Deciding where to do your PhD in USA can be just as important as which university you choose. For PhD students and early research scientists, there are some general areas that the location will impact: research opportunities; industry connections; networking; cost of living; tech companies.
Hence, students looking to do their PhD in USA should also look at universities with reference to the cities and the research ecosystems around them. No one city suits all of us “best”. The choice between the two largely depends on your research area, funding, lifestyle preferences etc and career goals.
Boston and Cambridge
The academic and technology ecosystem of the Boston-Cambridge area is one of the top rated in The United States. The region hosts large universities, research institutes, healthcare organizations and technology companies.
For PhD students in computer science, the space can accommodate an entry point into research communities across artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and cybersecurity.
The major downside is that it costs a lot. The costs of housing and living expenses can be high in these locations, so students will need to thoroughly review funding packages prior to accepting an offer.
San Francisco Bay Area
The technology capital of the world and associated with entrepreneurship, the San Francisco Bay Area. South is a popular region for students who want to pursue artificial intelligence, software-related programs, cloud computing cybersecurity and venture capital with an extensive technology ecosystem.
Nevertheless, costs of living are among the key factors. PhD funding packages should be assessed in relation to local housing and day-to-day living costs.
Seattle
It is a city with a lot of tech companies, research across all realms including software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and associated areas.
The city’s technology ecosystem can provide students completing a PhD in Computer Science in USA with opportunities for networking, internships wherever permitted, industry collaboration and exposure to large-scale technology organization.
That gives Seattle the appeal of students that want to blend industry and academic oriented research.
Austin
Austin has become quite a technology and innovation centre in its own right with typically a very different cost base than some of the top coastal tech centres.
It has ties to tech, semiconductor, software and startup ecosystems in the city. Austin could provide an option for those students looking for a technology hub along with university research.
Pittsburgh
Students interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision and various related fields should pay special attention to Pittsburgh.
The combination of a robust research ecosystem and an established tech community gives it strong appeal to students. You get a wealth of great technical sources for research without being stuck in some ultra-expensive coastal city.
How to compare cities
University rankings are not the only one parameter that students must understand while looking for a PhD in the USA.
Compare:
- Research groups
- Faculty expertise
- Funding packages
- Research facilities
- Industry partnerships
- Internship opportunities
- Housing costs
- Transportation
- Quality of life
Career outcomes
Education USA has similar advice, suggesting that prospective graduate students think about factors like academic, financial and personal priorities. PhD in USA level matters more for funding. It’s better to secure funding among a less-ranked university than to go for the higher ranked but low-funded position. Students should pay attention to whether offers also include things like tuition coverage, stipend, health insurance and other benefits.
Making study abroad consultants work for you
Study Abroad Consultants will assist students in strategizing university research and applications. For PhD in USA applicants, however, even more granular faculty level research should be conducted.
Identification of professors whose research is close to your interests seems particularly important if you are pursuing doctoral education. EducationUSA suggests that when you are identifying your graduate study priorities, look for fields among faculty research overlap as a defining criteria.
Final thoughts
A good place for getting a PhD in USA is not just the giants like Boston, bay area, Seattle, Austin and Pittsburg only. Your ideal city is however the one which offers excellent research supervision to guide your project, appropriate funding for you not to starve, relevant industry exposure that would help you land jobs later on, and an affordable cost of living.
Ignore the rankings when it comes to picking a PhD in USA. Do thorough research on faculty, research groups, funding and career options. The academic environment matters much more than the reputation of a city.
Ready to conquer your dreams? Get in touch with Imperial’s expert study abroad counselors and kick-start your journey towards studying abroad today! You will have support during university admission, scholarship application, visa preparation and many more!
