The BMS PhD Program anticipates annual stipend support of approximately $23,000 for the 2013-2014 academic year. Full tuition support is also now provided for all full-time students in the first through fifth year. Students may apply for assistance to pay for travel, lodging, and registration fees for conferences. The full investment per student is considerable.

There are no forms to fill out for BMS PhD Program support. All successful applicants are considered. Awards are based on merit, and are renewed annually if satisfactory performance is attained.

Cost of living is reasonable in the Dayton area, according to students in the program. A sampling of comments:

"My family and friends were surprised when I told them I was a graduate student, but I was being paid."

"I was accepted at a school with a comparable program, but the stipend there doesn't cover nearly as much of the real costs as the one for the BMS Program."

"Year One [of the BMS PhD Program] is limited to student labs and courses. I completed my teaching requirement in Year Two, while doing my lab rotations. The work I'm doing now [under the supervision of my mentor] is the basis of my thesis. It's all experience that will help me when I'm looking for a job next year."