Paying for Grad School

Pursuing an advanced degree can be both exciting and challenging. At UTC, we’re committed to providing a high-quality and high-value education. Explore the info below to learn about resources that can help make graduate school more affordable.

Graduate Assistantships 

General Assistantship Information

Assistantships serve to facilitate graduate students in the prompt and successful completion of an advanced degree program and to provide work experience in a setting under the supervision of a faculty or administrative mentor.

A full-time graduate assistant (GA) will work, on average, 20 hours a week (equivalent to a half-time employee). Therefore, they should not be scheduled for more than 20 hours of work each week (see work assignments below). A part time graduate assistant (GA) will work, on average, 10 hours a week. Therefore, they should not be scheduled for more than 10 hours of work each week (see work assignments below). Over the course of a semester, a full time GA will work at most 280 total hours; while a part time GA will work at most 140 total hours. This is based on a 14 week semester.

GA positions are not to be used to mimic real-world working hours upon employment in the field of the graduate degree. Internships and practica should be used in these situations.

Funding

Graduate assistants (GAs) are provided a salary on a regular periodic basis as compensation for the service provided each term of the appointment and provided a waiver of the associated maintenance fees . Full-time awards include a $4,500 stipend and maintenance fee waiver (9 hrs) per semester for the fall and spring semesters.  The out-of-state tuition for full time graduate assistants is automatically waived for student's enrolled credit hours.  One-half time graduate assistant awards include a $2,250 stipend and maintenance fee waiver for 4.5 credit hours.  For part-time graduate students the out of state tuition is not fully waived. International students also have International tuition.  It is compensated similar to out-of-state tuition. Full-time international GA students are waived the international tuition, while part-time international GA students are not fully waived). Graduate assistantships awarded in the summer would have a prorated stipend and maintenance waiver.

  
Students will be responsible for paying all other fees. This includes course fees beyond those fees that are customarily included in courses, for example - differential tuition fees, online course fees offered through New College or coded as X2.

The minimum stipend amount is set by the university and must be adhered to for university-funded and externally funded GA positions. Only when an external funding source has, in writing, a stipend amount lower than the university amount will the lesser amount be allowed. Stipend amounts from external sources can be established at a higher dollar amount as long as reasonable and aligned with market and competition.
 

GA Applications

To apply for a graduate assistantship, contact the department where the assistantship resides. Some departments or colleges have a separate graduate assistantship application other than the General application.

Graduate Assistantship Application (General)
Graduate Assistantship Application (College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies)
Graduate Assistantship Application (Gary W. Rollins College of Business)
*Graduate Assistantship Application (College of Engineering and Computer Science)

The following information applies to University-funded graduate assistantships. Departments and programs awarding graduate assistantships funded from sources external to the University may have different stipulations in the length of time a graduate assistantship can be held and the dollar amount of the stipend; however, externally-funded assistantships must adhere to all other University regulations governing assistantships. Externally-funded graduate assistantships must include a tuition waiver.

*To apply for the College of Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Assistantship, click the link above and it will take you to the UTC Application Portal. You will use the same email address and password as you used to complete your admissions application to UTC. Once logged in, select the blue button that says, "Other Applications" and you will see the option to select "Graduate Assistantship Application" from that drop down.
 

Non-Academic Dept. Assistantship Job Postings

Complete a graduate assistantship application and submit it to the appropriate department. 
If you have questions on the qualifications and responsibilities detailed for a specific position, contact the person listed on the position description for additional information.

How to Apply

Individuals interested in applying should submit a cover letter addressed to the supervisor of the preferred position(s) and resume. Submit a separate cover letter for each non-academic GA position for which you apply.

See more details about graduate assistantships here – https://www.utc.edu/research/graduate-school/student-resources/graduate-assistantships 
 

Scholarships

Graduate School Scholarship Opportunities

• Elwell Family Scholarship in Graduate Studies is for a student that has exhibited substantial leadership experience and successful academic performance. Recipient must be currently enrolled or fully admitted into a major in the UTC Graduate School; financial need may be a consideration.
• Geraghty Scholarship is for a student in the M.B.A. program. Preference is given to applicants without an undergraduate degree in business.
• The Graduate School Scholarship recognizes a student in any discipline who has need and demonstrates merit.
• John Dyer – for MPA students with academic merit and financial need (must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA).
• Welter – for students are single parents with academic merit

Apply for these Graduate School Scholarships using the application buttons below. Applicants may apply to all opportunities for which they are eligible.

