PhD in USA: Top Universities, Scholarships & Cost in 2025

Pursuing a doctoral program (PhD) in the United States is a dream for many Indian research aspirants. Most students want to pursue a PhD in the USA after completing their master's degrees. The United States of America is the destination of most top universities. These Universities offer world-class facilities, global exposure, and funding opportunities.

Why Pursue a PhD in the USA?

There is no denying that the United States is considered the world’s most popular country for pursuing higher education. You will get to see some of the best universities in the world. Pursuing a PhD in the USA at a top institute for a reasonably priced and high-standard education improves career prospects. Universities in the USA actively develop close contacts with industries in diverse sectors, and the faculty members have significant professional experience.

• World-class research facilities and renowned faculty mentors.
• Strong funding opportunities through scholarships and assistantships.
• Diverse academic programs across various disciplines.
• Access to bespoke technology and innovation hubs.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects.
• Global recognition of United States doctoral degrees.
• Pathways to academic, industry, or government careers.

When you choose the right place to pursue a doctoral program, you should always look after different aspects, such as: faculty, curriculum of the programme, placement support, percentage of placement, industry growth and many other essential things. This guidance will help you shortlist the best college or university to pursue a PhD in the USA for Indian students, as per your needs, or you can give preference to.

Study in USA or pursuing a doctoral program or a PhD in the USA is a dream for many international students, and if you are one, this blog could be your help!

How To Apply for A PhD in the USA?

To apply for a PhD in the United States, you must meet the following eligibility criteria. If you fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria, your admission would be easy and hassle-free. Let’s explore the eligibility now. 

• Academic Qualification: A master’s and bachelor's degree (with honours/major) in a relevant discipline.
• GPA: Minimum GPA requirement, at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent required.
• Research Experience: Prior research projects, publications, or thesis work are highly valued in this case.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores are compulsory in this case for Indian and other international students whose native language is not English.
• Standardised Tests: GRE scores are also required for some courses. It may be required for the STEM Courses in USA.

Top PhD Programs in the USA

A lot of universities in the USA offer top-level PhD programmes in various disciplines. Here are some of the top subject areas that most students choose, the top universities that offer the programme and the top PhD programs offered. 

The top 10 Universities in the USA offer Phd Programmes

Many top universities in the United States offer a bunch of PhD programmes. It depends on you which University you choose according to your budget and career goals. Each University has specifications and criteria for its PhD in the USA. Before you choose a University, research about your subjects, faculty and exposure. Here are the top ten universities in the United States that offer doctoral or PhD programs.  

Duration of a PhD in the USA

It takes four to eight years to earn a PhD in the USA. PhD duration in the USA does not different across Universities. It depends on one’s thesis proposal and work to get one. Also, to pursue a doctoral program one needs a bachelor’s or masters, if it is a integrated bachelor and master program, then it takes 4-5 years to complete.

Key Components Required for Pursuing A PhD Program in the USA

• Transcripts
• CV/Resume (highlight academic achievements, publications, internships
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Outline your research goals, experience, and reasons for choosing the university.
• Letters of Recommendation - Usually 2–3 academic references.
• Writing Sample (for humanities/social sciences)
• Research Proposal (if required)
• Application Fee (USD 50–USD 125 per application)

Cost of Doing a PhD in the USA

The cost of a PhD in the USA varies significantly. You can expect to spend between USD 28,000 and USD 57,590 for PhD fees in the USA. It is a total fee and sometimes requires some additional expenditures. 

The total fees for a doctoral program in the United States translate to roughly INR 25,00,000 to INR 50,00,000 per year. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that many PhD programs require a PhD stipend in the USA and offer funding in the form of tuition waivers or scholarships, which can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost. 

Scholarships to Pursue a PhD in the USA for Indian Students

If you get a PhD scholarship in the USA, it can reduce the cost of your total tuition fees. Here are the best five scholarships offered by renowned institutes for Indian students. 

Career/Job Prospects

Final Thoughts

Applying for a PhD in the USA is no doubt a rigorous process, but rewarding too. It demands your dedication, strategic planning, and effective communication of your academic potential. You also need to have a clear career objective before you apply. As you know, a PhD is the highest academic degree awarded by a university, so each component of your application should be evaluated beforehand – from test scores to research proposal – all play a crucial role in showcasing your preparedness for research or PhD studies. Needless to say, with persistence and careful planning, you can open the door to world-class education, global exposure, excellent career opportunities, and a transformative research journey with a Phd in the USA.

Have questions about a PhD in the United States? Get in touch with Education Vibes. Our study-abroad counsellors will help you choose the best university to pursue a PhD in the USA.