Since the department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to the success of its incoming graduate students, several financial aid packages are available to give maximum support to students so that they can pursue their academic work free from financial problems. Incoming students are usually assigned as teaching assistants (TA), and in some special cases as research assistant (RA). In addition, all regular teaching and research assistants are granted a full tuition waiver by the University.

Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistants receive a stipend for the nine month academic year that is at a level competitive with most other U.S. institutions. A full TA is expected to work 18 - 20  hours weekly, which includes preparation for teaching, classroom teaching, grading, etc.

Research Assistant
Research Assistant-ships are generally awarded to advanced students. Their financial award is  comparable with the TA stipend. The RA position allows the student the opportunity to pursue  research full time. Since the RA position is so fundamental to the graduate experience, it is  department policy to strongly encourage all students to apply for an RA position by the end of their second year of studies.

O.M. Stewart Summer Scholarships
Several O.M. Stewart Summer Scholarships of up to $3,000 are available to students who are enrolled eight weeks during summer session working on a research project with a faculty advisor and/or taking courses.

Other Awards for Excellence
Other awards for excellence in teaching or research by a graduate student may be given by the Graduate School upon nomination by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

For financial aid application forms or deadlines, please see