Earning a doctorate signifies reaching the highest level of academic achievement in your field — but it’s also one of the most expensive academic paths you can take. Costs vary widely by field, program type, and whether funding is available. Some doctoral students pay very little out of pocket, while others graduate with significant debt.
Below, we break down the average cost of a doctorate degree, what you’ll pay by program type, and whether the investment is worth it.
Table of Contents
Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree
For the 2024-25 academic year, the average tuition cost for a doctoral program was $12,116 at a public in-state university and $21,110 at a private institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Once you add in additional fees and living expenses, the average cost of a Ph.D is around $49,500. Over four to eight years, the total can range from $198,000 to $396,000.
However, the average cost of a doctorate degree can be misleading. Research-focused Ph.D. programs are often partially or fully funded, while professional doctorates are typically self-funded. In addition, programs such as medicine and law can cost significantly more than the average doctoral degree.
💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.
Cost by Type of Doctorate Program
Different types of doctoral degrees come with very different price tags due to differences in tuition rates, funding availability, and program length.
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
A Doctor of Philosophy is a research-focused degree designed to train students to generate, integrate, and apply new knowledge. A Ph.D. typically follows a bachelor’s or master’s degree, takes about four to seven years to complete, and often leads to careers as university professors or researchers.
How much does a PhD cost? According to the latest NCES data (2024-25):
• Average annual tuition at a public in-state university: $11,244
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $44,976 – $78,708
• Average annual tuition at a private university: $20,110
• Average total tuition at a private university: $80,440 – $140,770
Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)
A Doctor of Education is a professional doctorate often pursued by educators and administrators. Unlike a research-focused Ph.D., the Ed.D. emphasizes practical application and typically takes about two years to complete.
According to the latest NCES data (2024-25):
• Average annual tuition at a public in-state university: $12,169
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $24,338
• Average annual tuition at a private university: $23,030
• Average total tuition at a private university: $46,060
DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)
A Doctor of Business Administration is designed for experienced professionals — often those who have an MBA — who want to apply research to solve real-world business challenges. The DBA focuses on leadership, strategy, and applied research and typically takes about three years to complete.
According to the latest NCES data (2024-25):
• Average annual tuition at a public in-state university: $12,169
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $36,507
• Average annual tuition at a private university: $23,030
• Average total tuition at a private university: $69,090
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the highest clinical degree in nursing. It prepares advanced practice nurses — including nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) — to lead improvements in patient care by translating research into practice. A DNP typically takes three to five years to complete.
According to the latest NCES data (2024-25):
• Average annual tuition at a public in-state university: $12,169
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $36,507 – $60,845
• Average annual tuition at a private university: $23,030
• Average total tuition at a private university: $69,090 – $115,150
Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology)
A Doctor of Psychology is a professional doctorate focused on training clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues through direct practice. After earning a bachelor’s degree, a Psy.D. generally takes an additional four to six years to complete.
According to the latest NCES data (2024-25):
• Average annual tuition at a public in-state university: $12,169
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $48,676 – $73,014
• Average annual tuition at a private university: $23,030
• Average total tuition cost at a private university: $92,120 – $138,180
JD/MD (Professional Doctorates)
The Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) are professional degrees required to practice law or medicine in the U.S. While they are doctoral-level credentials, they are practitioner-focused rather than research-based.
A JD takes three years to complete, while an MD requires four years of medical school followed by a multi-year residency.
According to the latest NCES data (2024-25):
JD (Law Degree)
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $36,507
• Average total tuition at a private university: $69,090
MD (Medical Degree)
• Average total tuition at a public in-state university: $48,676
• Average total tuition at a private university: $80,120
Recommended: Applying for Graduate School: Tips for Success
Other Expenses to Consider
Tuition is only one part of the total cost of earning a doctorate. Common additional costs and expenses include:
• University fees: $4,065 – $5,538
• Housing and food: $15,700 – $23,500
• Books and supplies: $1,250 – $1,800
• Personal expenses: $2,750 – $5,000
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate?
The time required to earn a doctoral degree varies by field and program type. Below is an overview of typical timelines for full-time study:
| Doctoral Degree | Average Years of Study |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) | 4-7 |
| Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) | 2 |
| DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) | 3 |
| DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) | 3-5 |
| Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) | 4-6 |
| JD (Juris Doctor) | 3 |
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) | 4 (plus 3-7 year residency) |
In general, longer programs result in higher total costs — especially if you’re unable to earn full-time income while enrolled.
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Figuring out how to pay for graduate school can be challenging, but doctoral students have several funding options available. In fact, up to 85% of doctoral students receive financial assistance, such as fellowships, scholarships, grants, or teaching assistantships.
Here’s a look at some common ways doctoral students pay for school:
• Teaching assistantships: Teaching assistants (TAs) work alongside professors in support roles in exchange for compensation. TAs may receive hourly pay, stipends, tuition remission, and/or course credit.
• Research assistantships (RAs): Research assistants (RAs) also provide support to professors, but rather than grading papers or leading small groups, they help with research-related tasks. RAs may receive hourly pay, stipends, tuition remission, and/or course credit.
• Fellowships, scholarships, and grants: These awards may be based on academic merit or financial need and may cover tuition, living expenses, books/supplies, and research costs.
• Federal student loans: While Grad PLUS loans will no longer be available to new borrowers starting July 2026, doctoral students can still use Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These loans are not need-based and offer access to federal repayment programs. However, they come with annual and aggregate borrowing limits.
• Private student loans: Offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders, private graduate student loans can help cover educational costs that financial aid and federal loans might not fully reach. Private loans typically require a credit check, so if you have limited credit, you may need a cosigner to get approved for the lowest rates. As you build your credit profile after graduation, you may be able to remove your cosigner through student loan refinancing.
Tips to Lower the Cost of a Doctorate
Although earning a doctorate can be expensive, smart planning can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Here are some strategies to consider:
• Choose funded or partially funded programs: Many Ph.D. programs offer funding packages that include tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance in exchange for teaching or research work. Even professional doctorates may offer scholarships or reduced tuition for strong applicants.
• Attend a public university: Public universities typically cost far less than private schools, particularly for in-state students. In some cases, doctoral students can establish residency after the first year, which can save thousands of dollars over the program.
• Consider online or hybrid programs: Online and hybrid doctorates often reduce costs by eliminating relocation, commuting, and campus fees. They also make it easier to keep working while studying, which helps offset tuition and reduces the need for loans. Just be sure the program is accredited and well-respected in your field.
• Use employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for degrees related to your role. These benefits can range from a few thousand dollars per year to full tuition coverage. Check with your HR department before enrolling to understand available benefits and any required work commitments.
• Apply for scholarships and fellowships: Graduate funding is widely available through universities, professional associations, nonprofits, and research foundations. Graduate fellowships are particularly valuable because they often provide full tuition and a living stipend without requiring the work commitments associated with assistantships.
• Reduce living expenses: Housing, transportation, and daily spending add up over several years. Living with roommates, choosing lower-cost locations, and sticking to a budget can save thousands over the course of your degree.
• Finish on time and borrow wisely: Extra semesters increase tuition and living costs. Staying organized, working closely with advisors, and borrowing only what you truly need can help lower the cost of a doctoral degree.
💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too.
Is a Doctorate Degree Worth the Cost?
Whether a doctorate is worth the investment depends largely on your career goals and expected return on investment (ROI).
A doctorate degree may be worthwhile if you want to:
• Become a professor or researcher
• Practice medicine, psychology, or law
• Move into executive or leadership roles
• Work in specialized or high-income fields
A doctorate may be less valuable if:
• It isn’t required for your career
• You must take on significant debt
• Salary increases are modest in your field
The Takeaway
Applying to graduate school can be exciting, but it also requires careful financial planning. Comparing program costs, exploring funding options, applying for scholarships and fellowships, and understanding federal and private student loan choice can help you create a sustainable plan for financing your doctoral education.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Is a PhD more expensive than an EdD?
A Ph.D. is often less expensive than an Ed.D. because many Ph.D. programs offer full funding, including tuition waivers and stipends, in exchange for teaching or research work. Ed.D. programs, as professional doctorates, are typically self-funded, meaning students pay the full tuition and fees out of pocket. Tuition is also typically higher for an Ed.D. than a Ph.D.
Can you get a doctorate for free?
Yes, you can potentially get a doctorate for free, especially if you pursue a research-focused Ph.D. program. Many universities offer full funding packages to Ph.D. students, which often include a tuition waiver, a stipend for living expenses, and health insurance.
This funding is typically provided in exchange for working as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA). While professional doctorates (like an Ed.D. or Psy.D.) are less likely to be fully funded, you can still significantly reduce the cost through external scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs.
Are online doctorate degrees cheaper?
Online doctorate degrees can be cheaper than on-campus programs primarily because they eliminate or significantly reduce costs associated with attendance, such as commuting expenses, campus fees, and the cost of relocating.
Online formats also offer greater flexibility, often allowing students to continue working full-time. However, tuition rates for the program itself may be comparable to traditional programs, so it’s essential to compare the total cost.
Does FAFSA cover doctorate degrees?
Yes, FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) covers doctorate degrees, as well as other graduate-level education. By submitting the FAFSA, doctoral students can be considered for federal financial aid, including unsubsidized federal student loans, work-study programs, and certain grants. Doctoral students are automatically considered independent students, meaning parental income is typically not required on the application.
How do you fund a PhD?
Many Ph.D. programs offer full funding, including tuition waivers and stipends for living expenses, often in exchange for work as a teaching or research assistant. This makes many Ph.D.s effectively free or very low-cost. In contrast, professional doctorates, such as the Ed.D. and Psy.D., are typically self-funded, meaning students must pay the full tuition and fees, generally through loans, personal savings, or external grants.
Photo credit: iStock/KucherAV
SoFi Private Student Loans
Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SOISL-Q126-010