Paying for graduate school often takes a combination of resources. Explore funding opportunities and strategies that can support your academic goals.
Students fund their advanced degrees in a number of ways, including through Graduate Employee positions, scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid.
Graduate Employment
At the UO, Graduate Employee (GE) is the term used for teaching, research, and administrative graduate assistantships. GEs receive a competitive compensation package that includes:
- A monthly salary
- Full-time tuition waiver
- Mandatory fees subsidy
- Subsidized health insurance premium coverage for dependents
- Labor union representation
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards
The Division of Graduate Studies administers a range of annual fellowships and research awards for graduate and law students.
University-wide scholarships for graduate and law students are offered centrally through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
The UO's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers scholarships, awards, and financial aid resources for international students.
Additional fellowships and awards are available from many campus departments, units, and research centers.
Many units on campus - including the Division of Graduate Studies, your program or college, OVPRI, and others - can help you learn about a variety of support opportunities offered by agencies and organizations outside the university.
If you intend to apply for scholarships, fellowships, or other awards, be sure to check the applications' due dates. Many awards for the academic year may have applications that are due before you receive an offer to attend.
Loans and Financial Aid
Various financial aid options are available to help you fund your graduate studies.
For domestic students, options include unsubsidized federal graduate student loans and credit-based loans.
In most cases, you must complete a FAFSA application to be considered for student loans. Loans are administered through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
The UO does not recommend private lenders to any student, including international students. Private loans can have high interest rates and may be a risky way to finance your education.
If you are looking at private loans, refer to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships' website for things to consider when selecting a lender.
Budgeting and Financial Wellness
Creating a personal budget as a graduate student is essential for effectively managing limited financial resources and minimizing stress associated with money. A well-structured budget aids in tracking expenses, prioritizing needs, and ensuring that tuition, fees, living costs, and other essentials are covered. It fosters financial discipline, helping you make informed decisions about spending and saving.
The UO's Financial Wellness Center is another resource for financial planning, providing information on budgeting, credit management, student loans, and more.
You can also connect with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for financial advising.
Prospective international students with questions about financial aid should connect with ISSS.
Summer Funding
GE positions: Many GE positions occur between September and June. If your primary source of income is your monthly GE salary, it is important to plan for the summer. If funding is part of your admissions offer, confirm if summer funding is included or if there will be summer GE opportunities with your department. If your position is only for fall, winter, and spring terms, your last paycheck will be at the end of June; you will not be paid again until the end of September. Also, June and September are only half-month stipends.
Department Research Funding: Some departments have funding available for summer research. Ask your department about availability and applications.
International Students Returning to Home Country: Some international graduate students may choose to return to their home country for the summer, where they may find employment and/or have higher earning capacity than in the U.S. Be sure to consult with ISSS to see if this is a good fit for you.
Additional Considerations for International Applicants
If you will be studying at the UO as an international student, there are additional considerations for employment both during the academic year and over the summer.
Employment Opportunities: As an international graduate student, there are opportunities to gain professional experience and earn an income while you are studying, both on- and off-campus. It is very important to fully understand the regulations and work limitations associated with your visa and country of residence to ensure your eligibility to be a student is not compromised.
If your program includes an internship, it is recommended that you consult with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to ensure you will be able to participate. Some industries have international regulations. ISSS is a great resource for any employment-related questions you may have.
Employment Resources for International Students: