Graduate Assistantships

The College of Engineering offers a select number of competitive assistantship positions each academic year that are either teaching or research oriented. Doctoral students receive first priority for assistantship openings. Rarely, but on occasion, select departments offer assistantships at the Master's level. For more information, inquire with the department offering your program of interest.

New students who receive assistantship support are typically notified during the admissions process. Continuing students are also eligible for new or renewed assistantship support each year, in accordance with university and departmental policies. Assistantships are awarded based on academic performance and adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the University Bulletin. Students who receive a Graduate Assistantship are advised to review the policies and procedures regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and to maintain eligibility.

Graduate Assistantships in the College of Engineering are most commonly issued for a full 12-month period in relation to the academic year. These awards cover full-time course tuition plus standard fees, while also offering a competitive stipend. Partial assistantships may also occur based on departmental need or other circumstances.

Self-funded or partially-funded students seeking external need-based aid often explore options including: the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program, institutional or private loans, campus work-study or part-time hourly positions, current employer support, or private and governmental scholarships.

Additional information on funding graduate studies is available on the VCU Graduate School website. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may also explore need-based financial aid by way of the Federal Student Aid FAFSA Form or by visiting the VCU Student Financial Services website.