Doctoral education in the United States (USA) has long been considered a hallmark of academic excellence, attracting scholars from across the globe. However, as Karri A. Holley, who is a professor of higher education at the University of Alabama, highlighted in her insightful article, “Perspectives on Doctoral Education in the United States: Challenges and Paths Forward,” the system is undergoing significant changes and faces crucial challenges that demand attention. This review examines Holley’s key arguments, focusing on the financial burden of PhD programs, the role of international students, and the evolving career landscape for doctoral graduates.
Expensive Degrees Are a Growing Concern: One of the most pressing concerns in the US doctoral system is its rising cost. Prof. Holley presents a stark reality—while nearly 80 per cent of PhD students receive financial support through research assistantships, fellowships, and teaching roles, this funding is often insufficient to cover the true cost of living. The disparity is particularly evident in non-STEM fields, where external funding is limited, leaving students burdened with loans and financial insecurity. With doctoral candidates spending an average of six to eight and half years completing their degrees, student debt continues to grow, adding further stress to an already rigorous academic journey.
This financial strain is not just a personal burden; it affects the entire academic ecosystem. The recent University of California graduate student strike over low wages and poor working conditions highlights a broader issue—doctoral students are essential contributors to university research and teaching, yet their compensation often falls below a sustainable living wage. The financial precarity of PhD students raises an urgent question: is the investment in a doctorate worth the financial sacrifice?
PhD and the International Experience: Prof Holley also sheds light on the critical role of international students in the American doctoral education system. Nearly one-third of all doctoral degrees awarded in the U.S. go to students on temporary visas, particularly in STEM fields such as computer science and engineering. These students contribute significantly to research and innovation; however, their journey is fraught with immigration challenges, political uncertainty, and financial instability.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of international doctoral students, as many faced travel restrictions, visa complications, and a lack of institutional support. Despite their essential contributions to US research and higher education, federal policies have yet to provide adequate pathways for their long-term retention. Holley emphasises that while the US benefits from attracting global talent, barriers to postdoctoral employment and visa issues may discourage future applicants, weakening the country’s position as a global leader in research.
Career Outcomes - Academia vs Industry: Perhaps the most thought-provoking section of Prof Holley’s article addresses the changing career prospects for doctoral graduates. Traditionally, PhD programs were designed with the expectation that graduates would pursue tenure-track faculty positions. However, the academic job market has significantly contracted, with fewer faculty openings and increased competition. Many PhD holders are now exploring alternative career paths in industry, government, and entrepreneurship.
Despite this shift, doctoral curricula have remained largely unchanged, still prioritising research and dissertation writing over professional development. Prof. Holley argues that universities need to rethink their approach, integrating career training, transferable skills, and industry collaborations into doctoral programs. Initiatives like interdisciplinary research, structured career counselling, and alternative dissertation formats (such as problem-solving research and publication-based theses) could better prepare PhD graduates for diverse job markets.
Rethinking the Future of Doctoral Education: There is no doubt that US academia has had some traditional advantages over other academic communities abroad. However, certain elements enforce systemic financial hardships and a lack of support for international candidates. Prof Holley argues that this is a wake-up call for higher education policymakers, administrators, and prospective doctoral students. An advancing doctoral research community requires a system that evolves to address financial hardships, better support international students, and align career training with market realities. The traditional PhD model, rooted in an outdated perception of academia, needs urgent reform to remain sustainable and attractive for future generations of scholars.
From this, it can be concluded that a well-informed approach—considering funding opportunities, visa policies, and career prospects—is essential before committing to the doctoral journey. As universities worldwide compete for talent, the US must adapt to ensure that its doctoral programs remain relevant, accessible, and beneficial for both students and society at large.
Dr Hasan K K is Associate Professor, Dept of Business Administration, University of Scholars on Dhaka. He is pursuing 2nd PhD in Educational Leadership as Capstone Graduate Council Fellow at University of Alabama, USA. kkhasan@crimson.ua.edu
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