Funding Opportunities for Prospective Students

The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) offers funding opportunities in all doctoral and master's programs. These awards differ by level and by program. PhD students are typically offered full funding packages (full tuition, living stipend, and graduate assistantship). CCAS offers merit-based partial tuition awards to many of the students admitted to our PsyD and master's programs; some of these programs also offer graduate assistantships as well as small stipend awards.

How to Apply for Awards

No additional application is necessary for any CCAS award. Simply check the box on the application for admission to indicate that you would like to be considered for an award. Awards outside CCAS may have separate application forms and application deadlines. Review these requirements ahead of time as funding deadlines may take place before application deadlines; view admissions requirements for your degree program in the GW Bulletin.

Funding Options for New Graduate Students

CCAS Dean's Awards

Students applying to one of Columbian College’s Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Forensic Science (MFS) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree programs may be eligible for a Dean’s Award. These non-renewable partial tuition awards range from $5,000 to $20,000. The deadline to be considered for this funding opportunity for Fall is February 1 and October 1 for Spring

CCAS Global Leaders Award

Columbian College's Global Leaders Award provides a renewable tuition award of up to $10,000 per academic year to eligible international applicants. Awards are made on a competitive basis to the most highly qualified eligible applicants. The deadline to be considered for this funding opportunity for Fall is February 1, and For spring is October 1.

CCAS Graduate Awards

Some programs have additional funding available in the form of tuition fellowships and graduate assistantships. Applicants will be considered at the time of admission review. Graduate Assistantship positions may be available in a given semester based on the teaching needs in a department/program. Check with the relevant department or program for details.

CCAS Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Award

The Columbian College’s MSI Award provides an application fee waiver to individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees from eligible minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Students admitted to Columbian College graduate programs through this process are considered for tuition awards of at least 40 percent. Awards are made on a competitive basis to the most highly qualified applicants.

Grad2Grad

Are you a current GW undergraduate student considering graduate school? You could receive a tuition reduction through Grad2Grad.

Loan Assistance

The GW Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) oversees the processing of all loans for students who have been admitted to a GW graduate degree or certificate program. Federal loan programs require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and at least half-time attendance. Credit-based consumer loans are available to supplement other sources of aid, and OSFA can provide school certification for any alternative program you choose. Instructions for applying for these different types of loans are provided online.

Military Education Benefits

If you are a veteran, active duty service member or dependent of either, you may be eligible for financial aid through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services can help you navigate programs like the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill to obtain support for your graduate program.

Tuition Assistance for GW Employees

Through the tuition remission benefit, GW extends its educational resources to our employees and their dependents. The benefit provides competitive, accessible and valuable tuition benefits to those who seek to further develop themselves, both personally and professionally. Employees may not combine tuition benefits with any graduate award.

External Funding Search Hubs

• CollegeScholarships.org
• FastWeb
• Foundation Directory
• GoGrad
• GradSchools.com
• Grants.gov
• Sallie Mae Graduate School Scholarships

External International Funding Opportunities

• Visit the EducationUSA center website for information about scholarships available in specific countries.
• International Education Financial Aid
• EduPass
• Institute of International Education
• MPOWER Financing
• Prodigy Finance

Employment Opportunities

Graduate Assistantships (GA) / Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Academic departments select Graduate Assistants (GAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs), and they are usually appointed during the admission process. These positions are limited and not available in all departments. Interested candidates should indicate their interest in a GA position on their admission application, if applicable. Students can also contact their program’s director of graduate studies (DGS) for more information about being a GA in a future term.

Learn about the differences between GA and GRA positions, common duties, award information and more on the GW Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships website.

Finding a GA/GRA Position

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships has additional resources and information on various options to fund your study at the graduate level. Opportunities on their website related to scholarships and fellowships have specific criteria, deadlines and application requirements.

