Graduate Funding and Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is the University launching this new framework?

Graduate students are integral members of the University's intellectual community and this initiative underscores the institution's ongoing dedication to cultivating the next generation of pioneering scholars, as seen in Preeminence 2030: North Carolina A&T Blueprint. Amidst heightened national interest in graduate student aid and mounting concerns for student wellbeing, this new framework will empower graduate students to concentrate on coursework, creative endeavors, research, publishing, patents, and other academic pursuits.

2. What is the new framework?

Doctoral and master's degree students, serving as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), will receive a stipend, tuition, and health insurance as part of their funding packages. Doctoral students, will receive a one-year funding commitment, that can be extended for up to two years, with a minimum stipend of $20,000 per academic year. Master's degree students, serving as GTAs, will receive a one-year funding commitment with a minimum stipend of $16,000 per academic year. Both doctoral and master's degree students receive tuition coverage for full-time enrollment and health insurance premium payments for the student health insurance plan.

3. When will the new funding framework start?

Implementation of the new funding model will begin in the Fall of 2024, at 50% coverage or supporting approximately 100 GTAs. By the 2025-2026 academic year we will support approximately 200 GTAs under this new model. This amount of support will remain, with the goal of increasing the number of supported GTAs and years of support, based on funds available.

4. Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the new process?

Please contact your graduate program coordinator with questions. If further clarification is needed, please contact The Graduate College at gradfunding@ncat.edu.

5. What are the types of funding available to graduate students?

Fellowships are an award that financially supports students, these are based on merit or academic performance and provide more money than most scholarships. These are typically from sources outside of the university.
Graduate Research or Teaching Assistantships provide a salary for teaching or assisting with teaching. Your department and graduate program director can help you identify assistantship opportunities.
Tuition Remission – Please see your program coordinator for more information.
Scholarships, may be need and merit based scholarships are provided to students who file a FAFSA form. Many of these are awarded the Financial Aid Office or through your College.
External funding is also available through many local, state, and federal agencies. All graduate students are encouraged to apply for these opportunities. A partial list of these opportunities may be found on our external funding page.

6. How do I obtain a graduate teaching or research assistantship?

Students who complete their application for admission on or prior to the priority deadline, will automatically be considered for funding opportunities. Additional opportunities that have separate applications may be found on our funding website.

7. Are all graduate students eligible for federal financial aid?

Domestic students may submit a FAFSA to be considered for support from the Federal Direct Loan Program. Graduate students may also be eligible for a Graduate PLUS Loan after they have exhausted Federal Direct Loans. International students can explore student loans from reputable providers.

8. Will every student be funded at the funding levels in this framework?

It is our aspirational goal to cover every graduate student at North Carolina A&T. However, currently only a portion of qualified students will be supported as GTAs.

9. Where can I find the funding and support that I have been awarded?

Aggie Access is the system where you can view your assistantships and funding offers/awards. Students should expect to receive an offer letter and must sign a graduate student contract prior to the award being posted in Aggie Access.

10. With the recent policy changes to the funding, what does this mean for my funding? How much are the new stipend levels?

The total amount of funding, tuition, stipend, and allowable fees is called your “compensation package”. Compensation packages for each graduate program and academic year are determined annually by The Graduate College and academic colleges.

Doctoral Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs): doctoral student support will be paid by The Graduate College, and include tuition in the amount for a full time student, health insurance, and a nine month stipend at a minimum of $20,000. This package is a one-year commitment that can be renewed for a maximum of two years.
Master's Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs): masters student support will be paid by The Graduate College, and include tuition in the amount for a full time student, health insurance, and a nine month stipend at a minimum of $16,000. This package is a one-year funding commitment.

11. Can Graduate Certificate programs receive federal financial aid?

Many of our graduate certificate programs qualify for federal financial aid. If you are interested in receiving a federal loan to fund your graduate certificate expenses, please visit studentaid.gov and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, please check with your graduate program coordinator first to ensure that your specific program qualifies.

12. How much are tuition and fees for each semester?

You can find out the current cost of attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University by visiting the Treasurrer's Office Website. Tuition and fees are determined by the North Carolina legislature and are subject to change each year.

13. Is there any emergency assistance for graduate students in need of additional financial support?

The Graduate College does not provide additional emergency financial assistance.

14. Are there other opportunities for student support at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University?

Students may visit Handshake to view and apply for various jobs available on campus. Various departments have several student wage positions available.

15. Does the funding framework include 100% coverage for tuition?

Under the framework, GTAs will receive 100% coverage for tuition.

16. Do students still have to pay other portions or fees not covered?

Yes, students are responsible for covering any remaining portions of tuition, fees, or health insurance not covered by this plan. Other sources of funding include scholarships, external fellowships, and support from the student’s adviser, program, or college.

17. Will the stipend amount ever change?

It is expected that the framework will be revisited every two years. At that time, levels of support will be reviewed and adjusted if necessary.

18. Is any of the funding taxable under the new framework?

The new framework has not changed anything related to tax law. As has always been the case, we suggest students consult with a tax advisor who can provide specific advice for individual situations.

19. Are students required to graduate in a specific time frame?

The new framework does not change rules regarding time limits on degree. Please be sure to consult the graduate catalog for details regarding time limits.