Fellowships, Scholarships, Assistantships

Financial Support

Financing graduate school is a major concern for most new students.  The following is a brief overview of financial options and opportunities for individuals.  References are also provided to find more detailed information on financial avenues.

Graduate and Research Assistantships

Most assistants work about 15 to 20 hours a week to help faculty in research and teaching responsibilities, assist with student advising, or assist in program administration.  Graduate assistants are also hired to help out with externally funded research, development, and training projects that are supported by government and private foundations.  Department chairs and program heads play a significant part in appointing graduate assistants and in keeping track of other assistantship opportunities in administrative offices and in externally funded grant and contract projects.

New students interested in assistantships should submit an application for an assistantship at the same time an application is submitted for admission.  Other resources include contacting the Department Chair of the Counseling/Counselor Education program or individual advisors for further information.  Often times, students find assistantships through the process of networking, by talking to other students and people outside the department as well.  All available assistantships must be advertised within the university.  The listing of available assistantships in the School of Education can be located in the Office of Human Resources, Education 4150, Bloomington, IN 47405-1006 (812-856-8055).  View assistantship openings.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are generally given to doctoral students.   The Student Academic Center does hire one or two master's level students a year with some previous teaching experience.  Teaching assistants usually receive a stipend and a full or partial scholarship.  Contact: Director, Student Academic Center, 316 N. Jordan Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-7705 (812-855-7313).  Information can also be received on the web at http://sac.indiana.edu/gradEmploy

Residential Life Positions

Financial help may be found through the Department of Residential Programs and Services.  This office often employs graduate students as residence advisors or coordinators, and has assistantship openings as well.  Students are paid monetarily or given free room and board.  Students interested in these types of positions are encouraged to apply early in the year.  Contact the Department of Residential Programs and Services at 801 North Jordan, Bloomington, IN 47405 or http://www.rps.indiana.edu/gadevspecialist.cfml or call (812) 855-1764 for more information.  

Fellowships and Scholarships

Educational Opportunity Fellowships are granted to a small number of students who have come from a background that has hindered their chances to fully develop scholastic potential.  Examples include students who have attended inadequate schools, have had to work excessively while attending school, or who come from social and economically disadvantaged situations which have made acquiring an education difficult.  To qualify for this fellowship, a person must be: 1) admitted for or continuing with full-time graduate study at the master's or doctoral level; 2) a U. S. citizen or permanent resident; 3) in acute financial need; 4) a student of promising academic ability; 5) a student who is not eligible for the normal kind of fellow support which is based on demonstrated academic excellence.  Educational Opportunity Fellowship stipends are usually $750 per academic year and $350 for a summer award.

Minority Fellowships provide funding to assist incoming and continuing under represented minority students who are pursuing full-time study at either the master's or doctoral level.  A candidate must be: 1) a student of promising academic merit and ability; 2) a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and 3) African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Alaskan native, or Puerto Rican.

To find out more information regarding either the Educational Opportunity Fellowship or Minority Fellowships.  Information may be found at  http://www.indiana.edu/~grdschl/educational-opportunity-fellowship.php

International Student Awards may be available for international students who qualify.  Information about international student awards may be obtained from the Office of International Services, Franklin Hall 306, Bloomington, IN 47405-2801 (812-855-9086) or http://www.indiana.edu/~intlserv/

Hourly Positions

Graduate students may be hired for hourly positions in academic and administrative offices to perform the same functions as graduate and research assistants.  Hourly workers do not typically receive a fee scholarship. 

Student Loans

Student Loans are another popular way of receiving assistance for your education.  Such loans are available under the Perkins National Direct Student Loan Program from which individuals can borrow up to $1,500 per academic year, and the Stafford Guaranteed Student Loan program which students can borrow up to $7,500 per academic year.  For information regarding student loans contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Franklin Hall 208, Bloomington, IN 47405-2801 (812-855-0321) or www.indiana.edu/~sfa/.   Students at IUPUI should check with the Financial Aid Office in CA 103 (317-274-4162)or http://www.iupui.edu/~finaid.

GradGrants Center

The GradGrants Center is a free service that assists enrolled graduate students in finding money for research or study.  Although the center focuses primarily on locating funds for student doctoral dissertations, graduate students at the master's level are eligible for funding as well.  The center may help students find paid summer internships, research opportunities, or special prizes that can assist in financing graduate school.  For information contact GradGrants Center at the Main Library, Research Collection Room 1952E Bloomington, IN 47405 (812)-855-5281.  You can also visit them on their website at http://www.indiana.edu/~gradgrnt/

Graduate and Professional Student Organization (GPSO)

The IUB GPSO (Graduate and Professional Student Organization) serves over 8000 graduate and professional students at IU-Bloomington by providing academic support, community, advocacy, and graduate resources. Their website is: http://www.indiana.edu/~gpso/index.php 

*Students may also wish to consult the Graduate Bulletin of the School of Education for further information on Financial Assistance.