Other than for profit scam schools, the average phd candidate isn't paying anything for their degree. You are right that they are basically getting minimium wag

Other than for profit scam schools, the average phd candidate isn't paying anything for their degree. You are right that they are basically getting minimium wage. But that's the trade off for pursuing academia. Nobody is forcing this on them. These are people with college degrees not paupers. It's really not all that different from people living frugal so they can their startup. If Phd candidates don't like the system they can go find real jobs like everyone else.