Are Phds at Harvard fully funded?

Asked by: Ahmad Kuhlman  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) offers incoming PhD students full financial support—including tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses—for a minimum of five years (typically the first four years of study and the completion year).

How much does a PhD at Harvard pay?

The estimated total pay range for a PhD Student at Harvard University is $60K–$88K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average PhD Student base salary at Harvard University is $73K per year.

How to tell if a PhD program is fully funded?

What Does Fully Funded Mean?
  1. Tuition and Fees. Typically, fully funded PhD programs provide students with so-called “tuition waivers.” The waivers cover the cost of attending the university, including tuition and fees. ...
  2. Living Expenses. ...
  3. Health Insurance. ...
  4. Research and Travel Funding.

Can I get a 100% scholarship in Harvard?

Because Harvard is committed to affordability, our scholarships are designed to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need. Here is our process: First we determine your award by establishing your parent contribution. Then we factor in student employment and any outside awards you've received.

Is it difficult to get into Harvard for PhD?

Admission to Harvard's PhD programme can be competitive.

Is There An Affordable Path To An Elite Online PhD? | Professor Explains

41 related questions found

What is the hardest degree at Harvard?

1. Physics: Known for being a challenging major in any university, at Harvard the program goes even more in-depth.

Can I get into Harvard PhD with a 3.5 GPA?

While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs.

What happens if you get into Harvard but can't afford it?

We make a promise to every admitted student: your financial circumstances will not keep you from Harvard. With our generous financial aid program, a commitment to economic diversity, and a breadth of tools and resources, our office helps make sure nothing stands in the way of your Harvard education.

Has anyone ever gotten a full ride to Harvard?

Harvard has offered me full financial aid, as I got accepted and my family income falls below their $85,000 a year threshold. The financial aid covers not just tuition – it includes everything: food, housing, medical expenses, books, supplies, etc.

Does fully funded PhD include housing?

PhD programs that are fully funded generally come with an annual stipend. Some of that stipend pays your tuition, and what's left over is used to live on. It's not going to cover everything, but it should usually be be enough for you to live with a roommate or two without going into debt.

Is PhD at Harvard fully funded?

Financial Aid

All students, regardless of citizenship, that matriculate to one of the DMS PhD programs are fully funded while registered and in good standing as a full-time graduate student in Harvard Griffin GSAS. This support covers both tuition and stipend.

Do you have to get a master's before a PhD?

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD with only a bachelor's degree, as a master's program is included as part of the doctoral program. Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master's degree before continuing to the PhD.

How long is a PhD at Harvard?

On average, it takes students about five to six years to complete the PhD.

Is Harvard PhD stipend taxed?

Any grant or stipend amount awarded in excess of tuition, required fees, books, and supplies is subject to federal income tax, as is any funding contingent upon providing service to the University (for example, teaching fellowships or research assistantships).

What GPA do you need to get a full ride to Harvard?

It's important to note that no specific GPA is required for a Harvard scholarship. Though most students tend to have higher than average GPAs and demonstrate leadership skills, it is not a factor in aid distribution. All aid offered through Harvard University is need-based.

What is the most taken class at Harvard?

D. Harvard's Positive Psychology 1504, taught by professor Tal Ben-Shahar Ph. D., will enter the books as the most popular course in the history of Harvard University.

Can I go to Harvard even if I'm poor?

What Does Harvard Cost? Harvard costs what your family can afford. We make sure of that. If your family's income is less than $85,000, you'll pay nothing.

Is Harvard free if you make less than 100k?

Harvard maintains a 100% need-based aid policy, which means it is committed to providing all of the financial assistance a family demonstrates they need. Families who earn less than $85,000 a year are not expected to contribute any money to their student's cost of attendance, Harvard says.

What is the hardest college to get into?

Harvard University

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.

What GPA is required for Harvard?

GPA requirements for Harvard

At Harvard, the standard GPA is 4.18. (While some schools publish an unweighted GPA, most utilize a weighted GPA out of 4.0.) Harvard needs you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 4.18. To compete with other applications, you'll need to receive almost all A's.

How competitive is Harvard PhD?

The university has more than 22,000 students enrolled. Of these, 15,250 are enrolled in graduate and professional studies programs. Competition for PhD and other professional courses is tough, with an acceptance rate of 3.1%. Approximately 5% of international students enroll in post-graduation programs every year.

What do professors look for in PhD students?

Indeed in US many times professors also look if the student can be a good fit for the potential fundin… Necessary abilities of a PhD student - Learn quickly - Diligent work - Reliable and responsible (in case of lab work) - Related technical skills (programming etc.)