<p>I applied to PhD programs for this coming spring and fall semester. I received an admissions offer from my top choice school. It's a public school, decently ranked (top 20) in my field. They weren't able to offer any funding. My potential adviser explained funding isn't guaranteed by anyone across the entire program. I can apply for a TA position but since my background isn't as aligned with coursework compared to others, this probably wouldn't transpire. </p>
<p>My questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I'm now reading on some forums to consider no funding as a school's way of giving an applicant a polite rejection. Is this true? </p></li>
<li><p>School A. offered me partial funding and School B offered me no funding. School A. will cost the same as School B once the partial funding is deducted from the tuition. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Many years ago I worked as an administrator in a PhD program. In my experience what this means is that your area of study does not align well with the department’s existing grant funding or restricted funds and overall you’re probably not among the department’s top candidates. Depending on the department and how much unrestricted funding they have available they’ll probably spend what little funds they have on the superstar applicants. There’s no shame in not being in this top group. An offer is an offer, and the department wouldn’t have extended one to you if they didn’t want you. </p>
<p>As both offers are equal I’d go with department you think is stronger and the advisor whose interests align best with yours.</p>
<p>If you’re not funded and not independently wealthy, I would seriously suggest not pursuing a Ph.D right now and waiting for another admissions cycle. Borrowing basically the full cost of a doctoral program is asking to set yourself up for financial troubles down the road. Committing to a Ph.D without funding is inadvisable.</p>
<p>I probably wouldn’t take an unfunded Ph.D position myself. It’s not an inherently bad thing about you or about the school, but if their needs don’t match up with your skills or what you are going into then it’s kind of like forcing a round peg into a square whole in my experience!! Reapplying in the next admissions cycle is one idea, but I really want to implore you to consider taking part-time work as a TA, grad assistant, or even working i an unrelated capacity to support ourself in your PH.D track if you are really. There’s a chance that if you show that you are versatile and dedicated that they might switch your position to on ethat is at least partially funded which may make it more attractive once they see that you are indeed a strong candide.</p>
<p>I understand what you’re saying. I would be lower on the list of T.A. candidates at the unfunded school because many classes taught there are geared towards students seeking certification. It doesn’t make sense to have an non-certified individual being a T.A. for certification classes. That said, the chair and other faculty members seemed to really advocate for my application…so the whole process has become confusing. I’d without question pursue employment and/or outside TA/RA positions from the department at the unfunded school. Also, thanks everyone for your thoughts and input. It’s very much appreciated. I haven’t made a decision yet and having an outside perspective is refreshing.</p>
<p>It used to be, but these days it’s not necessarily. Funding is tight everywhere, and many programs that otherwise would offer funding to everyone have less to offer.</p>
<p>Still, I wouldn’t attend an unfunded PhD program. It’s simply not worth it. Your first 3-4 years, while still in coursework and comprehensive exams, will likely cost in excess of $50,000. And even once you are finished, your last 2-3 years can cost $30,000. That brings you over $200,000 - how could you ever hope to repay that? </p>
<p>You also don’t want to have to work outside of the department during a PhD program, at least not in unrelated activities to support yourself. You’ll have less time to do the things you need to do to advance your career, and you’ll be competing with funded students who were able to devote 100% of their work time to those same things.</p>
<p>I would take neither offer, and apply again next fall.</p>
<p>I would guess that it could be really difficult to do a PhD without funding.</p>
<p>I’ve met some people though who pursued grad degrees “on the side” while working full-time at regular jobs. This is more common at some schools, in some departments, than at others.</p>
<p>First, don’t feel down about it, graduate admissions are a fickle creature and they liked you enough to admit you, so that’s good. Second, don’t do it. One of the reasons I think they pay science Ph.Ds is because the field would otherwise die within a generation; The jobs just don’t pay very well until you reach the very hard-to-get faculty position (and not even then sometimes!) so it’d be a completely unsustainable practice. We’d all carry debt to our graves, and no one wants that. Wait until you get PAID to get your degree, then go from there.</p>