I am currently in a social science MA program - thinking of applying for a PhD in 2024. The thesis I'd propose is on an under-researched topic, and the faculty members I've spoken to have been encouraging.
If accepted, I could technically self-fund. I worked for several years, so with a combination of my savings and DP's help, I could probably just about scrape tuition and living costs. It wouldn't be fun, but it would be possible.
However, I've heard really conflicting things about self-funding. Several people I've spoken to have said that self-funding is perfectly fine, no one cares, it's only in STEM that you're expected to get a full ride. Others seem to think that if your PhD is not externally funded it's not worth anything, and you might as well not do it. I've spoken to a mix of people but there doesn't seem to be any consensus.
Context is very tight PhD funding for the department I'm applying to - only a handful of scholarships are available, and some have pulled out for 2023 (who knows what will happen in 2024). I will apply, but I'm not counting on it. I would also apply for a TA role - does that change things?
So... self-funding, acceptable or not worth it?