Graduate Assistantships (GAs) provide graduate students with valuable professional experience while supporting their academic and research goals. In these positions, students contribute to the university through teaching, research, or service work, and in return receive financial support in the form of a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance coverage.
How to Apply
Graduate Assistantships are competitive and awarded by individual departments, programs, and university units.
Because each area manages its own GA application process, the best way to learn about available opportunities is to contact the department or program administrators directly. They can provide details about current or upcoming openings and guide you through their specific application procedures. You can find contact information for your degree program on our Find Your Degree webpage.
Types of Assistantships
1. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs)
Support classroom instruction, grading, lab supervision, or tutoring under faculty supervision. GTAs are generally paid a salary and are exempt from overtime, though some positions may be hourly.
2. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)
Assist faculty or departments with sponsored research projects or creative activities. GRAs are paid a salary and are not eligible for overtime pay.
3. Graduate Service Assistantships (GSAs)
Support university offices, programs, or initiatives that enhance academic and student services. GSAs may be subject to tax withholding of tuition benefits.
Compensation and Benefits
Stipend
A Graduate Assistantship provides a stipend, paid in the form of a salary, in exchange for assigned duties, which may include teaching, research, or service work.
- A full assistantship is based on a 20-hour-per-week appointment (0.5 FTE).
- A partial assistantship is based on a 10-hour-per-week appointment (0.25 FTE).
Minimum salary rates are set each academic year by the university, and actual amounts may vary by department or position.
Tuition and Fees
Full assistantships include a full tuition waiver, including non-resident fees, for the duration of the appointment.
Partial assistantships include a half tuition waiver, including non-resident fees, for the duration of the appointment.
Health Insurance
GAs are automatically enrolled in the Graduate Assistant health insurance plan, with monthly premiums paid by the university during the appointment period.
Employment Dates
Standard appointments cover the academic year (August-May), while some programs offer 12-month assistantships.
GAs are considered non-benefit-eligible employees and do not receive leave of absence, holiday pay, sick leave, or vacation pay.
Supervision and Mentorship
Each Graduate Assistant works under the guidance of a supervisor and a faculty advisor, who may be the same person or different individuals. Together, they serve as your mentors and help you develop professional, scholarly, and ethical skills relevant to your field.
Supervisor: A university employee responsible for assigning, directing, and evaluating the work for which you are paid.
Advisor: A member of the graduate faculty who provides academic guidance and support related to your degree program.