Financing Graduate Study

Graduate studies at Stanford is expensive. But don’t let Stanford’s high tuition deter you. Many people don’t realize that graduate education is in their reach. Stanford has resources to help you find the necessary funding.

Types of Funding

Graduate students finance their graduate studies through a combination of financial support from:

• Research and teaching assistantships (work on campus that is directly related to students’ academic work)
• University fellowships
• External financial support awarded to students directly by foundations and government agencies (requiring that students apply directly)
• Jobs on or off campus unrelated to students’ academic work
• Loans
• Other personal resources, like savings or tuition subsidy from an employer.

What Does Stanford Provide?

Financial support varies considerably among departments, schools, and programs. Academic merit and availability of funds are the primary considerations in the awarding of graduate financial support.

Generally:

• Master’s students usually do not receive funding. Most fund tuition and expenses through savings or loans. Fellowships and assistantships are rarely given to students enrolled in master’s programs.
• Professional students (J.D, M.B.A., M.D.) often rely on loans. Financial aid for professional programs is managed through the financial aid offices of the law, business, and medical schools.
• Doctoral students are usually offered a funding package that includes tuition and a stipend for living expenses for four to five years.

Prospective students are encouraged to discuss how similarly situated students fund graduate studies. Ask in the department to which you are applying. Specific terms of financial support are explained in the admissions letter sent to each student by the department.

Want to Know More?

• What does graduate education at Stanford cost?
• Funding sources
• Financial aid offices and school-based resources