Funding Your Graduate Education
Financial aid for graduate students in the School of Public Policy takes many forms — from competitive assistantships in the School to Institute-wide scholarships. Explore your options below.
Graduate Assistantships
The School of Public Policy offers part-time (20 hours/week) Graduate Assistantships based on budget availability, faculty need, and student qualifications. These include Research (GRA), Teaching (GTA), and administrative (GA) roles.
New applicants should indicate their interest and qualifications in their application. Continuing students should contact the Graduate Academic Program Manager for assistance. Assistantships are not guaranteed beyond the initial term and are contingent upon performance and availability of funding.
To maintain eligibility, students must:
- Be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours per semester, with at least 9 graded or pass/fail)
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Complete 75% of registered credit hours per term
If a student loses eligibility but improves their GPA to 3.0 or higher, they may request a renewal.
Assistantship Types
Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)
Hands-on research with a faculty member, often tied to your thesis or dissertation.
- Funded by external grants or contracts
- Offered on 9- or 12-month basis
- Includes tuition waiver and stipend
- Required research ethics training
Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)
Support teaching while developing instructional skills under faculty mentorship.
- Paid from state operating funds
- Covers a 9-month academic year
- Includes tuition waiver and stipend
- Focus on grading and classroom support
Graduate Assistantship (GA)
Administrative support roles that may not include a tuition waiver.
- Requires full-time enrollment
- Stipend only – no guaranteed waiver
- Limited availability
- Students cover tuition and fees
Pay Rates
The current pay minimums for doctoral and Master’s GRAs and GTAs can be found in the Georgia Tech Policy Library. Please note that all GRA and GTA positions are contingent on the availability of funds in SPP.
| Student Level | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Master’s Students | $1,521 |
| Ph.D. Level 1 (Entry level / In coursework) | $2,497 |
| Ph.D. Level 2 (Passed comprehensive exams) | $2,733 |
| Ph.D. Level 3 (Defended dissertation proposal) | $2,970 |
| Graduate Assistants (GAs) | $1,521 |
Note: Stipend rates may be subject to university-wide percentage increases.
Professors may offer funding levels above Level 1 to entry-level Ph.D. students if funding is available.
Hiring and Onboarding Process
Assistantships are paid employment positions. Before beginning work, students must:
- Complete all online onboarding documents
- Verify employment eligibility (I-9 form)
- Confirm job activation in OneUSG Connect
- Set up direct deposit and verify address
- Complete required training (Employee Self Service, conflict of interest form)
- Confirm time reporting method with supervisor (monthly-paid GRA/GTAs typically do not report time)
Visit the Student Employment Onboarding site and Payroll site for checklists and payment calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have additional questions about your eligibility or application? Contact the Graduate Academic Program Manager for personalized guidance.