FAQs: Financial Support
What is the cost of tuition for the year?
In 2005-06, the in-state tuition is $3,690/yr. and out-of-state tuition is $14,958/yr. Note, however, that half-time teaching and research assistantships (see below) are accompanied by a full tuition waiver.
Is funding available?
Contingent on a student’s progress in the Program and the availability of funding, students admitted with a bachelor's degree may expect to receive funding through their fifth year of training, and those with a master's degree, through their third year of training. We have a strong record for financial support: Since the inception of the Program, all students who have requested funding have received it. Financial support comes from several sources: teaching and research assistantships funded by the Department and University; research assistantships funded by grants to individual faculty members; and Department- and University-sponsored fellowships for outstanding students. Funding typically includes a monthly stipend and full tuition waiver.
What types of assistantships are available?
There are two types of assistantships: Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs).
What are some tasks associated with the assistantships?
Many of GTAs associated with the Cognitive Psychology Program require students to run undergraduate laboratory sections under the supervision of faculty. Other GTAs involve class management, exam preparation, grading, running review sessions, etc. GRAs typically require students to assist faculty in conducting research.
Can students request a particular assistantship?
Students' preferences are solicited.
What is the stipend for an assistantship?
The stipend for a half-time (20 hour) GTA or GRA is currently about $1210 per month for the nine-month academic year. GTAs and GRAs also receive $200 extra each semester. This money is provided by the University for student health insurance, but can be used in any way desired by the student.
Are fellowships available?
There are several competitive fellowships and scholarships available to graduate students, including the Graduate Fellowship, Teaching Fellowship, and Stout/Baird Memorial Scholarship. Organizations such as the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health provide competitive fellowships to graduate students as well.
Do students usually need to take out loans or seek outside employment?
It is possible to live on the financial support provided by the Program, but some students do take out loans or seek family support in order to achieve a higher standard of living than Program support would allow. Please visit the Financial Aid page for additional information regarding student loans. Outside employment during the academic year is highly discouraged.
What about summer funding?
Some summer funding is available in the form of instructorships and research assistantships, but summer support is not always available for all students who request it. When not funded, some students rely on family support, choose to take out loans, or seek employment during the summer.