*Application Deadline: Feb 15th. 

UTC Users Scholarship Application

For current students and applicants with a valid UTC User ID, please submit the application below. If prompted, log in with your UTC ID and password.

Non-User Scholarship Application

For applicants without a UTC ID, please submit the application below. Click the "Create a New Account" link to create an account with Next Gen Dynamic Forms. Then activate your account by clicking a link in the e-mail sent to the e-mail you provided. After activating your account, you will be logged in and after clicking the "Continue" button you will be directed to the form you requested.

UTC Financial Aid Scholarships

• Charles Foundation Scholarships are available to select full-time students in engineering or education.
• Fincannon Scholarships are awarded to previously married and widowed persons, male or female, who are not currently married.
• Finley Scholarships are awarded to eligible students that are single parents.
• Lebovitz Scholarships are awarded to eligible students of the Jewish faith. 
   

More scholarship opportunities may be available. Learn more and apply for these scholarships through UTC’s Financial Aid office. 

Other UTC Scholarship Opportunities

Various UTC colleges and academic programs also offer additional scholarship opportunities. 

• Music performance grants are available for the bands, singing groups and orchestra. Applications are made to the head of the Music Division.
• The Radin Scholarship is awarded to students in the liberal arts. Learn more and apply here.
• Community Development Work Study Program Fellowships are awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to students with economic need majoring in Public Administration. *These fellowships are available only when UTC receives funding.
• Criminal Justice Department Scholarship, The Graduate Doc Schettler Scholarship provides a maximum of $3,000 annually to a fully admitted student to the Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. Learn more and apply here. 

Please note this is not an exhaustive list. There are other awards and scholarships offered by individual colleges, departments and programs. Please contact the appropriate program coordinator for more information on those opportunities. You can find those program contacts on our Graduate Programs Page. 
 

TN Hope Expansion

Qualifying students can use remaining TN HOPE Scholarship eligibility to pursue an advanced degree!

Students who are eligible for the TN HOPE Scholarship in Fall'23 and thereafter, can receive the scholarship until the first of the following terminating events happen:

• You have earned an advanced degree; OR
• Five (5) years have passed from the date of initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution. 

NOTE: To Continue Eligibility while pursuing an advanced degree, continuous enrollment each fall & spring is required. For more information on this program, visit the official TN Student Assistance Corporation website. If you have questions about your TN HOPE eligibility towards your advanced degree, please email [email protected].
 

Regional Tuition Credit 

Regional Tuition Credit

Regional tuition credit applies to students who are residents of Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties in Georgia and Jackson County in Alabama. 

Qualifying students receive a 50% discount off the out-of-state tuition amount. See the UTC fee schedule for other required fees and costs. 

Please submit the Regional Tuition Discount Application to [email protected]
 

Work Rule Program

In the event you are not eligible to be reclassified to in-state, the Work Rule Program (section 4, paragraph 3) may be an option for you. The Work Rule Program is designed for part-time students who are employed full-time in Tennessee to have the out-of-state tuition waived for up to a maximum of eight (8) credit hours per semester. After you've been admitted, just submit a letter from your employer on company letter head to the UTC Graduate School stating that you are a full-time employee.

Military Exception

Military personnel, their spouses, or unemancipated persons stationed in the state of Tennessee will be classified out-of-state but will not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. Please complete the Residency Exception Form and provide a copy of active military identification card or D.D. Form 214.

Residency Details

Review the In-State Residency Regulations here. Students who believe they have been classified as out-of-state students incorrectly are required to complete the petition and turn in supporting documentation for review. Please submit the Petition for In-State Residency PDF to [email protected].

Military Benefits

Please visit the Veteran and Military Affairs office for info on the G.I. Bill and other scholarships and aid benefits available to current military members, veterans and their dependents. 

Employee Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is an employee benefit through which an employer pays for a predetermined amount of continuing education credits or college coursework to be applied toward a degree. These programs are intended for employees hoping to advance their education as it relates to their current career track, offering the chance to increase their industry knowledge and develop advanced skills.

While specific program policy details differ by organization, here are a few commonalities to keep in mind.
 

Tuition Reimbursement Requirements 

Tuition reimbursement programs often come with employee and coursework eligibility requirements. Your employer’s program eligibility requirements may differ from the samples provided here.

