Financial Assistance

A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships (either quarter- or half-time appointments) are available to qualified applicants. Assistantships include a tuition waiver and a stipend. In the 2012-2013 academic year, the stipend for a half-time assistantship was $13,672.  

General Policy Regarding Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Tuition Waivers

1. First year students will be considered for a quarter time or half time graduate teaching assistantship depending on availability of assistantships. Only degree students in approved or qualified status may hold a graduate teaching assistantship.
2. First year graduate students will be considered for a tuition waiver equal to the difference between the full cost of their tuition for nine credit hours (ten credit hours for first year, first semester graduate students) minus the cost for half of in-state tuition. The goal of the program is that all students, irrespective of residence, will pay no more than half of in-state tuition for nine credit hours. The ability to meet this goal is dependent on the amount of tuition waiver credits allocated to the graduate program by the graduate school. Any credits above the nine credits (seven for first semester, first year students) will be paid by the graduate student at the appropriate rate. 
3. Second year students who have performed well academically and professionally in their first year will be considered for a quarter time or half time graduate teaching assistantship, depending on the availability of assistantships. 
4. Second year graduate students will be considered for a tuition waiver equal to the difference between the full cost of their tuition for nine credit hours minus the cost for half of in-state tuition. The goal of the program is that all students, irrespective of residence, will pay no more than half of in-state tuition for nine credit hours. The ability to meet this goal is dependent on the amount of tuition waiver credits allocated to the graduate program by the graduate school. Any credits above the nine credits (six for fourth semester, second year students) will be paid by the graduate student at the appropriate rate.