Tuition and Financial Support for Ph.D. Students
As part of our commitment to making the RAND School’s Ph.D. program accessible and affordable, we offer a range of financial support and benefits:
- Scholarships that help cover the cost of tuition
- Earned compensation for On-the-Job Training (OJT) research work that helps with tuition and living expenses
- Health insurance and other benefits, including paid parental leave.
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.
Ph.D. Tuition and Scholarships
Annual Tuition
Tuition for the Ph.D. program is $50,000, annually.
Tuition Scholarships
All Ph.D. students receive a generous tuition scholarship each 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.
Students find work opportunities with 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, Ph.D. students are compensated for their work, helping them offset tuition and living expenses. Ph.D. students are expected to work a minimum number of days each year.
Compensation and Work Expectations
| Year | Expected Days Worked | Compensation (Pre-tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 67 days (536 hours) | $29,919 |
| Year 2 | 67 days (536 hours) | $29,919 |
| Year 3 | 66 days (528 hours) | $29,472 |
| Years 4–5 | At the student’s discretion | Based on days worked |
Students have the opportunity to earn more if they work beyond the expected number of OJT days each year.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits
As a Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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
See the estimated cost of living for students entering the PhD program in AY 2026–2027.
| Expense | Cost (LA) | Cost (DC) |
|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $24,006 | $23,423 |
| Student Health Program | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 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 | $32,003 | $31,971 |
See the estimated cost of living for students who entered the Ph.D. program in AY 2025–2026 or before.
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 Annual 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