Half assistantships, which provide half the stipend, are also granted. Competitive fellowships are available through the department, the Graduate School, and the University. Fellowships usually include payment of tuition. Part-time employment opportunities are abundant on campus. There is extensive on-campus graduate housing, both for single students and for families.
Numerous apartments are also available within walking distance of campus.
The University is in the heart of the beautiful Bluegrass region. The Appalachian mountains are several hours to the east, and many scenic parks are within an easy drive of the city. Lexington, with a population of about 230,000, is a thriving community whose major industries are the University and Lexmark. No heavy industry exists in the area, and the city is becoming more cosmopolitan yearly. There is fairly good theater, a ballet company, and an orchestra.