Financing Graduate Study at the University

The University at Albany has a significant variety of funding alternatives designed to provide opportunities for graduate degree students and potential graduate degree students to afford the higher education they seek. Given the breadth of graduate program offerings within our nine colleges and schools, there is no sole source for potential funding information. This page is intended to summarize funding opportunities so students may direct themselves accordingly.

Need-Based Programs

The University’s Office of Student Financial Services / Financial Aid administers a variety of federal, state and private aid programs on a calculated need basis. The need calculation along with program(s) information, forms, procedures, links and other relevant information are available at this office site and should be fully explored. In general, graduate level need-based aid is most typically offered via federal loan programs. To become eligible, students must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) be admitted to or matriculated in a degree program and be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per term or more). Other need-based funding programs may have additional or alternate eligibility requirements.

Merit-Based Programs

Academically competitive, merit-based awards are available in many graduate programs at the University, particularly though not exclusively for doctoral students, and are typically designed to support students engaged in full-time pursuit of the graduate degree. Assistantships provide a program-related practical teaching, research or administrative experience. In addition to the educational benefit afforded to appointed graduate assistants through the experience, assistantships provide a stipend in compensation for the teaching, research or administration service provided. Fellowships are awards providing a stipend, without service requirements, intended to allow for the graduate student to be exclusively engaged in his/her academic work. Tuition Scholarships are awards applied toward University tuition costs. The vast majority of assistantship, fellowship and tuition scholarship awards are administered directly in the University’s schools and colleges by faculty and staff in each academic program. Accordingly, inquiries regarding the availability and qualification for such awards should be directed to the academic department of interest. Prospective students seeking to apply for such awards should include the graduate assistantship/fellowship application form with the application for graduate study submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions, by the published deadline. Continuing graduate students should make direct application for funding with the academic department of enrollment. A small number of administrative assistantships and tuition scholarships are additionally available within University administrative/service offices and the Office of Residential Life. A roster and contact information for these positions may be viewed or printed from the link on this page.

Special Graduate Funding Opportunities and Programs

The SUNY System has graduate-funding programs aimed at broadening access to graduate education as well as insuring that the State of New York and society in general are enriched by the SUNY preparation of scholars and leaders from diverse backgrounds. The Graduate Tuition Opportunity Program (GTOP) provides support for full-time graduate education to individuals who graduated from New York State undergraduate institutions while participating in EOP, HEOP or SEEK programs. GTOP Applications may be submitted to the Office Academic Support Services. The SUNY Underrepresented Graduate Fellowship Program (UGFP) provides fellowship support for graduate full-time degree students from historically underrepresented populations. This program has been supplemented on the University at Albany campus and is administered through “targeted” awards within the schools and colleges as part of strategic enrollment plans for each program. Interested students should inquire and/or apply according to the procedures identified above for assistantships, fellowships and tuition scholarships.

External Funding Opportunities

Graduate student support funding may occasionally be secured from private programs and sponsors. The External Funding Opportunities link below provides a listing of known resources in this regard.


Financing Graduate Study Links

Office of Student Financial Services / Financial Aid

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

UAlbany Graduate Assistantship, Fellowship & Tuition Scholarship Guidelines for Students

New Applicant Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application Form

New Applicant Deadlines

Administrative (Non-Departmental) Assistantship Positions (PDF)

Tuition Scholarships

Tuition Scholarship Award Form

Graduate Tuition Opportunity Program (GTOP)

GTOP Application Form

GTOP Certification of Participation Eligibility Form

External Funding Opportunities