Benefits Available to Ph.D. and M.Phil. Students
Unlike students in other graduate programs, M.Phil. and Ph.D. students at the RAND School enjoy generous benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, parental leave, and comprehensive wellness programs. These benefits are designed to help you focus on your academic and professional growth while maintaining your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Health Insurance and Well-Being
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Health Insurance
Students at the RAND School are required to have health insurance. The school pays a generous share of the cost for students, and students may enroll eligible dependents in their policy at an additional cost. M.Phil. students pay $2,000 per quarter ($6,000 per year) toward health insurance, and Ph.D. students pay $1,000 per quarter ($3,000 per year).
Students interested in this benefit are enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans in California or Washington, D.C. If students do not wish to be on the RAND health insurance plan, they may obtain health insurance coverage from another provider. The School does not subsidize or reimburse the cost of alternative coverage, and students must file an attestation of insurance upon enrollment.
Dental Insurance
Dental coverage through Delta Dental is offered to eligible students and their dependents. Coverage is voluntary and paid for by the student. The plan reimburses 50 to 100 percent of reasonable and customary dental expenses up to $1,500 per person per year. A $100 deductible applies to some expenses. Implants and child orthodontia are covered.
Vision Insurance
Vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) is offered to eligible students and their dependents. Coverage is voluntary and paid for by the student. VSP offers basic and buy-up options for coverage.
RAND Healthy Living Program
RAND Healthy Living is a wellness program encompassing physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of well-being. The program is available to M.Phil. and Ph.D. students at no cost and is available even if you don’t have RAND insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
RAND’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential, short-term counseling, as well as unlimited access to counselors by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Administered by Magellan, these resources are available to eligible RAND staff at no cost.
EAP resources and referral services can help students and family members with such issues such as stress, grief, mental health, work-life balance, child care or elder care, legal issues, financial coaching, and identity theft resolution.
Digital Wellness Resources
Mobile apps, online platforms, and curated resource libraries offer personalized coping strategies for everyday stressors.
Travel Accident Insurance
Students receive accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $250,000 while on authorized RAND travel. The full cost of this insurance is paid by RAND.
Workers' Compensation
Workers’ Compensation, which covers occupational illness or injury, and Unemployment Insurance are paid by RAND.
Time Off
Sick Time Off
Sick pay is earned based on hours worked and can be used for personal illness, medical appointments, and care or diagnosis of a physical or mental illness for students and eligible family members.
Parental Leave
Limited parental leave is provided to eligible delivering parents and non-delivering parents, supporting work-life balance during major life events.
Retirement Savings and Financial Support
Students may contribute on a tax-deferred basis to a 403(b) Savings Plan. You may contribute up to 70% of your pay each pay period. The RAND Healthy Living Program offers financial planning, coaching, and guidance.
Family and Caregiver Support
RAND's Care@Work program includes a free care.com membership, emergency backup care, senior care support, and child care tuition discounts.