Tuition and Financial Support for Concurrent M.Phil. and Master’s Program
As part of our commitment to making the RAND School's degree programs accessible and affordable for all our students, we offer a range of financial support and benefits. These benefits are available to our concurrent M.Phil. and Master of National Security Policy students, as well as our concurrent M.Phil. and Master of Technology Policy students.
The benefits include
- Scholarships up to $20,000 per year that help cover the cost of tuition
- Earned compensation for On-the-Job Training (OJT) work on RAND research projects to help with tuition and living expenses
- Health insurance and other benefits
- a program designed to be completed in 30 months while providing real-world work experience.
We believe that financial barriers should not prevent talented individuals from pursuing a career in policy analysis. That's why we are proud to offer these—and other—resources to our students.
Tuition
Tuition for the concurrent M.Phil. program is $50,000 annually. Students are automatically eligible for scholarships of up to $20,000 per year. No separate application is required.
Hands-On Experience
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of our educational approach. As the only policy school in the United States based at a public policy research institute, we distinguish ourselves by offering real-world experience through our OJT program.
The program integrates students into interdisciplinary RAND research teams, allowing them to conduct policy research for public- and private-sector clients. This experience is highly valued by employers across academia, government, business, and nonprofit sectors, making our graduates exceptionally well-prepared for their careers.
In addition, M.Phil. students are compensated for their work, helping them offset tuition and living expenses. M.Phil. students are required to work a minimum number of days each year.
Compensation and Work Expectations
| Year | Expected Days Worked | Compensation (Pre-tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 50 days (400 hours) | $22,328 |
| Year 2 | 50 days (400 hours) | $22,328 |
Students have the opportunity to earn more if they work beyond the expected number of OJT days each year.
Hands-On Experience
At the RAND School, we believe that hands-on experience is essential for our students to become effective policy analysts. That's why we require all students to participate in an on-the-job training (OJT) program through which they work on RAND research teams.
As the only policy school in the United States based at a public policy research institute, one of the RAND School’s key differentiators is the real-world experience our students receive through OJT, conducting policy research as members of RAND project teams, supporting public and private sector clients.
Through their work, students may earn approximately $21,500 per year (pre-tax) by working 50 days each year. This opportunity is an academic feature of the M.Phil. degree and enables students to gain valuable experience while also earning compensation they can use to pay tuition or reduce their cost of living.
Earnings from On-the-Job Training
| Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|
| $21,500* | $21,500* |
*Pre-tax earnings through OJT. Students may earn more if they work more than the required 50 days each year.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits
As an M.Phil. student at the RAND School of Public Policy, you are eligible for a comprehensive set of benefits—many of which are typically reserved for employees—through the school’s unique partnership with RAND. These employee-level benefits are designed to support your physical and mental health, financial security, work-life balance, and long-term well-being while you focus on your academic and professional growth.
RAND School M.Phil. students have access to
- health and well-being benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; wellness programs; mental health counseling; and digital wellness tools
- time-off benefits, such as paid sick leave and parental leave
- financial and retirement support, including access to a 403(b) retirement savings plan and financial coaching
- family and caregiver resources, including child care and elder care support, and backup care.
Together, these benefits reflect the RAND School’s commitment to supporting students as both scholars and professionals.
Learn more about the benefits we offerEstimated Cost of Living
| Expense | Cost (LA) | Cost (DC) |
|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $24,006 | $23,423 |
| Student Health Program | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Transportation | $2,264 | $2,705 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (clothing, personal items, mobile phone, recreation/entertainment) | $2,019 | $2,129 |
| Required Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $500 | $500 |
| Loan Fees | $214 | $214 |
| Total | $35,003 | $34,971 |
Estimated Cost of Living in Los Angeles
We estimate the cost of living in Los Angeles for a single student to be $28,300 for the 2024-2025 academic year (mid-September through mid-June). This includes the following expenses:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing, Internet, and Utilities | $16,650 |
| Food | $6,750 |
| Transportation | $2,220 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (clothing, personal items, mobile phone, recreation/entertainment) | $1,980 |
| Required Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $500 |
| Loan Fees | $200 |
| Total | $28,300 |
Please note that these are estimates and admitted students' actual costs will vary depending on their individual circumstances. We estimate the annual cost of living for a spouse/partner to be an additional $14,253, and each child would be $7,127.
Estimating the Cost of Attendance
To estimate the total cost of attendance, admitted students should add their cost-of-living expenses and tuition, then subtract their scholarship and any other financial aid they may receive.
Funding Your Education
Planning for the financial aspects of your graduate education is an important step, and we encourage you to take time to explore the resources available to you. These may include scholarships, federal financial aid, veteran education benefits, alternative student loans, and other funding options that can help cover the cost of attendance.
The RAND School is authorized to administer federal graduate student loan programs and veteran benefits, and we are committed to helping students understand and navigate the financial components of their education.
Learn more about funding your educationCost of Living Comparison
Los Angeles vs. other U.S. cities, based on Forbes Advisor data 2023
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