Funding Your Graduate Studies

Binghamton University offers an excellent graduate education at an affordable price. It has been recognized by such national publications as Money and U.S. News & World Report for offering superior programs at a cost significantly below the private, ivy-caliber universities to which it compares. Binghamton's low cost of living, affordable housing, and urban/rural environment make it an excellent location for graduate study.

  • To see how Binghamton's cost of living compares with other university cities, click here.
  • For a summary of a recent survey of graduate students' average costs, click here.

Assistantships

Over 500 graduate/teaching assistantships are awarded each year. Assistantships provide competitive stipends and may include tuition scholarships.

Graduate/Teaching assistants are expected to work approximately 15-20 hours/week during the semester. Graduate assistants (GAs) complete research and/or provide administrative aid within their graduate discipline. Teaching assistants (TAs) provide some type of classroom support, either by teaching, leading discussion sections, grading, or preparing classroom materials. Graduate Programs award stipends on a competitive basis, with academic merit the primary criterion.

To apply for a graduate/teaching assistantship, check the appropriate box on the graduate application form.

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Research Assistantships

Another 150 or more research assistants are supported through grant funding. Research project assistants (RPAs) are normally provided an academic-year (ten-month) stipend ranging from $7,000-$30,000 and may include a tuition scholarship. RPAs also work approximately 15-20 hours/week on research.

RPAs are selected by the graduate program using the same criterion as is used for selecting GA/TAs. All students who check the request for support box on the graduate application will be considered for RPA positions as well as TA/GA positions. However, students interested in RPA positions should make contacts with faculty members who administer grants.

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University Fellowships

Several fellowship opportunities exist for graduate students at Binghamton University. Fellowship recipients are normally provided with an academic-year stipend plus a full or partial tuition scholarship. Normally fellowships do not have any work requirements; however, there are curriculum and academic program expectations.

The Clifford D. Clark Graduate Fellowship Program for Diversity

The Clifford D. Clark Graduate Fellowship for Diversity is named for a former president of the university (1975-1990), and is funded by the State University of New York and an endowment fund. Clark Fellowships are merit-based and designed to recruit and support students who have been admitted to graduate study and contribute to the diversity of the student body in the graduate program in which enrollment is sought. The funding package includes an academic year stipend, full tuition scholarship, health insurance, a guaranteed award period (with satisfactory academic progress), research and travel opportunities, and other benefits.

Candidates for a Clark Fellowship must:

  • Be US citizens or have permanent resident status
  • Be newly admitted to a graduate program
  • Demonstrate how they will contribute to the diversity of the student body in their program

For full details (including procedures for nomination, stipend levels, award period, etc.), visit the Clark Fellowship web page.


The Dr. Bhagwan Gajwani Fellowship

The Dr. Bhagwan Gajwani Fellowship was established in 1998 by Dr. Bhagwan Gajwani with two purposes:

  • To promote educational and cultural relationships between Binghamton University(State University of New York) and the Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda, Gujarat, India.
  • To help students from Dr. Gajwani's homeland develop the expertise and skills to enhance the quality of life for the people of India.

The scholarship is awarded annually to selected graduates of MSU who have fulfilled the admissions requirements of Binghamton University and are accepted into a master's program in one of the following fields:

  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering

The Gajwani Fellowship provides a stipend of $10,000 for the academic year and a full tuition scholarship (valued at $10,920 for the 2006-07 academic year; $11,340 for MBA students). These are intended to provide the opportunity for full-time graduate work and do not require the recipient to perform any service for the University.

Applicants must complete both the application for Graduate School admission and the Gajwani Fellowship application. For priority consideration, the Gajwani Fellowship Application should be submitted to the Graduate School by April 21.

Click here to learn more about recent Gajwani Fellows.


