Studying a PhD in the USA: The Complete Guide
A PhD in USA typically spans 3-5 years and encompasses popular specializations such as Engineering, Applied Sciences, Computer Science, and Management. The duration of a doctoral program in the USA ranges from 4 to 8 years for full-time students and 8 to 10 years for those pursuing it part-time, contingent on the academic discipline. Individuals holding a master’s degree in a relevant field may complete their PhD in 4 to 5 years.
The financial investment for doctorate in philosophy from the USA ranges from USD 34,000 to USD 110,000, translating to INR 28.3 Lakhs to INR 91.5 Lakhs for Indian candidates. However, this expense proves worthwhile, as PhD graduates in the USA can command an impressive annual salary between USD 55,200 and USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs). Shuraa Education offers valuable assistance for students seeking to study abroad, and this guide serves as a helpful resource for those pursuing this educational path.
Key Features of a PhD in USA
| 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 34,000 to USD 110,000 (INR 28.3 Lakhs to INR 91.5 Lakhs) |
| Annual Salary Range | USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs) |
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Leading American Universities for PhD
The table below features some of the premier universities in America offering PhD courses in USA including details on 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 | 80,390 |
| Stanford University | Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education (CTE) | Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS) | Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education | 2 Dec 2023 | 58,700 | 62,500 |
| Harvard University | Business Economics | Business Administration | Applied Mathematics | Varies | 54,000 |
| California Institute of Technology | Astrophysics | Mathematics | Geophysics | 15 Dec 2023 | 60,800 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Engineering | Nursing | Biomedical Sciences | Design | Arts and Sciences | Education | Social Sciences and Practices | 15 Dec 2023 | 41,500 |
| Yale University | Architecture | Applied Physics | Biomedical Engineering | Computer Science | 15 Dec 2023 | 48,300 |
| Columbia Universit | Biostatistics | Environmental Health Sciences | Epidemiology | Sociomedical Sciences | 1 Dec 2023 | 53,500-68,500 |
| 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 | 29,400 |
| John Hopkins University | Applied Mathematics and Statistics | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Civil and Systems Engineering | 20 Dec 2023 | 48,600 – 62,800 |
| Northwestern University | Finance | Economics | Clinical Psychology | Health Sciences | 15 Dec 2023 | 74,400 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Accounting | Finance | Marketing | Real Estate | 1 Dec 2023 | 44,000 |
| New York University | Accounting | Economics | Management | Information Sciences | Operations Management | Statistics | 15 Dec 2023 | 40,000 – 110,000 |
| Duke University | Biological and Biomedical Sciences | Humanities | Physical Sciences and Engineering | Social Sciences | Varies | 66,900 |
| University of Arizona | Aerospace Engineering | Applied Mathematics | Audiology | 1 January 2024 | 34,000 |
Benefits of Pursuing a PhD in USA
Several highly ranked and globally recognized universities in the USA offer Ph.D. programs, making it an attractive choice for advanced education. Here are some compelling reasons to consider pursuing a PhD course in USA:
- Highest Level of Education: A Ph.D. in the USA represents the pinnacle of academic achievement, providing in-depth knowledge in the chosen field of study.
- Global Recognition: Approximately 15 universities in the USA offering PhD programs rank among the top 50 institutions worldwide, ensuring a high standard of education and global recognition.
- Direct Entry After Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates can pursue a PhD in the USA directly after completing their Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Abundant Funding Opportunities: PhD programs in the USA come with various funding options, including stipends, fellowships, and more, easing the financial burden for students.
- High-Paying Jobs and Low Unemployment: Graduates of PhD programs in the USA enjoy access to high-paying job opportunities with a lower unemployment rate. As of September 2023, the unemployment rate in the USA is only 3.8%, indicating a favorable job market for PhD graduates.
In-demand PhD courses in USA for Indian Students
A PhD in USA encompasses a diverse range of programs catering to Indian students. While Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses remain popular, there are also enticing opportunities in fields such as Humanities, Education, Psychology, and more. The table below highlights some of the sought-after Ph.D. programs in the USA for Indian students:
| 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 |
Explore more about PhD in USA for Indian Students
Admission Process for PhD in USA
Securing admission to a PhD course in the USA begins with the crucial steps of choosing a field of study and identifying top universities or colleges. Subsequently, candidates must diligently track application deadlines, adhere to specified application requirements, navigate visa prerequisites, and fulfil English proficiency criteria. The subsequent sections provide a detailed exploration of these essential elements for the PhD admission process in the USA:
PhD in USA: Admission Requirements
Given the nuanced entry criteria across diverse fields of study, consolidating this information into a comprehensive overview can be challenging. Nevertheless, most PhD programs in the USA adhere to the following eligibility criteria:
- Possession of a 4-year Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized university OR
- Completion of a Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university.
