The United States is considered the top destination for those looking to pursue a PhD degree, as it is home to some of the world's best and most widely renowned universities that can provide endless possibilities for your doctorate career.
In addition to the opportunity to work with top university professors in your chosen field, you can also benefit from the innovative experiential learning and valuable resources offered in the US, which can provide more educational value for your education.
The annual cost of a PhD program in the US from top universities ranges from 28,531 to 57,590 USD, and on average, the price for Indian students is between 15 to 62 lakhs. The best times to apply for this program are typically in August and May.
This blog can provide more information on different colleges, PhD fees in the US, living expenses, miscellaneous costs, and other important considerations for those interested in pursuing a PhD in the US.
Factors Influencing Overall Cost of Studying PhD in the USA
The cost of earning a PhD in the United States includes tuition fees at the university and the cost of living expenses. These costs can be high, as the cost of living in the United States is generally higher than in other countries.
The cost of living can also vary depending on the university's location. Other factors that can influence the overall cost of earning a PhD in the United States include the length of the program, funding opportunities such as fellowships or assistantships, and the availability of scholarships.
It is important for students to carefully research and budget for these costs to ensure that they can complete their studies without incurring too much debt.
- The tuition fees of PhD in the USA,
- Living costs of PhD in the USA
- Pre-arrival and post-arrival costs.
But before we discuss the PhD tuition fees in the USA, let's take a glance at the pre-arrival costs for PhD in the USA:
Pre-Arrival Costs to Study PhD in the USA
Before beginning their studies in the United States, there are additional costs that students may need to consider as part of their overall expenses. These can include pre-arrival costs such as obtaining a visa, travelling to the United States, and other expenses related to preparing to study in the country. Budgeting for these costs, tuition fees, and living expenses is important to ensure that you clearly understand the total cost of earning a PhD in the United States.
- Entrance Exam
- Flight Tickets
- Medical Checkup
- Student Visa Fees
- Medical Insurance
Let's have a look at each of the costs one by one:
Entrance Exam
International students will typically be required to take an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL or IELTS to be considered for admission to a PhD program in the United States. In addition, many PhD programs will require students to take the GRE or GMAT as part of the admissions process. The cost of these entrance exams is given below:
Tests |
Cost (in USD) |
Cost (in INR) |
IELTS |
245 |
18,984 |
TOEFL |
190 |
14,722 |
GRE |
205 |
15,200 |
GMAT |
250 |
18,300 |
Flight Tickets
It takes about 15 hours and 15 minutes to fly from India to the United States. The plane ticket cost for this journey can range from around INR 48,999 to INR 91,999, depending on the airline.
Medical Checkup
International students planning to study at a university in the United States are typically required to have health insurance coverage. They may be required to provide documentation of this coverage before arriving in the country. If the university does not offer a school-sponsored health insurance plan, it is recommended that students obtain their coverage. Additionally, medical check costs for Indian students studying in the United States as part of a PhD program can range from INR 14,500 to INR 21,000.
Student Visa Fees
The cost of a US student visa can significantly impact the expenses of pursuing a PhD in the United States. These costs may vary based on the specific type of visa required, the purpose of the visit, and the visitor's nationality. It is important to consider the cost of a student visa as part of the budgeting process for a PhD program in the United States. The cost of a student visa for PhD in the USA for Indian students costs are given below:
Visa Type |
Description |
Costs (in INR) |
F-1 Visa |
Students (academic) |
11,520 |
J-1 Visa |
Exchange Visitors |
11,520 |
Medical Insurance
Health insurance is another factor that can impact the overall cost of pursuing a PhD in the United States for international students. The cost of health insurance can range from INR 38,000 to INR 77,0000 per year, depending on coverage and other factors. This cost may be higher for older students.
These are some expenses that international students may need to budget for before beginning their PhD program in the United States. There may also be additional costs that arise after arrival in the country.
Post-Arrival Costs to Study PhD in the USA
It is important to know any post-arrival costs associated with pursuing a PhD in the United States. These costs can vary depending on the specific program and institution and may include housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses. It is a good idea to research the cost of living in the specific location where you will be studying and budget accordingly.
- Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for PhD programs in the US can vary widely depending on the institution and field of study. It is not uncommon for tuition to range from around $28,000 to $57,000 per year, as you mentioned. This translates to approximately INR 15 Lakhs to 62 Lakhs per year based on current exchange rates.
Cost of Living
On the other hand, monthly living expenses in the USA range from 1,200 to 2,500 USD. All of your additional expenses, such as those for lodging, board, food, transport, study materials, etc., may be included in these costs.
We now know what it will cost an overseas student to study in the USA before and after arrival. Let's talk about the price of a PhD in the USA.
Cost of Studying PhD in the USA
The local PhD tuition fees heavily influence the cost of pursuing a PhD in the USA. The cost of a PhD program in the USA can range from 28,531 USD to 57,590 USD depending on the type of institution you attend and your area of specialisation.
We have included a summary of some of the best colleges and the PhD prices in the USA for international students to assist you with the tuition costs.
University Name |
Annual Average Fees (USD) |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
57,590 |
45.8 Lakhs |
Stanford University |
48,960 |
39.0 Lakhs |
Harvard University |
52,456 |
41.8 Lakhs |
Princeton University |
57,410 |
45.7 Lakhs |
Columbia University |
65,948 |
52.1 Lakhs |
California Institute of Technology |
56,364 |
44.9 Lakhs |
University of Pennsylvania |
39,838 |
31.7 Lakhs |
Yale University |
45,700 |
36.4 Lakhs |
University of Michigan |
48,542 |
38.6 Lakhs |
John Hopkins University |
57,070 |
45.4 Lakhs |
Cost of Living While Studying PhD in the USA
The cost of living for Indian students is the next factor that affects the price of their PhD program in the USA. To live in the US, you must budget between 10,000 and 20,000 USD annually.
Most of your projected living costs would be for rent at the housing facilities and groceries, transportation, meals, internet, and other ancillary costs. However, depending on each student's lifestyle, this may vary.
Here is an overview of the cost of living in the USA:
Expenses |
Average Cost per year (in USD) |
Average Cost per year (in INR) |
Accommodation with basic utilities |
16,500 |
1,315,001 |
Food |
6,500 |
518,030 |
Books and supplies |
900 |
71,727 |
Electricity |
750 |
59,772 |
Transportation |
1,500 |
119,545 |
Dormitory housing |
7,588 - 11,914 |
604,741 - 949,510 |
Food for dormitory residents |
2,487 |
198,206 |
Miscellaneous |
6,700 |
533,970 |