Tuition and Financial Support for Ph.D. Students
We are committed to making a RAND School education as accessible as possible. The RAND School offers scholarships, compensation through RAND research project work, subsidized health insurance, and other benefits to support students throughout the program.
Scholarships
100% of students receive scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the admissions process. No separate scholarship application is required.
Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs. Awards vary based on the strength of each application and available funding.
Applied Policy Experience
As the only policy school based inside a major public policy research institute, the RAND School offers something no traditional graduate program can: substantive research experience while you earn your degree through our on-the-job training (OJT).
Students fulfill their OJT requirements through three pathways: working on funded RAND research projects for federal agencies, foundations, and other clients; completing a Policy Analysis Practicum, where student teams tackle a real policy problem from start to finish; or pursuing an approved external opportunity in research, analysis, or teaching.
Students are compensated for time spent on RAND research projects, which helps offset tuition and fees, and some external opportunities are paid as well.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits
As a Ph.D. student, you are eligible for a comprehensive set of benefits through the school’s unique partnership with RAND.
- Health and well-being benefits, including subsidized health insurance as well as optional 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 offerTuition, Fees, and Estimated Cost of Living
Students in the Ph.D. program attend full time and pay annual tuition, which is billed quarterly. Most students in this program finish in five academic years.
Tuition and Fees (2027–2028)
| Cost per year | |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition before scholarship | $50,000 |
| RAND health insurance program (if elected) | Approximately $4,600 |
| Additional fees | To be announced |
Health insurance is required for all students. Students may enroll in RAND's health insurance plan or provide proof of coverage through another plan. The estimated cost shown above applies to RAND's plan and is subject to annual adjustment. Payments for RAND's plan are due quarterly.
Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Estimated Cost of Living (2027–2028)
In addition to tuition and fees, students should plan for living and other educational expenses.
| Expense | Cost (LA) | Cost (DC) |
|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $24,486 | $23,891 |
| Required Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $2,309 | $2,759 |
| Loan Fees | $214 | $214 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (clothing, personal items, mobile phone, recreation/entertainment) | $2,059 | $2,172 |
| Total | $29,568 | $29,536 |
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.
International students will need to show proof of funds to cover a 12-month period.
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 education