Graduate Funding

Graduate Funding & Benefits

TA/RA APPOINTMENTS

Year 1:

  • All first-year graduate students serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for the fall and spring semesters of year one in the program. Ìý

Year 2 (and beyond):

  • Graduate students may either serve as a TA or Research Assistant (RA). ÌýRA appointments are made at the discretion of the PI/advisor and are subject to available funding (see "funding" section).

FUNDING

The department is pleased to provide competitive stipends for students appointed on TA & RA contracts. Ìý

Below are the rates for 50% appointments for the 2024/2025 academic year:
(Note: A 50% appointment is considered "full time" for graduate students.)

  • Fall: $13,684.50
  • Spring: $13,684.50
  • Summer: $9,123.00
  • Graduate School Fellowship: $2,500.00 (first-year students only)

TOTAL for academic year = $38,992.00

Please note that while the department intends to support students through TA/RA appointments (i.e., graduate stipends), funding is not guaranteed at any point during the PhD program.Ìý

TUITION REMISSION

Did you know that graduate students on full (50%) appointments receive complete tuition remission?

What is tuition remission??

Tuition remission is a benefit that covers some or all of a student's tuition costs.

Tuition Remission

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FEE WAIVERS

As a graduate student, you’ll benefit from the waiver of nearly all mandatory fees, resulting in a significant reduction in out-of-pocket costs.

That's right! ÌýThanks to the efforts of the United Campus Workers (UCW), the union petitioned the university to remove mandatory fees, and in 2019, the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoard of Regents approved relief of those fees. ÌýTo learn more about the UCW and how you can get involved, visit .

Fee waivers apply to all students on a 20% (or greater) TA/RA appointment.

INSURANCE

Need insurance? ÌýWe've got you covered.

The Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is an insurance plan designed specifically for Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder students. Ìý

This plan is administered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and provides medical, mental health, and prescription coverage.

Graduate students on TA/RA appointments 20% or greater who enroll in SHIP receive a subsidy of approximately 90% of the cost of the insurance which is automatically applied to the student's account, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of approximately $220 per semester or $440 per academic year (based on 2025-2026 rates).

Additionally, all graduate students on TA/RA appointments 20% or greater automatically receive complimentary dental insurance whether enrolled in SHIP or not. Ìý

Have your own insurance? ÌýThat's okay too!

If you’re covered under another insurance plan (e.g., through a parent/guardian, spouse, or partner), you may opt out of the Anthem Gold plan. Verify with your provider that your coverage remains valid in Colorado, as some regional or state-specific plans may not apply once you relocate. ÌýRemember that you will still receive complimentary dental insurance if you are on a TA/RA appointment 20% or greater.

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