# Funding

**Source**: https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding
**Parent**: https://umd.edu/research

Determining how to pay for your graduate education is as important as deciding your program of study. Whether you are a prospective applicant or a current student, there are various types of financial support available to help offset the cost of your graduate degree.  The cost of attendance includes more than just tuition. The [Office of Student Financial Aid](https://financialaid.umd.edu/) provides an annual [graduate student cost estimate](https://financialaid.umd.edu/resources-policies/cost-attendance). Review the information below to learn more about funding options and opportunities at UMD.

- The Graduate School offers competitive recruitment fellowships, as well as research fellowships and awards for doctoral students through the [Office of Funding Opportunities](https://gradschool.umd.edu/about-us/directory/robyn-kotzker).
- Departments and programs determine funding packages, which may be comprised by a combination of assistantships, fellowships, and other support. Please visit individual program websites or contact the program directly for more information.

Looking for additional graduate school financial planning information? Explore [*GradSense*](https://gradsense.org/), an initiative of the  [Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)](https://cgsnet.org/) for prospective and current graduate students.

## Tuition & Fees

Determine tuition, fees, and other expenses as they apply to graduate students. It is important to determine the correct tuition payment for programs/courses.

[Review the details](https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding/tuition-and-fees)

## Assistantships

A form of financial aid provided to graduate students that offers the opportunity to gain relevant professional experience and financial support.

[Learn more](https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding/assistantship-information)

## Student Fellowships & Awards

Competitive awards support students by providing a stipend, and in some cases a tuition award, giving the student time to conduct research or write.

[Read more](https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding/student-fellowships-awards)

## External Opportunities

Competitive fellowships and funding awarded by outside agencies.

[Explore these opportunities](https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding/fellowships-awards/external-opportunities)

## Application Resources

Tools to assist in developing effective funding application materials.

[Prepare your application](https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding/resources-students)

## Financial Aid

Learn more about financial aid options and eligibility for needs-based awards.

[Office of Student Financial Aid](https://financialaid.umd.edu/)

## Student Employment

On campus and off campus hourly employment opportunities that complement your graduate student status.

[Explore the options](https://gradschool.umd.edu/student-employment)

## Resources for Current Fellows

Use this page to explore information and resources specific to current fellows.

[Explore resources](https://gradschool.umd.edu/funding/resources-current-fellows)

## Frequently Asked Questions

Coming soon.

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[Information for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program](https://gradschool.umd.edu/nsf-grfp)

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