Binghamton University Foundation Fellowships

In addition to those fellowships made available through the Graduate School, the University also offers fellowships sponsored through the Binghamton University Foundation. Unlike scholarships, fellowships usually award full- or partial-tuition scholarships as well as stipends, and allow graduate students to do research within the department. Fellowship stipends are paid regularly throughout the academic year. Application, selection and notification of fellowships are made through sponsoring departments.

General

University Women Female Graduate Scholarship: Established in 2003 by the University Women's Club. Awarded annually to a full-time second-year female graduate student with academic merit and at least a 3.7 grade-point average. Renewable if the recipient continues to meet the criteria.
Application Form

Elizabeth A. Knapp Scholarship for Adult Women: Established in 1985 by colleagues of Elizabeth A. Knapp to honor her 19 years of service to the University. To assist non-traditional female students with demonstrated financial need, who have experienced delays pursuing their educations. Awarded to women at least 25 years of age, admitted to or currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, with planned enrollment of at least six credits per semester.

By the spring deadline, applicants must submit a completed Knapp Scholarship Application (including essay) to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Employment (Room SW-109). See the application for full scholarship and deadline information. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year must also be on file with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Employment by the application deadline.

Business/Management

Knaphle Scholarship in International Business: Established by Lawrence and Betty Knaphle. Awarded to full-time graduate students with academic merit studying international business in the School of Management. International students may be considered.

Chemistry

K. Keith Innes Summer Research Grant: Provides full funding for summer research using spectroscopy in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or other fields of chemistry, in this order of preference. Awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional ability, who is not fully funded for summer research and who has received the grant not more than once previously. Selection is made by the chemistry chair in conjunction with the physics chair.

Education

Edgar W. Couper Fellowships: Established in 1988 by family and friends in memory of Edgar W. Couper, a successful businessman and community leader who was committed to public education. Based on high academic standing. Awarded to full-time doctoral students in the EdD in Educational Theory and Practice Program.

Lyceum Graduate Assistantship: Established in 1997 by the Lyceum board of directors. Awarded to a full-time master's student in School of Education and Human Development to assist the Lyceum older adult learner program and the Lyceum coordinator. Preference is given to a student with experience in working or volunteering in programs with older adults.

Geraldine S. Weil Memorial Fellowship: Established in 1986 by John M. Weil in memory of his wife, an elementary school reading teacher who was committed to the development and education of young people. Given to a full-time student in the School of Education and Human Development master of science in education in reading/language arts program who plans to teach reading in the elementary schools.

English/Creative Writing

Marion Clayton Link Endowment in Creative Writing: Established in 1993 by family and friends in honor of Marion Clayton Link's lifetime interest in journalism. Provides support for an exemplary graduate student in the creative writing program.

Geography

Budin Assistantship: Established by Professor Emeritus Morris and Clara Budin '72 to provide a teaching assistantship and a tuition scholarship for a student studying urban geography and urban planning in the master's program. Based on academic merit.

History

Doctoral Research Grant in History: Established in 1991 by alumnus Barry Kramer '67, '72. Awarded annually to a graduate student in history at the doctoral level to support his or her research or writing activity. The recipient must have demonstrated potential for excellence as a scholar and teacher. The historical significance of the research is also taken into consideration.

Joan S. Dubofsky Doctoral Research Grant: Established in 1998 by Professor Melvyn Dubofsky in memory of his wife. Awarded annually in the spring semester to a graduate student at the doctoral level of history, to support his or her research or writing activity. The recipient must have demonstrated potential for excellence as a scholar and teacher.

Mathematics

Craig Squier Memorial Fellowship: Established in 1993 in honor of a former outstanding faculty member of the Mathematical Sciences Department. Awarded to a master's- or doctoral-level student in mathematical sciences.

Nursing

Dr. G. Clifford and Florence B. Decker Foundation Doctoral Nursing Fellowship: Established in 1999 to benefit Decker School of Nursing doctoral students. Awarded to full-time doctoral students committed to engage in dissertation research in the Broome County area with experience and interest in rural nursing practice. Recipients must have high academic achievement; demonstrated potential for excellence as a scholar, teacher and researcher; and a progressive record of continued development in nursing practice and scholarship.

