Affording Your Ph.D.
Your education is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make. We can help you pay for it.
The question of how to finance your education is no doubt a factor in your decision to apply for doctoral study, and where you choose to apply.
We are here to help you determine how much your Ph.D. program will cost, and give you strategies and options for how to pay for it.
Below, you will find detailed information on Ph.D. student finances. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions via email at hnzadmit@andrew.cmu.edu, or give us a call at 412-268-2164.
Full Tuition Scholarship Details
The financial aid program is designed to provide you with the financial support necessary to enable you to successfully complete the Ph.D. program. If you are a Ph.D. candidate in good standing, you will receive a full-tuition scholarship for your entire tenure in the program.
Other Funding Opportunities
Please see below for a brief description of each type of funding opportunity:
Loans
As a Heinz College student, you may be eligible for federal direct loans or private education loans. For more information on the loans for which you may be eligible, including detailed instructions for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, please visit the Carnegie Mellon University Student Financial Services website.
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Outside scholarships are any scholarships not awarded by the federal or state government or the university. Searching for outside scholarships can be a tedious process if you don't know where to start. Click here for information on Carnegie Mellon's website to help you get started on your search for external scholarship support.
estimated Cost of attendance
Please visit the student Financial Services website for the estimated cost of attendance for Heinz College's Ph.D. students (before scholarship and other financial support). All figures are estimates and are subject to change. These budgets provide you with information about costs associated with attending the program and serve as the basis for determining federal financial aid awards (if applicable).
COST OF LIVING
In deciding where to obtain your Ph.D., you must consider a number of factors. Be sure to devote appropriate attention to the Cost of Living in the various cities you are considering. If you are going to relocate, why not select a place where your money goes further?
Compared to Pittsburgh, the cost of living is 36% higher in Washington-Arlington-
Pittsburgh's combination of affordability, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and our booming tech scene make it an unbeatable destination for grad school. And there is no trade-off: Pittsburgh retains its modest cost of living while offering a vibrant cultural scene, nightlife, outdoor activities, college and professional sports teams, and so much more.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was created to encourage individuals to enter lower-paying, public sector jobs such as military service, law enforcement, public education, and public health professions. The PSLF Program allows eligible federal loan borrowers to qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance of their qualifying loans, after they have served full-time at a qualifying public service organization while making 120 qualifying payments.
Click here for answers to commonly asked questions related to applying for U.S. Federal Financial Aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information on any of the topics or processes outlined above.