Almost every incoming student receives financial support, primarily in the form of teaching and research assistantships or University fellowships. Currently, the department guarantees newly admitted students internal academic-year support for four years providing that they maintain good standing in the program. Internal support beyond the four years is decided by the area into which the student is admitted and, although not guaranteed, typically continues for students making satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree requirements.
Stipends usually increase annually.
No additional application is required for financial support offered through the department. The major sources of support are described more fully below. Assistants assigned to courses with lab or recitation sections may have the instructional responsibilities for one or more weekly sections. For example, some students may be nominated for an Andrews Fellowship or the Ross Fellowship , a number of which are awarded yearly to students whose undergraduate academic records are especially outstanding. These fellowships provide 12-month support for up to two years.