Most PhD students are paid for doing research for most of their academic career.

If you’re paid for doing research (as a fellow or a research assistant), in 2022/2023 you will receive $ 12,843 per term for the fall and the spring term, for a total of $ 25,686. If you continue to do research over the summer, you will be paid between $ 8,562 and $17,124 for the summer term – these numbers can vary at your advisor’s discretion. Hence, you can expect a yearly income of between $ 34,248 and $ 42,810. Also note that many students choose to do industry internships over the summers.

Tax rates in the US and in Utah are relatively low by international standards. If you are filing taxes as an individual, you can expect a take home pay of about $ 32-34k on a salary of about $ 43k.

If you’re paid for teaching (as a teaching assistant) as a PhD student, in 2022/2023 you will receive $ 12,843 per term. MS students receive $ 10,000 per term. There are opportunities for teaching over the summer, but most students choose to do internships instead. Many but not all MS students find employment as teaching assistants after they have been in the program for at least a semester. Your ability to find employment as a teaching assistant will depend on your performance in the early courses.

If you receive a fellowship or work as a teaching or research assistant you will also receive a health insurance benefit covered at 100%.

Students who are financially supported by the Kahlert School of Computing are eligible for a tuition waiver called Tuition Benefit.

The Tuition Benefit will cover your full tuition & mandatory fees, which can be as much as $32k per year, assuming 12 credits per semester at the non-resident rate, if you receive a fellowship, work as a teaching assistant, or a research assistant.

However, you will be responsible for differential tuition (a specific college charge, which is roughly $100 per credit for College of Engineering courses) and the international student fee ($150 per semester, if applicable).

MS students can get the tuition waiver for two years. PhD students who enter the program with a BS degree can get the tuition waiver for five years. Students who enter the program with an MS degree can get the tuition waiver for four years.

If you do not get a tuition waiver, then you must pay tuition & all your fees:

• Utah Residents
• International Graduate Students and Non-Residents

The University of Utah campus is just next to downtown; public transportation is readily available and the cost of living is low comparable to most cities.

Cost of Attendance Information: 

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of school-related expenses the student can expect to have for the academic year, or semester of enrollment. Check the estimated Academic Year Cost of Attendance.

Housing Information:

There are lots of options for housing at the U!  Would you like to live on campus or off campus? Are you interested in themed communities? Would you prefer a meal plan or a kitchen to do your own cooking? The U’s on-campus housing includes several special living options designed to bring students with similar interests, majors, goals, and experiences together. We develop a sense of belonging, provide opportunities for personal growth, and foster a safe and supportive environment. Our team aims to make the University of Utah feel like home.

Visit the following page for more information on housing options: https://www.housing.utah.edu/.