Both my son and my niece were accepted into very competitive PhD programs. They were given a full ride plus a stipend which covered their monthly living expenses. They also were able to work with some of the top scholars in their field. Some very bright, very passionate people, thankfully, are rewarded for their work. It is highly competitive though and demands a level of commitment that very few people are willing to deliver. Statistically, almost 50% of all PhD students do not complete the program.