Doctoral programs are some of the most intense commitments that a person can make in life. While the hours of study come at a great cost of personal freedoms, like time, money, hobbies, and sometimes even relationships, the long-term benefits can be worth the exchange. For many people who are considering the pursuit of an advanced degree one of the most important, and ultimately decisive factors of enrolling in such a commitment comes down to the money.
College tuition rates are the highest they have ever been. This troubling factor is and will be a major hurdle for most doctoral candidates regardless of their previous hard work. For those few people who have proven themselves in their ability to enter into a doctoral program with high grades, impressive references, and the drive to complete such an intense program money will be a concern at many points. It is not just about what is a reasonable amount of money to spend on a degree, but those costs can drastically narrow down which from among the list of hopeful schools may become the final choice of doctoral program.
Additionally, being that the time demands of such a program are so large, it may not be feasible for those students to be able to continue holding a job. If that becomes the case, the choice between one's mental health, affording basic expenses, or continuing a degree can make the decision for them. Not just at the beginning of a degree, but throughout that long process.
Sobering Statistics
Typical doctoral programs continue for about 4-8 years, some may stretch even longer depending on the course load, dissertation demands, or the amount of research that needs to be completed. Cost is dependent on a variety of factors including things like tuition, the type of school, length of program, housing, and materials. The average cost of a doctoral program is $150,835. While there will naturally be a spectrum of costs, the range is surprising.
Some degrees, like a doctorate of Philosophy from New York University runs around $290,000 for an 8-year program, while the lower end doctoral programs are still over roughly $100,000. Those ranges vary mostly due to the name of the school, the type of degree, and the length of program.
All of those things should be taken into consideration when thinking through the option of such a commitment. The good news is that there are plenty of scholarships available to doctoral student hopefuls. If a doctoral program seems like a good choice, then a wise next step is to consider and apply for some of those scholarships on the list.
Here is a collection of some scholarships available for doctoral students.
Doctoral Scholarships
- The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN) Foundation Scholarship Program
The partial scholarships made available through this program are from the generous and continued donations of individual members through things such as donations and endowments. These are given with the goal in mind or supporting those individuals who believe in the continuation of the growth and success of nurses and their profession. Scholarships are given according to individuals that commit themselves to the care of wounds, ostomy, and continence nursing.
- The Byron Hanke Fellowship
The Byron Hanke Fellowship is a program made possible by the Foundation for Community Association Research that provides doctorate scholarships of $5,000 for U.S and Canadian students whose focus is on research. The topics of research are broadly categorized as those things relating to community associations, but include a variety of majors such as psychology, sociology, urban planning, law, and economics. Selections for scholarships are based on levels of academic achievement, faculty recommendation, research competency, and even the possible benefits of the proposed study.
- The Eileen Blackkey Doctoral Fellowship
This fellowship awards $10,000 annually from the National Association for Social Workers (NASW) to PhD candidates whose focus is on how welfare policy and practice affect culture. Application requirements are a bit unusual and specific in that applicants must be NASW members, attending or planning to attend a program which is accredited by the CSWE, in addition to the typical sound academic standing.
- Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship
The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship is overseen by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Doctoral scholarships of $24,000 are given to 60 minority candidates. Requirements of U.S. citizenship/ permanent residency, actively attending a non-profit American institution, high academic achievement, and a plan to teach or research at an academic.
- Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for Women
This scholarship is maintained by the American Statistical Association and awards $2,000 to women from the United States or Canada that are in full-time programs for statistical sciences. Applications require references, a resume, and a one-page essay detailing individuals personal and professional goals in such a profession.
- The E. Craig Brandenburg Scholarship
This award is unique in that it caters to individuals who are over the age of 35. Recipients get $1,000-$2,000 in monies to cover tuition. Awarded by the United Methodist Church this scholarship gives preference to those students with the intention to change careers.
- The American Indian Education Scholarship
This fund seeks to empower Native American Students by providing them $2,000 for each application that meets their requirements. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, must identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native/ Native Hawaiian in pursuit of a doctoral degree and maintain enrolment rates of 6-18 hours.
- The Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
This foundation awards full tuition and a $32,000 stipend for students earning a PhD in physical, engineering, or biological sciences. Applicants must demonstrate marked intelligence, carry themselves with high moral character, be U.S. citizens and be willing to use their skills in the case of a national emergency.
- Ann Olson Doctoral Scholarship
This scholarship is given annually to registered nurses planning to become doctoral nursing practice students who must be interested in earning a research or clinical degree. Scholarships of $5,000-$7,500 are given to those accepted applicants in an accredited U.S. nursing program, are currently licensed, and demonstrate an interest in oncological nursing.
