UChicago Package

[JackJo21]

I'm new here so forgive me if I this isn't the best place to post my question.

Yesterday I got into UChicago's political science PhD program. They're offering me full tuition plus 22K per year for 5 years and 3K for two summers during those 5 years.

I have no idea of how much one should expect so I don't know if this is a good package. What do you guys think?

Also, I know people do it all the time--but I'm afraid that it'll be really tough to live off 20K/year. I don't have fancy tastes but that seems really low. Can anyone speak to how tough/easy it is to live off that amount?

[svh]

I'm new here so forgive me if I this isn't the best place to post my question.

Yesterday I got into UChicago's political science PhD program. They're offering me full tuition plus 22K per year for 5 years and 3K for two summers during those 5 years.

I have no idea of how much one should expect so I don't know if this is a good package. What do you guys think?

Also, I know people do it all the time--but I'm afraid that it'll be really tough to live off 20K/year. I don't have fancy tastes but that seems really low. Can anyone speak to how tough/easy it is to live off that amount?

I've received similar offers from my programs. I think it's okay to live off of. The question is, how much do you live off of now? I make 10k at my part time job right now, and I get by as an undergrad just fine. So, 20k as a grad would surely be enough.

[nimo6211]

Congratulations! You might like to consider exploring ways to survive on a low income by living frugally and sustainably. Living in Chicago is not cheap, but it is doable if you have this philosophy.

[cathaea]

That seems like a competitive package. Unless you win a major scholarship, I doubt many schools would offer much more than that (a few thousands maybe, but probably not 10k+ plus). If U Chicago is where you want to go, I'd take it. I've got family that lives in Chicago and if you live frugally (and, let's be real, if you're a grad student, you don't have a ton of time to go out to dinner, etc.) 20k is doable. You might be able to pick up extra RA stuff as you go along.

[prettyuff1]

I am from Chicago and I'll say $20k will be tough. Living on campus there is a must since the surrounding neighborhood is less than stellar. I'd say another 10k in housing costs would be reasonable because a 1 bedroom will be about $800-$850. Can you find a roommate

[snes]

I'm going to UChicago too, with the same package. I've heard from most people that it's definitely livable. People even save money on it. Travel costs and having a car might be more difficult, but I think I'm bringing my car anyway. UChicago-owned apartments are also more expensive than privately-owned, but they're also a pretty safe bet.

I think for the non-sciences and non-business folks, there aren't a whole lot of places that would offer a much better package. Chicago's package was comparable to the other offers I received, factoring in cost of living.

[nimo6211]

Sharing an apartment sounds plausible, but if you value your privacy, a studio can cost a minimum of $636, which is what I am doing. Then there is the International House. I think there are a lot of options available for anyone on low-inciome that one just needs to explore. Good luck.