Hi John,
Graduate school is an investment. Determining how to pay for it may be on your mind. There are several ways to cover the cost.
Graduate Assistantship
As a graduate teaching (GTA) or graduate research (GRA) assistant, you'll work up to 20 hours a week for the university, usually in your academic major. If your major doesn't offer one of these positions, you might find a graduate assistantship helping with university operations. In exchange, your tuition is covered, and you receive a stipend and health insurance. Check with your program of interest to see if this is an option. Learn more about assistantships.
Fellowships and Scholarships
Fellowships usually have a couple of years of funding and a larger stipend than an assistantship. Scholarships are typically smaller, one-time payments. Apply for an external fellowship or scholarship yourself, or check with your program of interest to see if you are eligible to be nominated for a Graduate School award. Learn more about fellowships and scholarships.
Western Regional Graduate Program
Several graduate programs participate in the Western Regional Graduate Program. The WRGP program offers a discounted non-resident tuition rate for U.S. citizens and permanent residents from western U.S. states and territories.
Employment
Oregon State offers a number of student jobs. These do not cover tuition or offer health insurance like an assistantship but can supplement your income for books and other expenses. Explore OSU's jobs website for on-campus opportunities.
Self-funded
In some majors, a majority of students pay for tuition themselves. Domestic students can fill out a FAFSA to be considered for federal aid. Note that federal aid only provides loans at the graduate level. International students can check with their local EducationUSA office to learn more about international loan options.
Funding Tips
- Research the funding situation for your department. Some questions to ask are 1) Does your department offer funding? 2) How do you become eligible for funding? 3) What is the duration of the funding?
- Pay attention to the deadlines listed by your program. Often, funding deadlines are earlier than application deadlines.
- A number of graduate funding options, especially assistantships and fellowships, require full-time enrollment (9 or 12 credits a term). If you are planning to be a part-time student, your best option is to search for scholarships or self-funding options.
Questions?
We hope you are making progress in choosing the university where you can best achieve your goals for graduate study. We understand the importance of this decision, and we are pleased Oregon State University is one of the universities you are considering.
If you would like to talk to us, give us a call at 541-737-4881 or send us an email at graduate.admissions@oregonstate.edu.
Graduate school at Oregon State email series
- Week 1 - Learn more about OSU and Corvallis
- Week 2 - Getting career ready
- Week 3 - How to fund your graduate degree (you are here)
- Week 4 - Final thoughts
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