Unlike many of our peer programs, the Polymer Program supports incoming Ph.D. students for the first academic year on the program funds, allowing them to focus on core courses before taking on challenging research.

Nearly all full-time Ph.D. students in the program receive financial aid in the form of fellowships and graduate assistantships supported by the state, industry, and the federal government. Master’s degree students are usually not financially supported.

Graduate Assistantship

The Graduate Assistantship 9-month stipend for the 2026-2027 academic year:

• $29,883.56 for students with a bachelor’s degree
• $31,444.92 for students with a master’s degree

Summer – Students can receive additional funding during the summer, as much as $9,500

Tuition

Graduate Assistantships receive full tuition waivers and highly subsidized health insurance.

Fellowships

Fellowships are available for exceptional students at recommendation of Polymer Faculty.

Current Students

• Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship is a supplemental fellowship available from the graduate school
• GAANN Fellowship is funded by the U.S. department of Education and issued by the Polymer Program to support domestic students

Incoming Students

• The Graduate School sometimes offers fellowship support for incoming students. Please review their website to learn more.