Types of Aid Available

Over 70% of CSM's full-time graduate students receive some form of financial assistance from the university. TA and RA contracts typically cover one academic year and most are awarded in the Fall.

• Research Assistantships allow students an opportunity to do research supported by funds from sponsored projects. The terms of these appointments and the qualifications for them depend on the sponsoring agency and the faculty member.
• Teaching Assistantships are awarded for students to assist in the education of undergraduate students by conducting laboratories and assisting professors. The departments have a limited number of teaching assistantships (TAs) to award: these are normally reserved for full-time degree students who have demonstrated academic excellence. It is a school policy that students with TAs do not have full responsibility for teaching courses.
• Graduate Assistantships supplement teaching and research assistantships to pay for student fees, health insurance, etc. Selected students are also awarded tuition through this assistantship.
• Graduate Fellowships are awarded by merit to assist students with tuition, research, and living expenses.
• Industrial Fellowships are available to CSM graduate students from various organizations.

Application and Notification Process

Awarding of all fellowships and assistantships is handled by the academic departments in conjunction with the admissions review process. Since competition for financial support is high, new students are encouraged to apply for admission early. For the best chances of receiving aid, students should submit a COMPLETE application packet by January 1 for Fall admission. (See the Admissions page for information on deadlines.) The Application for Admission includes a section regarding financial support. Notification of financial awards is usually done at the time of admission notification.

The Graduate Office does not award funding. If you have questions regarding a specific award or whether or not funds are still available, you must contact the academic department to which you are applying.

Other Resources

Federal and CSM student loans are also available to give graduate students additional funding beyond any assistantships and fellowships they might receive. These loans are administered through the Financial Aid Office.