Financial Aid and Graduate Assistantships

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 LevelMonthly 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.

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What types of assistantships are available?
The School offers three types of assistantships: Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), and Graduate Assistantships (GA).
Do assistantships cover tuition?
GRAs and GTAs typically include a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. GAs are not guaranteed a tuition waiver, so students should confirm with their hiring unit.
How do I apply for an assistantship?
Indicate your interest when you apply to the program. Continuing students should contact the Graduate Academic Program Manager directly.
What is required to maintain eligibility?
Students must enroll in at least 12 graduate-level credits per semester, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and complete at least 75% of attempted credits. If a student loses eligibility but improves their GPA to 3.0 or higher, they may request a renewal.
What are the stipend levels?
Stipends vary by program and assistantship type. See the Pay Rates section above for current monthly rates.