Financial Support

A. Graduate Teaching Assistantships.—Graduate teaching assistantships (TA) with stipends are available to qualified students. To be considered for a TA, please indicate your desire on the department’s Application to the Graduate Program. Stipends are $10,000 for a 9-month period (distributed over 8 months). Students awarded a teaching assistantship are generally supported (during fall and spring semesters) for two years contingent on successful teaching and progress in the program. After two years, students may be considered for additional support, however it is not guaranteed and will be based on availability.
A limited number of teaching assistantships may be available during the summer term. To be considered for a summer teaching assistantship, you must submit an application to the TA Coordinator (Ms. Jessica Coleman) and/or the Chairman of the Biology Department (Dr. Don Killebrew). Successful prior teaching experience is important for these limited assignments.

B. Tuition Waivers.—Students awarded a teaching assistantship are eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver. In-state tuition for a full-time graduate student (9 credit hours) is $1,727 (as of Fall 2006). Additional course fees may be applied.

C. Scholarships.—A limited number of scholarships are available for graduate students. The New Graduate Student Scholarship is typically $500 per semester and is awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. The application deadline for the New Graduate Student Scholarship is April 1 for the fall semester, however you are strongly encouraged to apply for this scholarship as soon as your application materials have been submitted. Graduate scholarships may be renewable, and may require submission of an application prior to each semester. An online application for Graduate Student Scholarships are available on the University’s Scholarship webpage.

D. Grant Support.—Additional financial support may be available through research grants directed by faculty members. To inquire about financial support from research grants, please contact individual faculty members.

E. Student Loans.—Student loans are available to qualified students. Application information for student loans is available on the University’s Office of Financial Aid website or by calling a financial aid counselor at 903-566-7180. We encourage you to contact a financial aid counselor to determine sources of financial aid available.