PH.D. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Historically, we have done an excellent job of covering virtually all doctoral students who request financial aid. The various positions available to doctoral students are described below. Unfortunately not all our positions are in place on April 15 when students must make their final decisions. Forecasting the level of financial aid we will be able to provide students is difficult in the face of changing state and university budget decisions and the uncertainties of grant funding.

For a given academic year we receive an allocation of Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions about March 15. In the subsequent months, as new sections of various undergraduate courses are opened for the fall semester, and new research grants are awarded, our level of funding increases and a domino effect usually takes place. As our more advanced students move into these newly created positions other positions are made available to incoming students. Thus, not all students will receive a financial aid offer between April 1 and April 15. However, students who do not initially receive an offer of funding will probably receive one during the summer.  Although historically this has been the case, we cannot guarantee any position to a student until we know with certainty that it is available.

Remission of Tuition.  Those receiving stipends of $4,000 or more through their university-related positions are also eligible for partial remission of their tuition bill. The amount of remission is roughly equivalent to what would be charged for in-state tuition ($4,344 per year). When money is available, we also attempt to cover some portion of student's out-of-state tuition (Out-of-state tuition is approximately $12,600 per year).
 

  OPEN TO ALL DOCTORAL STUDENTS
(1) Teaching Assistantships (TA positions). The job requirements involve assisting faculty who are teaching large undergraduate courses, statistics courses, or lab courses, by grading exams, teaching statistics, or carrying out laboratory experiments. The positions pay approximately $3,730 per year for a 20 hour position - half that figure for a 10 hour position.  Students entering with a masters degree earn $4,258 for a 20 hour position.  The department will help in finding supplemental work assignments so that the student receives the total of $4,000 necessary for a full waiver of in-state tuition (and possibly a partial waiver of out-of-state tuition).

(2) Research Assistantships (RA positions).  RA positions are awarded to individual faculty by the university on a competitive basis. The job requirements include helping faculty members with the various tasks associated with the research enterprise including data collection, data coding, and statistical analysis. They are also acquired through the initiative of faculty in finding external research grants. The positions pay approximately $4,000 for a 10 hour position and usually includes partial or full tuition waiver.

(3) Fellowship Awards. Fellowship awards of $1,000 to $5,000 are available to a limited number of incoming students.  These awards come with no work requirement.

(4) High Potential GRA positions. ("Super" GRAs) These positions are available to some students with exceptionally high grades and GRE scores. These awards come with a stipend of $10,000 and tuition remission for 18 credit hours for the academic year. They require a 20 hour work commitment by the student.  Historically, the Psychology Department has received one or more per year.  They are renewable for up to two additional years.

(5) College of Arts and Sciences positions (CAS positions). Students are hired to work in the Dean's office and carry out functions related to students affairs within the College of Arts and Sciences. These positions pay $8.50 to $9.00 per hour.

(6) Psychology Department Staff Support Positions. These positions involve advising undergraduate students and engaging in other work related to the functions of the Psychology Department. The positions pay $8.50 to $9.00 per hour.

M.A. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available through various forms of grants, loans, or employment. Please check the appropriate box on the graduate application. One fellowship is awarded to a master's student per year. For more information financial aid click here.