Possible Sources of Funding for Your Graduate Education
Listed below are several sources of funding for your graduate education. Most of our graduate students create a package consisting of several sources of support. Please note that financial aid is available for degree-seeking students and some certificate programs.
A limited number of Graduate Scholar Awards are available each year to exceptionally qualified applicants to master's degree programs. Awards are made on a competitive basis. Please contact the program director in your area of interest for more information.
Departmental Awards
Some departments have additional sources of funds available in the form of scholarships and part-time employment for graduate students in their majors. Many faculty members have research grant funds available for hiring graduate research assistants. These often require that the assistant provide up to 20 hours/ week of service to the research project. Applicants should contact their major department to check for availability.
Financial Aid/Federal Loans
One of the most commonly used sources of support is the low-interest Federal Stafford Loan. To be eligible for federal funding, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled at least half time, and pursuing a degree or certificate program. Loan amounts depend upon several factors: enrollment status, need, and residency. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). For more information contact the Financial Aid web site at http://www.ecu.edu/financial/. Please note that financial aid is available only for degree seeking students.
The Graduate School provides resources to academic units to be used as graduate assistantships. These are awarded through most, but not all, of the graduate programs. The assistantships usually require that the student be enrolled full-time (i.e. at least 9 s.h.), and that the student provides up to 20 hours/ week of service to the program. However, the terms and requirements of the assistantships vary by the program, and therefore, the interested student should contact their respective graduate program director for more information. Both teaching and research assistantships may be available.
UNC Campus Scholarships
In the spirit of access, diversity, and opportunity, East Carolina University offers a limited number of UNC-Campus Scholarships to new or continuing doctoral graduate students with solid scholastic records and demonstrated financial need who are residents of North Carolina and come from underrepresented populations on the campus. The scholarship award is designed to assist in the diversification of the university’s graduate student body to include the presence of first generation college students, students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and traditionally underrepresented populations on our campus. The UNC Campus Scholarships will provide a minimum of $1000 per semester to selected students. No funds are normally available during summer sessions. For more information contact the Graduate School.
Out-of-State Tuition Waivers: Military
Military Personnel Stationed in N.C. and Their Dependents
According to N.C. General Statute 116-143.3 certain members of the armed services and their dependent relatives may be eligible to be charged a tuition rate less than the out-of-state rate whether or not they qualify as residents for tuition purposes. It is required that the member of the armed services and any dependent relative claiming the tuition waiver be living together in North Carolina, and that the member of the armed services have an assigned duty station in North Carolina. See the link about “Residency for Tuition Purposes” for more information.
Additional Sources of Financial Assistance
There are many other sources of support from federal grant programs, private foundations, professional associations, etc. One search engine that is often used to locate these sources is through the Community of Science (COS). The COS website is located at http: //www.cos.com/ . Below is a partial list of opportunities to consider.