Philosophy, Interpretation & Culture (PIC)

Stephen David Ross Fellowship in Philosophy, Interpretation, and Culture (PIC): Established by Stephen D. Ross. Awarded to a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in the doctoral program in philosophy, interpretation and culture.

Political Science

George L. Hinman Doctoral Fellowship in Public Policy: Established in honor of a former member of the State Board of Regents who was instrumental in the founding of Harpur College. Awarded to a student in the political science doctoral program.

Social Science

Ruthanne Koffman Master of Arts in Social Science Fellowship: Awarded to a full-time matriculated student in the master of arts in social science (MASS) program with demonstrated financial need. First preference is given to African American students, with second preference for other minority students.

Translation Studies

Marilyn Gaddis Rose Assistantship in Translation Studies: Established by Marilyn Gaddis Rose. Awarded to a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in translation studies.

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Tuition-Only Scholarships

Graduate Tuition Opportunity Program (U.S. citizens only)

The Graduate Tuition Opportunity Program (GTOP) pays tuition for qualified minority students enrolled in a graduate degree program. Former EOP or SEEK or HEOP students may qualify for tuition scholarships through this program. To print a copy of the application form, click here.

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Travel, Research, Other Funds

Loans

Federal financial aid (primarily loans for graduate students) is administered by the University's Office of Student Financial Aid and Employment. Their website provides a number of useful aids, including "Financial Aid 101" a beginner's guide to financial aid.

Two other useful sites for learning more about financial aid are:

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Loans for U.S. Citizens

Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available to graduate students at Binghamton University. To qualify, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. For complete details on loans, contact the Student Financial Aid Office at (607) 777-2428, or visit their website.

Subsidized Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based loans made directly to the student. The federal government pays the interest that accrues on the loan while the student is enrolled and during a six-month grace period afterward. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible. A maximum of $8,500 can be borrowed per academic year.

Unsubsidized Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non-need based. Students who meet general eligibility requirements and who are enrolled at least half time may qualify. The student is responsible for all interest that accrues while the student is enrolled.

Low-interest federal direct subsidized, unsubsidized, and nursing loans are available to graduate students who apply for financial aid. For more information regarding student loans, please contact the Student Financial Aid and Employment Office.

Start Today!

For domestic students and permanent residents, the first step in financing your graduate education is to complete the FAFSA. This should be done by March 1. It is easy to complete your FAFSA on line at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Blank FAFSAs are also available from high school guidance offices or college financial aid offices.

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Loans for International Students

Several U.S. lending institutions are now providing educational loans for international graduate students. Binghamton University is now partnering with Citibank to provide international student financing options. The CitiAssist alternative loan is a non-need-based loan available to all students enrolled at least half time. Students may defer principal and interest payments while in school plus a six-month grace period. The interest rate for this loan is set at Prime +.025% with no origination or disbursement fees. The maximum loan amount is the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid awarded. International students are required to have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer.

For more information, or to apply for a CitiAssist loan, call (800) 394-7580, or visit their website at www.studentloan.com.

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Employment

College Work Study (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents only)

Several federal Work-Study positions are available on campus for students who qualify on the basis of financial need. To apply, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and fill out The Graduate Work Study On-Line application. Work Study participants earn an hourly wage and can work up to 20 hours/week. Work Study positions may be accompanied by a partial tuition scholarship.

Adjunct Instructors

Graduate programs also employ advanced graduate students as adjunct instructors (lecturer/casual positions). Adjunct instructors are paid at varying rates, depending on teaching load.

Other Employment Opportunities

Employment on campus may also be available through student temporary services; these positions include various intern or casual appointments, usually working in administrative offices. These positions are not normally accompanied by a tuition scholarship. Both on- and off-campus employment opportunities also exist through the Financial Aid Office. For more information, visit the Student Employment Website.

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