PhD PROGRAM
Tuition & Financial Aid
Investing in your future as a clinician. Explore tuition rates, federal aid options, scholarships, and payment plans designed to make your education accessible.
2026–2027 Academic Year
PhD Program Tuition
Both full-time and part-time pathways lead to the same PhD degree. Choose the pace that fits your life — ICSW works around your schedule.
Full-Time
Min. 6 credits / sem
Immersive 3-year doctoral
track.
Total Program Tuition
$66,600 / 3 years
$22,200 per academic year
Tuition Breakdown
Year 1 Tuition
$22,200
Year 2 Tuition
$22,200
Year 3 Tuition
$22,200
Part-Time
Max. 4 credits / sem
Flexibility to balance your professional career and advanced study.
Total Program Tuition
$94,050 / 6 years
$2,475 per course*
Tuition Breakdown
Year 1 Tuition
$14,850
Year 2 Tuition
$17,325
Year 3 Tuition
$17,325
Year 4 Tuition
$12,375
Year 5 Tuition
$17,325
Year 6 Tuition
$14,850
*Cost per course may fluctuate over time
Note: Advanced Fee (Dissertation Stage) is $2,375 per semester (Fall and Spring).
ESTIMATED FIGURES
Annual Cost of Attendance
The following figures are estimates for the 2025–2026 academic year based on meeting financial aid eligibility. Actual figures will vary by student. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance specific to your situation.
| Expense Category | Doctoral | Onsite (per year) | Doctoral | Distance (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $22,200.00 | $22,200.00 |
| Room & board | $21,000.00 | $21,000.00 |
| Transportation | $6,600.00 | ~$18,000 |
| Books & supplies | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Personal/misc. | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Loan Fees (estimated) | $1,275.00 | $1,275.00 |
| Estimated Total | $54,975.00 | $66,375.00 |
Scholarships & Funding
ICSW Scholarship Opportunities
Dr. Joan Berzoff Social Services Scholarship
$2,500 / Semester
Eligibility: New and returning MA or PhD students
Requires FAFSA, proof of volunteer/professional service, and a personal statement regarding work with vulnerable populations in social service organizations.
View Details & Apply
Opportunity Scholarship
Up to $3,000 / Year
Eligibility: Incoming, new MA or PhD students
Scholarship awards consider both demonstrated financial need and evidence of academic excellence, professional promise, leadership, and commitment to the field.
View Details & Apply
Elisabeth Jacob Scholarship
Up to $3,000 / Year
Eligibility: Third year PhD students
Supports promising students working with families challenged by poverty, immigration, or trauma. Requires faculty nomination, excellent academic standing, and FAFSA.
View Details & ApplyAinsley Rebecca Thornhill Memorial Scholarship
$2,500 / Semester
Eligibility: New and returning MA or PhD students
Applicants must complete the FAFSA, provide proof of volunteer or professional service, and submit a personal statement detailing their commitment and plans to work with vulnerable populations in social service organizations.
View Details & ApplyOpportunity Scholarship
Up to $3,000 / Year
Eligibility: Incoming, new MA or PhD students
Scholarship awards consider both demonstrated financial need and evidence of academic excellence, professional promise, leadership, and commitment to the field.
View Details & ApplyFEDERAL FUNDING
Federal Student Loans
The Office of Student Financial Services is committed to providing excellent service, timely information, and sensitivity to your individual financial concerns.
ICSW's FAFSA School Code: G25737 — You'll need this when completing your FAFSA at studentaid.gov
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Not based on financial need
- Maximum loan amount of $20,500 per academic year
- Graduate aggregate limit of $138,500 (including undergraduate loans)
- Award is not based on financial need
- Interest is charged from disbursement until the loan is paid in full
- If interest accumulates, it capitalizes — adding to your principal balance
- 6-month grace period after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time
View current interest rates
Direct PLUS Loans
Requires credit check · not need-based
- Borrow up to your cost of attendance minus other aid
- Repayment begins at full disbursement; first payment due within 60 days
- Not based on financial need — requires a credit check
- Deferral available while enrolled at least half-time
- Additional 6-month deferral after dropping below half-time enrollment
Eligibility Requirements
U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Enrolled at least half-time
Valid Social Security number
Satisfactory academic progress
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
More Ways to Fund Your Education
Beyond federal aid and scholarships, ICSW offers flexible payment plans and supports eligible veteran students.
Payment Plans
We offer in-house payment options that are interest-free and flexible. A payment plan is a great way to manage remaining balances after financial aid disbursement, or to divide tuition into manageable installments if you don't qualify for federal aid.
Call us: 773-943-6503Veteran Students
Veterans benefits can include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, a book stipend, and Yellow Ribbon Program benefits. G.I. Jobs Magazine has honored ICSW as a Military Friendly School, ranking us in the top 15% of schools nationwide.
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Private Loan Options
Private student loans are available through several lenders. Contact each provider directly for rates and eligibility.