Obtaining Financial Assistance Graduate awards are usually given on the basis of past academic achievement and future scholarly potential. Economic need is, in most instances, considered in conjunction with academic achievement. Following is a brief description of the primary sources of financial aid available to graduate students. There are national, state and institutional fellowships. Institutional fellowships are awarded to the student by the institution which has accepted the student for graduate study.
Fellowships range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
They may be given on a one-time basis or be renewable. The student may not be obligated to perform any services beyond achieving excellence in the field of study. The student is obligated to perform a service for the department, which usually involves teaching or research. There is a reduction in out-of state tuition, if applicable, with the award of the assistantship. In addition to providing remuneration, the assistantships provide valuable work experience.