As someone that runs a PhD program in economics, I'd like to see "in a grant field" added to the title. It's completely different in fields with limited grants

As someone that runs a PhD program in economics, I'd like to see "in a grant field" added to the title. It's completely different in fields with limited grants (those that hire TAs rather than GAs). One of the things I wasn't expecting when I started this position is the number of students that use advice from the sciences/engineering as if it applies to all fields. (And a lot of my email time is spent fixing those incorrect beliefs.) > Most PhD programs in science and engineering will come with free tuition, a stipend, and health insurance. Don't go if it doesn't come with funding. There should be a tuition waiver (not always a full waiver, I didn't get one), but... > fees typically aren’t. This can still be a significant amount of money each semester This really is ridiculous. They can be in the thousands of dollars. Make sure you subtract fees from the stipend. You might need to pay taxes on the full stipend, but not be able to deduct the cost of fees (I don't know current law). > Again, program stipends will vary widely. Some may offer a stipend, but not guarantee it past 1-2 yrs. This is a concern if you're funded by a grant. I know lots of programs that don't guarantee five years of stipend, because they aren't allowed, but in practice they'll do everything they can to keep funding you if you're making progress. That's because completed PhD's is a big deal when evaluating the research status of universities. > health insurance. Most programs will offer graduate student health insurance. But, as with stipends, the monthly premiums and quality of insurance can vary widely. If you can get insurance through your parents, you almost always want to go that route. I was surprised when I saw how much this varies from school to school. My employer covers 75% of the cost (one of the highest I've seen) but it still costs the student $700/year. As with fees, subtract the cost of health insurance from the stipend, but only after you determine the quality is sufficient for your needs.