International Students

International students who are required to submit English proficiency scores must achieve a minimum TOEFL of 100 (IELTS overall of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0) in order to be considered for a GA position. GRAs and Fellows are not required to have a TOEFL higher than the minimum for their program, but note that awards do not cover EAP (English for Academic Purposes) coursework. Students who were waived out of providing test scores for the English language requirement in the application are eligible. Current GW students who have successfully completed EAP (English for Academic Purposes) in a prior term are also eligible. If you are offered a GA or GRA award and you are in the US on a visa, you must be on an appropriate visa (F-1) to accept the award. If you are not on an F-1 visa, please contact your visa sponsor, as GW will request written permission from your sponsor to serve. This may not be possible depending upon your visa type.

GW Career Center

The GW Career Center has information on full-time, part-time, internship, cooperative education, temporary and summer positions as available.

International Students: Visa Requirements

International students with F-1 or J-1 visa status may be able to supplement their classroom experiences and personal funds through employment, cooperative education or internships, but proper employment authorization must be obtained before beginning work. For more information, contact the GW International Services Office.

U.S. Students: Federal Work-Study Program

Available to U.S. citizens, the Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Awards (Funding)

I am a GW employee using employee tuition benefits. Am I also eligible for an award?

No, employees may not combine employee benefits with merit awards.

I do not currently have an award, but I would like one. What are my options?

If you are a doctoral student, please consult with your Director of Graduate Studies. Many funding decisions are made by the Department. Current students can find details on competitive scholarship opportunities at GW through the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships.

CCAS will distribute information about any other available opportunities that arise to the CCAS Graduate Student Listserv. Visit the Funding Opportunities for Prospective Students page for additional possible resources.

Graduate Assistants (GA) and Graduate Research Assistants

I am interested in being a Graduate Assistant. What is the process for becoming one?

Some, but not all, academic departments appoint Graduate Assistants (GAs) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs). Most of these positions are filled by students who are guaranteed GA or GRA positions as part of their offer of admission You may apply for these opportunities by indicating your interest on your admission application.

Departments occasionally hire additional GAs to assist with undergraduate courses. Please contact your program's Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) for more information about serving as GA in a future term.

The University Writing Program also hires Writing in the Disciplines (WID) GAs to provide assistance in undergraduate courses throughout the university. For information about WID GA opportunities and to apply for these positions online, please visit the WID website. (A GW email address is required to access the WID GA application form).

I am an international student/applicant planning to be on a visa. Am I eligible to be a GA or GRA?

The University requires a minimum TOEFL of 100 (IELTS overall of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; Duolingo 120; or PTE academic 68) in order to be considered for a GA position. GRAs and Fellows are not required to have an English proficiency exam score higher than the minimum for their program, but note that awards do not cover EAP (English for Academic Purposes) coursework. Students who were waived out of providing test scores for the English language requirement in the application are eligible. Current GW students who have successfully completed EAP (English for Academic Purposes) in a prior term are also eligible. If you are offered a GA or GRA award and you are in the US on a visa, you must be on an appropriate visa (F-1) to accept the award. If you are not on an F-1 visa, please contact your visa sponsor, as GW will request written permission from your sponsor to serve. This may not be possible depending upon your visa type.

Student Health Insurance

I have questions about the Student Health Insurance plan. Whom do I contact for help?

Please see the Student Health Center’s website for the most up to date information about the plan available and current rates.

For questions, please contact the Student Health Insurance Program at [email protected].

My letter noted that I am eligible for a Student Health Insurance Related Payment. When will I receive the payment and whom do I contact with questions?

The Student Health Insurance payment amount and timeline are noted in your award letter. Note that only students with a GA or GRA position for at least one semester of the academic year are eligible for the payment. You must also be enrolled in GW’s student health insurance plan to receive the payment. The payment will post to your student account after the start of term as a credit. Usually this is done by November 15 for Fall and March 15 for Spring at the latest. You should pay the balance of your bill before the start of classes. For questions about the Health Insurance Related Payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships ([email protected]).

How do I request a refund for the Health Insurance Related Payment or another credit on my bill?

For instructions, please see the Office of Student Accounts website. You may also leave the credit on your bill to be applied toward a future term.