Program Requirements 

• An annual reimbursement limit may be assigned per employee based on their current job title or position. Employer tuition assistance usually won’t cover the entire cost of a degree program, but it can make a major difference in your ability to pay for school.
• Reimbursement may be limited to a specific list of accredited institutions.

Coursework Requirements

• Eligible coursework is often limited to subjects related to your current job.
• Employers may require that employees earn a specific grade—such as a “B” or higher—to qualify for tuition reimbursement.

Timeframe Requirements

• Employers might require that employees remain employed for a specified period after completing the coursework before the reimbursement payment is processed. The period can range anywhere from a few months to several years.

How to Get Started

1. Request a copy of the tuition assistance policy and read the fine print. You’ll want to identify any program requirements and limitations before you enroll in classes.
2. Communicate with your HR representative about your educational goals
   1. Let your HR representative know that you plan to pursue a graduate degree. They can assist you with getting the most out of your company’s tuition reimbursement program.
3. Find out what signatures are required.
   1. In most cases, prior approval is required from your employer before enrollment. You’ll also want to confirm whether your employer requires you to remain employed for a specified period after the course is completed. Make sure you check with HR so you’re not left with unexpected tuition obligations.
      Some employers may also require you to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before submitting a request for reimbursement. This encourages employees to exhaust other options before applying for tuition reimbursement. It’s important to clarify these details beforehand.
4. Follow up on the paperwork.
   1. Make sure you submit the required paperwork to your employer before classes begin. Once classes are completed, ensure the necessary documentation for reimbursement is processed promptly.
   2. Keep in mind, your current employer may not advertise the availability of their program, so be sure to connect with your human resources department. Even companies without formal tuition reimbursement programs may consider offering these benefits on a case-by-case basis.

External Grants & Aid 

Federal Grants and Scholarships

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Graduate fellowships for beginning and first-year graduate students. The areas of study for these programs include physical, biological, social and behavioral sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Visit the DHS Student and Recent Graduates Scholarship page for or more information.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – The U.S. Department of Energy provides various fellowships opportunities for graduate students.

National Science Foundation (NSF) – The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program is open to applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. at the time of application. The three-year awards are intended for students at or near the beginning of graduate study. The second and third years of the award are contingent upon satisfactory progress and availability of funds. Visit the NSF GRFP page for more information.

The Jacob Javits Fellowship Program is a grant program for students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Foundation Grants and Fellowships

Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation – The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation has awarded fellowships for graduate study since 1945.

The Fulbright Program – The Fulbright Program is well known for its support of graduate study and research abroad. There are several awards for graduate study and advanced research, including postdoctoral fellowships for American scholars and non-U.S. scholars. For further information visit the Fulbright Program page.

Other Scholarship and Aid Opportunities

Bold.org

Cappex.com

College Board

Fastweb.com

Finaid.org

Goingmerry.com

Gograd.org

Scholarships.com

Scholarshipowl.com

Scholarship Search

Myscholly.com

U.S. Department of Labor (CareerOneStop)

UTC Staff Faculty Benefits 

UTC Regular full-time staff and faculty may enroll at any UT campus without payment of in-state maintenance fees and tuition for a maximum of nine (9) semester undergraduate or graduate credit hours per semester. Regular full-time staff and faculty, with 100% effort, may take up to 1 course (4 hours) at any TN Board of Regents institution.

Review details for UTC Staff and Faculty benefits and HR policies here. 
 

UTC Financial Aid

The UTC Financial Aid and Scholarship Office provides comprehensive information on scholarships, grants, and assistantships available to graduate students. Visit the UTC Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship website or contact their office at 423-425-4677 for detailed resources and support in navigating your financial aid options.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition-savings program for college students in 15 SREB (Southern Regional Education Board) states, who want to pursue degrees not offered by their home state institutions. Students can enroll in out-of-state institutions that offer their degree program and pay the institution’s in-state tuition rates.

UTC currently has 2 undergraduate programs and 6 graduate programs approved for an out-of-state tuition waiver with 9 states through the Academic Common Market. Below is a table listing each state and the approved UTC programs.

More info on the Academic Common Market and qualifying states/programs: https://www.utc.edu/academic-common-market 

Cost of Attendance

Figuring out how to pay for your education can be stressful. We are committed to providing you with the resources to make this process as simple and affordable as possible. Please contact your program’s liaison if you have any questions or need assistance. 

Learn about the Cost of Attendance for UTC students and explore our Cost Calculator for more details. 

Utilize the tuition calculator tool below to determine costs for each student type.