it ranges from USD 26,500 to USD 109,000, equivalent to INR 21.9 Lakhs to INR 89.9 Lakhs for Indian applicants.
Ques. What is the eligibility for PhD in USA?
Ans. Candidates possessing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university with at least a 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA (85%) are considered eligible to apply for a Ph.D. program in USA. Furthermore, for some of the specialisations, candidates will be required to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Ques. Can I work while pursuing a PhD in USA?
Ans. Individuals pursuing a Ph.D. in USA are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on a part-time basis. They may start full-time working during vacations or holidays.
Ques. What are the top Ph.D. programs to study in USA?
Ans. The following are some of the popular streams for pursuing a PhD in USA:-
- Business
- Economics
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Education
- Biological Sciences
- Psychology
Ques. What can I do after completing a PhD in USA?
Ans. After pursuing a Ph.D. program in USA candidates may work under the following job profiles:-
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Assistant Research Engineer
- Teaching Assistant Professor
- Lecturer
- Field Biologist
- Economist, etc.
Ques. Is post graduation necessary for pursuing PhD in USA?
Ans. For a majority of institutions, postgradation or a Master’s degree is not required for studying Ph.D. in USA. Only an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (85%) is sufficient for applying to these colleges.
Ques. What is the salary after PhD in USA?
Ans. Graduates of PhD programs in USA can earn an impressive average annual salary ranging from USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs).
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