<p>I am planning to apply to a PhD program in Columbia and I was trying to calculate if I can live off a TA stipend they give there. They told me that it is around $23,000 a year. They also say that "the school covers basic medical insurance and health-service fees while the student is completing coursework and for two years thereafter" so I guess I do not need to worry much about that.
I am aware of the fact that stipends are considered income and so they are taxable. Now, the thing I really want to know is how much will be left from 23,000 when I have paid taxes. And if I can live off what's left! I tell you in advance that I am really frugal and I do not drink.</p>
<p>a) at about 23k, you’ll pay 3k in federal, state and city taxes, leaving you at 20k, which is honestly manageable in the city though of course not preferable. a lot of my TAs would live north of campus in wash heights or harlem, or in an outer borough and commute in. some folks i know made good deals with professors, sublet their apts when they leave, and columbia has its own subletting registry you could consider.</p>
<p>b) depending on what program you are in you’ll find significant opportunity to do other things - tutor, teach, wait, start something, to make more money.</p>
<p>c) a lot of folks will get summer funding either guaranteed or something that you have to apply for, but ought to get. which usually bumps up the amount of money (so think of 23k for 9 mths).</p>
<p>d) if for your phd you ever need to travel, apply for ‘travel fellowships’ that act sort of as reimbursements because they are non-taxed and you can often get quite a bit of money out of them.</p>
<p>e) most departments have money to help you travel to conferences or do anything that is professional development.</p>
<p>f) this question is better for a grad centered board - consider thegradcafe.</p>
<p>It means that the professors have the attitude that if their grad student TA’s aren’t so tight on cash that they’ll gobble up every ounce of free food they can find, that they’re being overpaid.</p>
<p>If Columbia would be picking up your healthcare costs, then you’re Ok: things will be tight, but manageable.
My brother works for a non-profit and makes $24,000 per year. He takes home about $1700 per month after tax. He rents a decent sized room in a very nice apartment in Astoria (Queens) about a 20 minute commute from midtown NYC for $700 a month. His budget is like this:</p>
<p>Income: $1700</p>
<p>Rent: $700
Subway 90 Unlimited ride monthly card
Phone 60 Unlimited cell plan
Utilities 30 His share with 3 other roommates, includes internet
Total $880</p>
<p>That leaves him $800 a month for food, clothing and sundries – a little over $25 per day. If you cook at home most of the time (and are organized enough to bring lunch with you) that should be no problem. You’ll have a little bit for eating out and entertainment now and again.</p>
<p>It will be very tough to have your own apt unless you stumble into a cheap studio somewhere – probably not in the best of neighborhoods.</p>