Prospective Graduate Students: Finances

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fund my graduate education?

Graduate students in science and engineering typically fund their education in four ways: through graduate teaching or research assistantships (awarded by your college/school); internal fellowships offered by the university (e.g., the Regents' Opportunity Scholarship, Sloan Scholars Program for Minority Ph.D.s, and President's Fellowships); external fellowships offered by government agencies, private foundations, or professional organizations (e.g., Hertz Foundation, Ford Foundation, National Science Foundation); and graduate co-op. Colleges/schools provide information about how to apply for assistantships and some internal fellowships. The Graduate Studies Office can give you more information about internal and external fellowships and graduate co-op. The financial aid office provides information and required forms related to student loan programs.

What determines the cost of attending graduate school?

The estimated cost of attendance will vary with each student, according to the rate of tuition and fees the student is eligible to pay (e.g. Georgia resident, non-Georgia resident, or graduate student assistant), whether or not the student has dependents, and whether the program the student will attend typically runs two or three semesters per year.

What kinds of fellowships are available at Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech students hold a variety of national and local fellowships. Some are determined by national competitions, and these applications usually are due in early fall. Colleges and schools at Tech award some fellowships. The Graduate Studies Office also administers a few upon recommendation by a graduate coordinator. For more information, contact the graduate coordinator in the college or school to which you are applying.

What can you tell me about graduate-level cooperative education?

This is a certificate program that provides both master's and doctoral students the opportunity to include specialized paid work experiences in their graduate studies. All students in degree programs at Georgia Tech are eligible to apply. The Graduate Cooperative Program, established in 1983, builds on a history of strong graduate education, vigorous research, and service to science, industry, and technology. Industries participating in the program provide students the opportunity to complement their advanced studies with individual employment. Georgia Tech, in turn, provides industry with the expertise and enthusiasm of gifted young professionals. Students may participate in one of two plans, each with a one and a half semester work minimum. The graduate-student plan requires a 2.7 GPA, although some colleges/schools may require higher averages.

Are additional funds available to graduate students for attending conferences?

Yes. The Graduate Student Senate Conference Fund Subcommittee allocates funds to provide secondary financial assistance for graduate students wishing to present papers for research performed at Georgia Tech. These funds, not to exceed $300, supplement primary funding from the student's college/school, advisor, or other sources. Applications for and complete information about these awards are available from the GSS website or from the Student Government/Graduate Student Senate Office, 131 Student Services Building.