Does it matter which university I do my PhD?

Where you do your PhD does matter a whole lot. The location where the school is located, the facilities within the school, the cost of study as well as living, and many factors need to be considered in making a decision.

Does a PhD matter?

PhD graduates do at least earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. The premium for a PhD is actually smaller than for a master’s degree in engineering and technology, architecture and education. Only in medicine, other sciences, and business and financial studies is it high enough to be worthwhile.

Do rankings matter when it comes to choosing a PhD program?

When it comes to making this important choice, many students often rely on school rankings to determine which PhD program is best for them, in hopes that banking on a school’s reputation will help them in the future. But is relying on rankings to decide on a PhD program the best way to proceed?

Why aren’t graduate school rankings comparable?

The main reason graduate school rankings aren’t really comparable is that different metrics are valued differently for different fields. For instance, MBA rankings will likely weight grad outcomes like starting salary more and undergraduate GPAs less than master’s or Ph.D.

Does a PhD affect your career outcomes?

If you’re considering enrolling in a PhD program, it’s important to keep in mind that the research world abides by specific rules. While the name attached to an undergraduate degree or an MBA can have a direct effect on career outcomes, the reality is different for doctorates.

Does the ranking of a school matter when choosing a program?

By keeping in mind that the reputation of your advisor and research committee supersedes the importance of the school’s ranking, your final list of schools will guarantee that you make the right choice when the time comes to enroll in a program.