Steve Tippins cites NSF data: 82% of full-time doctoral students get full funding, with a median stipend of $28,000 a year. But the amount varies wildly by field. Bioengineering offers around $40,000, while history pays $18-20k. Neither guarantees you can live on it.
According to the NSF, 82% of full-time doctoral students are fully funded and get a stipend. And that stipend, the median is— are you ready? $28,000. Now let's break that out. That's $28,000 a year, meaning just over $2,300 a month before taxes. $2,300 a month does not mean financially comfortable, does not mean independent wealth. It means you get something. But now we really have to think about does that $2,300 go far enough to allow you to continue with your study. In different disciplines, the stipends can be higher. Bioengineering, things like that, you could be making $40,000 a year. However, history, you might be getting $18,000, maybe $20,000 a year. So it's really helpful to understand what you're getting yourself into. Join our free Dissertation Help Community and we'll provide as much support as possible.
