Ph.D. Program Benefits
Providing an unrivaled experience
Outstanding funding support and benefits enhance students' experience in an extraordinary research environment
Fully supporting our students
Because the Graduate School is committed to giving each student the best research experience in an unrivaled research environment, the Graduate School fully funds each student and does not charge tuition for the graduate program.
The amount of the funding support is reviewed annually to ensure it remains competitive. The funding support for the 2025-2026 academic year is $41,200. In addition, the Graduate School purchases a laptop and necessary textbooks for each student, and covers all costs of instruction and research. The Graduate School guarantees the funding and benefits through the duration of the program for each student as long as they remain in good standing.
The Graduate School provides:
Guaranteed funding support
The Graduate School guarantees the funding and benefits through the duration of the program for each student, as long as they remain in good standing. The funding support for the 2025-2026 academic year is $41,200. Students who have achieved candidacy status receive a $2,000 increase in annual funding support. Students who are awarded a competitive external fellowship receive supplemental funding and additional professional development allowance.
Professional development allowance
Students receive an annual allowance to attend scientific conferences and courses in the U.S. and around the world. Conferences and courses provide a wider platform to discuss and disseminate scientific findings and emerging techniques. In addition to bolstering the current research of students, conferences and courses provide a networking opportunity for students to meet leaders in their field.
Home travel allowance
Students receive an annual allowance to travel to their home outside of the Kansas City area. The Graduate School recognizes the importance of family relationships during graduate education and feels strongly that students should have the opportunity to visit family during their graduate school experience.
Additional benefits
Medical, pharmacy, and dental insurance are required for all students and available to eligible spouses, domestic partners, and/or eligible dependents. Stowers plans are available with shared premium costs between students and the Institute. Proof of other coverage is acceptable in lieu of a Stowers plan.
Term life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, short-term and long-term disability coverage, Employee Assistance Program, and other mental health services are provided at no cost to students.
Students have the opportunity to purchase vision insurance and additional life insurance, and to participate in tax savings plans and 403(b) plans.
Students can also participate in a childcare subsidy provided by Stowers.
Life at Stowers
Choosing a graduate school is a big decision. See what life is like at Stowers...
Incredible facilities foster incredible discoveries
In the bustling heart of Kansas City, you’ll find a ten-acre oasis of stately buildings and gorgeously manicured grounds — the home of our labs as well as our accredited graduate school. And while impressive from the outside, it’s what’s inside that really wows.
Kansas City: born from a spirit of exploration and discovery
Incredible science comes from stimulated minds, and Kansas City is an ideal place to experience a wide range of culture, arts, food, and more. The historic edge of the American West, see why we’ve chosen this amazing place as our home.
Meet a Ph.D. Alum
Unparalleled support
