ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ

Tax implications …
–research support might be taxable!

Graduate assistantships are an important form of financial support for degree-seeking graduate students and are offered by each of the graduate programs. Assistantships are granted in the form of tuition waiver and can vary from a one credit waiver to nine (9) credits or the maximum tuition charge per semester, whichever is applicable. Awards are made on a semester basis during the academic year (August – May). Nominations are made by the faculty and program director of each graduate program and are then forwarded to the Director of the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval. Students who are approved for an assistantship will receive an offer-of-appointment letter from the Director.

Students must submit a Graduate Assistantship Application and letter of interest to their program director no later than October 31 for Spring semesters and March 31 for Fall semesters.

Application Process

New, incoming graduate students are now eligible for scholarships for the fall and spring semesters. This is a one-semester award that will apply to your first semester. If you wish to continue with scholarships past your first semester, you will be able to apply for a Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship will be in the amount of $2,500 and applied to your bill after you register for courses. 

Eligible students will be nominated for these scholarships by the application review committee. Nominations will be reviewed twice for the fall semester (April 1 and July 1) and once for the spring semester (December 1).

Tax implications …
–research support might be taxable!

Awards (stipends) are available up to $2000.00 per project to assist graduate students in pursuit of projects of a research and/or creative nature. Click to view a listing of prior recipients. For details and applying, click Guidelines and Application Procedures. Application deadlines are: December 1 for the Fall Funding Cycle and March 1 for the Spring Funding Cycle.

Eligibility Criteria:
Students must be enrolled full or part-time as matriculated graduate students at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ during a.) the semester immediately preceding, b.) the semester in which funds will be utilized; c.) the semester in which the second half of funding is paid. Students must be in good academic standing as defined by a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Projects must meet all of the following:

1. will contribute to the evidence base of concepts, theories, and/or practice within one’s discipline.
2. will result in a peer-reviewed journal article and/or presentation at a professional conference, seminar or workshop on the state, national, or international level.

The cost of education at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ remains highly affordable. Yet, it is understandable that many students need financial assistance while working towards their degree. Each year millions of dollars are allotted from federal, state, and University sources to fill this need.

Students wishing to apply for financial aid from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ should file the application on the web at  by the priority filing deadline of March 1st (for fall term admission) or August 15th (for spring term admission). Graduate students must be accepted to the University in a degree-seeking status to qualify for financial aid. Graduate certificates of study are not eligible for financial aid. To qualify for financial assistance through federal aid programs, a student must be matriculated and an American citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The scholarship program, made possible by both University funding and private donations to the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Foundation, provides awards to outstanding freshmen, upperclassmen and graduate students. Awards to upperclassmen and graduate students are determined by a presidential-appointed Scholarship Selection Committee. This Committee includes representatives of the faculty, administration, and Board of Directors of the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ University Foundation.

Students may apply to the Scholarship Program on an annual basis. Successful applicants exhibit high academic achievement as well as leadership and service to the University and community. Award recipients maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and are fully matriculated students. To apply for scholarships, please fill out the General Scholarship Application found by visiting the University Foundation.

Learn More about Foundation Scholarships

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance and support for a small graduate program. The objective of the graduate EOF program is to increase participation in graduate and professional study of New Jersey residents from backgrounds of historical poverty. Students who received EOF grants as undergraduates shall be given priority consideration for EOF graduate grants. These students are presumed to have met the financial eligibility criteria for graduate EOF as long as they continue to demonstrate financial need. Graduate grants range from $200 annually to $4,350 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility. 

Graduate Student Eligibility

1. Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
2. Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
3. Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university
4. Must be a full-time graduate student as defined by the institution
5. Must meet the financial eligibility criteria as defined in the undergraduate section above
6. Must be in a degree/certificate program with a minimum requirement of 24 equivalent semester hours and be at least one academic year in duration.

Students should contact the EOF director at the institution of their interest for additional information. 

To view the EOF Income Eligibility Scale, please visit ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s EOF Website. 

Learn More about ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's EOF

Graduate students may choose to fund their education predominately from personal funds and resources or by taking out loans from private lending institutions (e.g., non-U.S. government loan programs).

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of education and the amount the Federal government allows you to borrow through its various loan programs. Private loans offered by private financial lenders (e.g., banks, savings and loans, etc.) do require some paperwork, but there are no Federal forms to complete. Some graduate students use private loans when they have an unexpected expense, then they need more flexible repayment options, or if Federal loans do not provide enough funding.

The public library and online sites are excellent resources for your search. Many companies and labor unions have programs to assist employees, members and dependents seeking graduate education. Opportunities may exist with foundations, religious organizations, fraternities or sororities, town or city clubs, community organizations and civic groups. Organizations and societies connected with the student's field of interest may also provide financial aid.

Veterans benefits may be available if the graduate student is a veteran or currently in the Reserves or National Guard. Children and spouses of veterans who are disabled or deceased as a result of serving in the military may also be eligible for educational assistance. For more information, contact the Veterans Affairs Office at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ (609) 652-4984, or the NJ Veterans Affairs Regional Office (800) 827-1000.