Since the department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to the success of its incoming graduate students, several financial aid packages are available to give maximum support to students so that they can pursue their academic work free from financial problems. Incoming students are usually granted a teaching assistantship (TA), but in some cases research assistantships (RA) can be given to first-year students. In addition, all regular teaching and research assistants are granted a full tuition waiver by the University.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching Assistants receive a stipend for the nine month academic year that is at a level competitive with most other U.S. institutions. These assistantships generally require between 15 and 20  hours weekly, which includes preparation, classroom, and grading.

Research Assistantships

Research Assistantships are generally awarded to advanced students. Their financial award is  comparable with the TA stipend. The RA position allows the student the opportunity to pursue  research full time. Since the RA position is so fundamental to the graduate experience, it is  department policy to strongly encourage all students to apply for an RA position by the end of their second year of studies.

O.M. Stewart Summer Scholarships

Several O.M. Stewart Summer Scholarships of up to $3,000 are available to students who are enrolled eight weeks during summer session working on a research project with a faculty advisor and/or taking courses.

Other Awards for Excellence

Other awards for excellence in teaching or research by a graduate student may be given by the Graduate School upon nomination by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

For financial aid application forms or deadlines, please see Application Process.