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 CU Board 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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ 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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