Financial Aid for Graduate Studies
Fellowships and Traineeships
- Often used to attract the most highly qualified students.
- Typically awarded based on academic merit.
- Can be either portable (awarded by an organization for use at a college of the student’s choice) or institutional (awarded by the university to students attending that same institution).
- Typically cover tuition costs, and may provide a stipend for living expenses.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
- Recipients typically work approximately 20 hours per week, assisting a professor with class discussions and laboratory activities, grading papers, and tutoring students.
- Compensation may include a salary and/or waived or reduced tuition.
- Provide valuable hands-on experience in your chosen field.
- Most common in science and engineering fields.
Residence Hall Counselor or Advisor
- Compensation typically includes reduced tuition and/or room and board, and may also offer a stipend for living expenses.
- Contact the Graduate School Office at your institution for details.
Because they must be repaid, loans should always be your last option.
For Additional Information
- Contact the graduate school(s) where you’re applying to learn about your financial aid options.
- Review the frequently asked questions about financial aid for graduate studies.
- Visit StudentAid.gov‘s publication studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/graduate-professional-funding-info.pdf.