Pursuing a PhD in the US is a powerful step towards your academic and professional growth! The US is a top PhD destination, with thousands of international students every year. Indian students alone have a count of more than 268,000 students in US graduate programs in 2022–23, which is 63% higher than the previous year.
US PhD universities offer their students diverse research opportunities, flexible programs, and multiple funding options, making it possible for students worldwide to access PhD in the US. According to the US R&D funding fact sheet, the country invests more than USD 60 billion in research and development each year, supporting students in different fields like biotechnology, engineering, social studies, humanities, etc.
Keep reading to discover why the US is the top destination for PhD!
PhD in USA: An Overview
Here is an overview of PhD programs in the USA:
| Phases Of a PhD | Description | Duration |
| Coursework | Includes core courses, seminars, and independent studies to build expertise and research skills. | 2-3 years |
| Qualifying Exams | Exams are to assess the readiness to begin research while making sure that you have a solid grip on basic concepts. | By the end of the coursework phase |
| Research | Full-time research under faculty guidance, including interdisciplinary collaboration. | 2-3 years |
| Dissertation | Original research presented in a written dissertation while contributing to new knowledge in the field. | Last 1-2 years |
| Conferences & Publications | Provides opportunities to present and publish research work while building academic and professional profiles. | Throughout the program |
Duration of PhD
Generally, a full-time PhD duration in the US is around 4 to 6 years. In this, you will utilise year 1 to year 4 on the coursework stage of the program and year 2 to year 4 on the dissertation, and the last two years will be to conduct further research. The Academic year in the US also includes two teaching semesters: August to December and January to May. During this time, there will be classes and assessments for you.
Types of PhD
There are different types of PhD offered by US universities, like-
| Types of PhD/ Doctorate | Description | Examples |
| Standard Academic Doctorate | It is equal to PhDs in other countries that focus on academic research and include a dissertation. | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) |
| Professional Doctorate | It includes practical projects and case studies with academic classes and dissertation research. It is designed for professional practice in particular fields. | DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration), EdD (Doctorate of Education) |
| Regulated Professions | It qualifies students for professional practices in regulated fields like medicine or law. This is not equal to academic doctorates. | JD (Doctor of Laws), MD (Doctor of Medicine) |
Top Universities for PhD In the US
The US is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, known for their strong research programs, exceptional faculty, and funding opportunities. Some of the top universities, as per QS University rankings 2025, include:
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Estimated annual tuition fees |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | INR 34,00,000 |
| Harvard University | 4 | INR 35,00,000 |
| Stanford University | 6 | INR 32,00,000 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | INR 33,00,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | INR 27,00,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 12 | INR 30,00,000 |
| University of Chicago | 21 | INR 31,00,000 |
| Princeton University | 22 | INR 29,00,000 |
| Yale University | 23 | INR 28,00,000 |
| Columbia University | 34 | INR 30,00,000 |
Why PhD in the USA?
Some of the most compelling reasons for considering USA for PhD are as follows:
Prestigious Research Institutions
US universities, including Harvard and MIT, are at the forefront of global research, providing access to some of the top-tier resources and academic mentorship, which includes MIT research labs- known for breakthroughs in technology & science.
Diverse Research Opportunities
US universities offer a wide range of research in different fields with interdisciplinary opportunities. University of California, Berkeley provides extensive research options from engineering to environmental science.
High Funding & Scholarships
The USA offers substantial funding options, which include assistantships, fellowships and grants. Certain institutes like Stanford also provide competitive funding packages which cover tuition as well as living costs.
Global Networking & Collaboration
Studying in the USA provides connections with leading researchers and professionals. Universities which include Harvard, foster international collaborations and also opportunities for networking.
Innovative Academic Environment
There is certain amount of flexibility as well as innovation, which allows students to tailor research projects in US PhD programs. Stanford and other universities encourage groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial skills.
Admission Checklist for PhD in US
Applying for a PhD program in the US includes meeting multiple specific academic and other requirements, including:
| Category | Requirements |
| Academic Requirements |
|
| Test Scores |
|
| Supporting Documents |
|
| Other Documents |
|
| Application Steps |
|
| When to Apply |
|
| Visa Requirements |
|
Cost of PhD in the USA
The cost of pursuing a PhD program in the US can vary depending on the university (public or private), program, and location.
- Public universities offer PhD degrees normally at an average of INR 10,74,000 ($12,737) per year. (for international students, it can be higher)
- Private universities offer PhD at an average of INR 36,53,000 ($43,300) annually on graduate programs to all students.