- A minimum GPA of 3 out of 4.
- Submission of 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
- A 500–750-word Statement of Purpose (Sop).
- Provision of official transcripts or certified copies of transcripts.
- Writing samples highlighting the applicant’s academic capabilities.
- Updated Resume or CV.
- Portfolio (where applicable).
- Participation in a personal interview.
- Possession of a valid passport.
- Application for an F-1 or J-1 US Student Visa.
- Proof of English Proficiency, with accepted scores:
– IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score.
-TOEFL iBT: 79 to 110 overall score.
- Valid Passport.
- Acquisition of a Student Visa.
Ph.D. Admission Requirements in the United States
Outlined below are the diverse prerequisites for Ph.D. admission in some renowned universities in the USA:
| 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 |
What is the expense of obtaining a PhD to Study abroad?
The typical cost of a doctoral program is $58,656 annually, with an average tuition and fee amount of $34,910 per year. Additional non-tuition costs, including housing and textbooks, average $23,746 per year.
Note: These figures are subjective to change according to the nature of subjects and degree.
Studying for a PhD in the USA expenses
The total cost of pursuing a PhD in the USA encompasses both tuition fees and the cost of living in the country. The following section offers a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with studying in the USA.
PhD in the USA: Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for a PhD in the USA differ based on the chosen specialization or field of study. On average, annual tuition costs range from USD 26,500 to USD 109,000, equivalent to INR 21.9 Lakhs to INR 89.9 Lakhs. The table below illustrates the university-wise breakdown of average tuition expenses for pursuing a PhD in USA:
| University | Tuition Fee per year (USD) | Tuition Fee per year (INR) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 80,390 | 66.9 lakhs |
| Stanford University | 62,500 | 52 lakhs |
| Harvard University | 54,000 | 44.9 lakhs |
| California Institute of Technology | 60,800 | 50.6 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 41,500 | 34.5 lakhs |
| Yale University | 48,300 | 40.2 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 68,500 | 57 lakhs |
| Princeton University | 57,400 | 47.7 lakhs |
| University of Michigan | 29,400 | 24.4 lakhs |
| John Hopkins University | 62,800 | 52.2 lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 74,400 | 61.9 lakhs |
| University of California, Berkeley | 44,000 | 36.6 lakhs |
| New York University | 75,000 | 62.4 lakhs |
| Duke University | 66,900 | 55.6 lakhs |
| University of Arizona | 34,000 | 28.3 lakhs |
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Living Expenses in USA
Studying for a PhD in the USA is widely recognized as a premier and, consequently, an expensive destination for international students pursuing various programs, including PhD. This aligns with the country’s superior quality of education, safety measures, overall environment, and healthcare services. The table below outlines the average expenses and the cost of living in the 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 Stationery | 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 with Financial Assistance
Prospective students encountering financial constraints related to the cost of living and tuition fees for a PhD in the USA have the option to explore various funding opportunities, including fellowships, stipends, and scholarships. The table below outlines key scholarship options for Ph.D. programs in the USA, along with their respective 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 |
PhD in the USA: Career Opportunities
Upon completing a Ph.D. in the USA, individuals can pursue careers in both STEM and non-STEM fields, tailoring their profession to their academic specialization. The following outlines some of the most sought-after job profiles for PhD graduates in the 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 |
PhD in the USA vs PhD in the UK
Choosing the right location for pursuing a Ph.D. can pose a significant challenge. The table below compares the distinctions between a PhD in USA and 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 34,000 to USD 110,000 (INR 28.3 Lakhs to INR 91.5 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) |
Pursuing a Ph.D. in the USA is an esteemed and elevated academic endeavor, providing not only theoretical proficiency but also outstanding research prospects and a commendable employability rate. Shuraa Education facilitates students in securing accommodation post-admission. For further assistance, contact our experts today. You can reach us via email at info@shuraaeducation.com or connect through phone or WhatsApp at +91 931 999 8924 for expert guidance and support.
FAQs
Q1. Is it worthwhile pursuing a Ph.D. from universities in the USA?
Absolutely! The United States offers top-notch education and obtaining a Ph.D. from an American institution ensures high-quality learning and opens doors to lucrative career opportunities worldwide.
Q2. What is the average salary after completing a PhD from a top program in the USA?
After completing a PhD from esteemed programs in the USA, the average annual income is approximately $125,000.
Q3. Which country is considered the best for Ph.D. studies?
The United States stands out as the optimal choice for Ph.D. studies. Its highly ranked universities, diverse range of available courses, and quality education system make it an exceptional destination for pursuing doctoral studies.
Q4. What is the salary offered after PhD in USA?
Individuals who complete PhD in USA have the potential to earn a noteworthy average annual salary, spanning from USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (equivalent to INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs)
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