Most WS&E graduate students receive some form of financial assistance if they are regular degree-seeking, non-provisional students. The most common form of assistance is a GRA, but students may also be paid an hourly wage, or receive scholarships and other financial aid.

Graduate Research Assistantships:

A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is a stipend paid for specific research or other duties. GRA duties are usually associated with a faculty research project and are supervised by a faculty member. Work assigned for the GRA is separate from that required for coursework, but work on a student’s thesis or dissertation may be assigned. GRA work hours are usually flexible and will vary with the appointment level and expectations of the supervisor. For example, a 0.49 FTE (full-time equivalent) position requires an average of 20 hours work per week. However, the actual time worked each week will vary and it is common for a GRA to work fewer hours during the academic year and more hours when not attending classes.

Some GRA’s may become members of a bargaining unit if part of their assignment is devoted to service to OSU as an employee.

GRA stipends are offered on a 3, 6, 9, or 12-month basis. The starting dates are October 1, January 1, April 1, or July 1. Renewals are contingent upon:

1. Satisfactory performance of assigned duties.
2. Reasonable progress toward completing degree requirements.
3. Availability of funds.

Most Masters students in the Department of Wood Science & Engineering receive financial support for up to two years, and most Ph.D. students receive support for up to three years.

A Graduate Research Assistantship of 0.20 FTE or greater carries the added benefit of a tuition waiver, but GRA's must pay mandatory student fees of about $422 per term.

GRA's must register for at least 12 credits each quarter they hold an appointment; however, we strongly encourage students to enroll for a maximum of 16 credit hours of course work (including thesis credits) during fall, winter and spring terms. During summer term, students may hold an assistantship or be employed hourly depending on course requirements.

Benefits: GRA’s with a 0.20 FTE appointment or greater must enroll in a mandatory health insurance plan. The University will will pay 75% of the yearly premium cost for Employee only coverage. Dependants can be added for an additional cost, but any additional costs for premiums or administrative fees will be deducted, pre-tax, from the GRA’s paycheck. Some students may qualify for a waiver. More information about the health insurance plan, waiver requirements and forms may be found at the following website: http://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/graduate-assistant-insurance-plan. OSU also provides Graduate Assistants (teaching and research) a health insurance benefit as part of their compensation package.   For additional information see the Graduate Employee Contract Information web page and the OSU Graduate School home page. 

Loans, Grants, Scholarships & Work-Study:

For U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the OSU Office of Financial Aid administers scholarships, student loans, grants, work-study programs, or part-time employment. Obtain more information about financial aid opportunities at the following web site: http://oregonstate.edu/admin/finaid/

Fellowships:

The College of Forestry awards Fellowships to exceptional new and continuing graduate students in recognition of their academic achievement and potential. These awards range in value from $500 to $5,000 and may be given in addition to other support. New applicants or continuing students are nominated by their Department for both College and/or University Fellowships. New students must have taken the GRE to be eligible for these fellowships. Decisions on fellowships are generally made in March, so it is usually advantageous to apply for admission by January 15 to be eligible.  More information about College of Forestry Graduate Fellowships may be found at the following web site: http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/gradinfo/fellowships.php#