Popular PhD Specialisations in the USA
The USA is home to more than 200 universities, which offer thousands of PhD programs which is across various disciplines. While considering for PhD in the USA, it is important to understand the diverse specializations available, each offering some unique research opportunities. Here are some of the popular PhD specialisations:
- Engineering and Technology: Chemical engineering, Electrical engineering, and Biomedical engineering.
- Computer Science and Mathematics: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
- Business and Economics: Business Administration and Economics
- Social Sciences: Psychology and Sociology
- Life Sciences and Medicine: Public Health and Biotechnology and Genetics.
Scholarships For PhD Students In USA
Several scholarships are available to support PhD students in the USA, which aim to reduce living costs and tuition fees.
More than 75% of PhD students in the US receive full funding through scholarships. Let us explore some of these scholarships:
| Type of Scholarship | Description | Benefit |
| National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships | Government-funded fellowship program. | Covers tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses. |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Scholarships offered by universities with varying criteria. | Varies by university, often includes full or partial tuition support. |
| Full-Ride Scholarships | Comprehensive financial support covering tuition, fees, and living expenses. | Full coverage of tuition fees, additional fees, and living costs. |
| Partial Scholarships | Partial financial support, typically in the form of tuition waivers or price reductions. | Reduces tuition costs, typically covers part of the fees. |
| Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship | Supports Indian students for research-based PhD programs in the USA. | Funding for research, including travel, living costs, and academic fees. |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Supports women pursuing PhD studies in the USA with a focus on global education. | Provides financial support for tuition, living expenses, and travel for women PhD students. |
| University of Iowa’s PhD Programs | Offers scholarships and financial aid for international students, including Indians. | Scholarships covering tuition and living expenses for various fields of study. |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship | Designed for Indian PhD students to conduct research in the USA. | Financial support for research, including living expenses and travel costs. |
| Varies by Institution | Scholarships with varying criteria, offered by different institutions. | Partial to full tuition fee waivers, often with additional financial support. |
| Industry-Sponsored Fellowships | Fellowships sponsored by industry partners, often linked to research or projects. | Financial support based on industry partnerships, sometimes including project-based work. |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After PhD in the US
Depending on their school, the field of study, and location, PhD students can earn anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. Here is a table stating career opportunities for PhD students across different sectors:
| Job Sector | Job roles | Approximate annual salary (INR) |
| Academics | University professor and Research scientist | INR 56,00,000- 98,00,000 |
| Research | Research scientist and Research manager | INR 66,00,000- 1,07,00,000 |
| Industry | Data scientist and Senior Consultant | INR 74,00,000- 1,24,00,000 |
| Public sector | Policy analyst and Research director | INR 62,00,000- 1,03,00,000 |
| Entrepreneurship | Startup founder and Tech innovator | Varies (as initial earnings in startups can be low) |
PhD in USA with Stipend
The issue area and institution determine the amount of the stipend. Some universities give graduate students more money, while others give them less. Grants may supplement an adviser’s income if he is well-funded. However, the most common figure is between INR 13.5L and 18.7L.
Jobs After a PhD in the USA
A PhD in USA opens doors to different careers and jobs, including:
- Academic Roles like professors, lecturers, and researchers in universities and academic institutions.
- Industry R&D positions like data scientist, senior scientist, R&D specialist, etc.
- Technology transfer officer who manages intellectual property and licenses innovations from academia to industry.
- Clinical research associate who manages clinical trials and regulatory compliance for pharma and medical devices.
- Consulting and Policy roles advise organisations or governments on scientific and technical matters.
- Product management includes product development in tech and scientific industries.
- Entrepreneurship using expertise gained through PhD.
Top Recruiters After a PhD in the USA
Top recruiters for PhD graduates in the USA are:
| Industry | Top Companies | Roles/Fields for PhD Graduates |
| Tech Companies | Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon | Computer Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, Software Engineering |
| Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | Amgen, Pfizer, Genentech | Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Drug Development, Research |
| Academic Institutes | MIT, Harvard, Stanford, University of California, Berkeley | Teaching, Research, Faculty Roles, Academic Leadership |
| Financial and Consulting Companies | Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte | Quantitative Analysis, Consulting, Data-Driven Strategies, Financial Modeling |
| Engineering and Manufacturing | General Electric, Siemens, 3M, Boeing | Advanced Engineering, Innovation, Material Science, R&D |
Planning to study abroad?
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts
