Here is a list of universities in the USA that offer fully funded PhD programs in Computer Science, do not require the GRE, and allow students to work while doing their PhD:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- University of Toledo
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Mississippi State University
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- University of North Texas
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
- Arizona State University
- Purdue University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- University of Idaho
- Washington State University
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science in the U.S. often comes with the opportunity to be fully funded, typically through research or teaching assistantships. These assistantships often cover tuition and fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. Working outside of the assistantship duties might be subject to university policies and visa regulations (for international students).
When you mention “allowed to work,” it’s important to clarify what you mean:
- On-campus: Most Ph.D. students are allowed to work on campus, often as part of their funding package (e.g., teaching or research assistantships).
- Off-campus: Visa restrictions often limit off-campus employment for international students. Even for domestic students, many Ph.D. programs discourage or limit external employment to ensure that the student’s primary focus remains on their studies and research.
Now, let’s get to a list of universities known for strong Computer Science Ph.D. programs that have, at times, waived GRE requirements and where students might have work opportunities:
- Stanford University: Highly respected for CS and often does not require the GRE. Funded students typically work as teaching or research assistants.
- MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Some programs have waived the GRE. Many Ph.D. students work in roles tied to their research or academic responsibilities.
- UC Berkeley (University of California, Berkeley): While GRE requirements can vary, their CS research is top-tier. Many students are funded through assistantships.
- Carnegie Mellon University: GRE scores are optional for the School of Computer Science. Many students are fully funded through research or teaching roles.
- University of Washington: The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering offers funding for many of its Ph.D. students, often tied to work responsibilities.
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Their CS department is robust, and many students work as research or teaching assistants.
- University of Texas at Austin: Another top CS department where students can work as assistants while pursuing their Ph.D.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Some students work on campus while receiving funding for their Ph.D.
- Princeton University: Depending on their specific track or department, some students might not need to submit GRE scores and can work in academic roles.
- Georgia Institute of Technology: Known for its CS department, many Ph.D. students have opportunities to work on campus.
