Graduate Fellowships
Graduate Assistantships
Other Financial Aid Sources
Career Services Funding Database
Applying for Awards

Money for graduate study comes in a variety of forms. The following is a list of types of awards and application procedures. Keep in mind that deadlines for financial aid applications are frequently earlier than regular admission deadlines, so be sure to research your options well in advance.

Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships are provided by the university in return for service or work, typically on a half-time basis (20 hours per week).

Basis of award:
Financial need, academic merit, or appropriate experience

Amount of award:
May provide a full or partial tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, or both

Types of assistantships:
Teaching Assistants - Teach undergraduate courses on a part-time basis. A TA is valuable experience for those planning a career in college teaching.

Research Assistants - Carry out research assignments under the supervision of faculty members. Sometimes, a research assistantship can be used to meet requirements in a degree program.

Residence life, counseling, and student affairs assistants - Do a combination of administrative work and counseling or advising. Residence life assistantships often require that you live in an undergraduate dorm. They usually offer room and board, in addition to a tuition waiver and possibly a stipend. These assistantships are frequently a part of programs in psychology, counseling, student personnel, or social work.

Other Financial Aid Sources

Administrative Internships
These are provided in return for administrative services, and are great experience for those planning a career in education administration.

Basis of award:
Financial need, academic merit, or appropriate experience.

Amount of award:
Some provide a full or partial tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, or both.

Loans
Loans are available through banks, government agencies, and special loan funds at the university.

Military
Funding is available in exchange for future military service.

Employers
Some employers have reimbursement programs for employees who continue their education in a field related to their employment.

Work
It is difficult to work full-time and study full-time; it may be wise to consider doing one or both on a part-time basis. 

Career Services Funding Database
A listing of 160+ funding opportunities for undergraduate and/or graduate study, travel, or independent research/projects.

Applying for Awards
Getting money for graduate school is often an easier proposition than you might think. The money is out there; the challenge is finding where. One of the most useful sources for beginning your search is Career Services. Our library has an excellent collection of printed guides to fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial aid.

Be sure to ask each program to which you apply for information on financial aid. Ask if other offices might have information (the Financial Aid Office, Fellowships Office, or Personnel Office). Opportunities are available, but you must find them.

Last updated 5/05