Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
2023 — 2024 Estimated Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is the estimated total cost that a student can expect to incur while pursuing their graduate degree. The COA consists of both direct costs which are charges billed by the institution and indirect costs which are other costs students may incur during their period of enrollment.
The COA for the Ph.D. program is based on full-time enrollment in the fall (6 credits) and spring (6 credits) semesters and 9 months for the period of enrollment.
| Direct Costs | Cost per unit | Total Fall & Spring Costs |
| Tuition* | $809 per credit** | $9,708 |
| Facility & Technology Fee | $17 per credit | $204 |
Total Estimated Annual Direct Costs
$9,912
*The Board of Trustees sets the annual tuition rate each academic year which typically increases 2-3% each year.
**The Ph.D. programs have 63 total credits required. Additional credits may be required for pre-requisite courses.
| Indirect Costs | Cost per unit | Total Fall & Spring Costs |
| Books & Supplies* | $66 per credit | $792 |
| Housing | $1,572 per month | $14,148 |
| Food | $517 per month | $4,653 |
| Transportation | $436 per month | $3,924 |
| Personal | $236 per month | $2,124 |
| Average Federal Loan Fees | flat fee per year | $179 |
| Total Estimated Indirect Costs | $25,820 |
Total Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
$35,732
*As part of supplies, students are required to purchase a 2-year subscription to a digital portfolio software. The estimated cost for this software is $126.00.
The total cost of attendance includes indirect costs which will not appear on your billing statement. However, students who contract with Mercer for housing or meal plans will have these costs reflected in their billing statements.
Students may receive financial aid up to the total cost of attendance each year.
