Financial Support

All students admitted to the Ph.D. program are funded with a combination of a teaching and/or research assistantship, and/or fellowship, in addition to a tuition waiver and health benefits. In general, support at the MS level is only available to US citizens and permanent residents. There is no financial support for Plan B MS students.

Graduate Assistantships: Half-time graduate assistantships for incoming students carry an annual stipend ranging from approximately $19,020 to $21,492. In addition, nine credits of tuition are waived for all graduate assistants in the fall and spring semesters; four credits are waived for summer semester. Health insurance is provided for all graduate assistants. Except for students on a fellowship, most students are given a teaching assistantship appointment during the first semester and switched to a research assistantship appointment after they select a research advisor in the fall. The duties for research assistantships consist of working on a research project, which is used for the MS or Ph.D. thesis. Continued support is contingent on making satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Fellowships: Several university fellowships available for outstanding students are: The University Distinguished Fellowship, the University Enrichment Fellowship, the Academic Achievement Graduate Assistantships (AAGA), and the Graduate Office Fellowship. Specific details are found on the Graduate School web page.

Housing

Owen Graduate Center : This is an on-campus residence hall that offers comfortable accommodations for graduate students in an atmosphere conducive to advanced study and exchange of ideas. Rooms are generally designed for single occupancy, although there are a limited number of double rooms. Rates are $3,328 per semester for a designated single room and $2,954 per semester for a permanent single room. Each rate includes $300.00 for a prepaid meal plan.

University Apartments : Three university apartment complexes are available. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $587/month ($630 for a remodeled unit); and the cost of a two-bedroom apartment is $650/month ($699 for a remodeled unit).

Off-campus housing : Apartments are available at a wide range of monthly rates. An up-to-date listing may be obtained from Off-Campus Housing, 101 Student Services, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (517-355-8303).

To obtain additional information see MSU's University Housing website, and for Current Housing Rates. (All housing costs stated are subject to change without notice. Please contact the appropriate source for current rates.) Mailing address: Housing Services Office, Michigan State University, 100 University Housing Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1231. Telephone: 517-355-9550; FAX: 517-432-2093.