Resources Paying for Graduate School
Often one of the big challenges for our students is planning a way to pay for college. Here are a number of resources to help you find the best financial fit for you.
Finding an Assistantship
School of Education assistantships
Graduate assistantships provide students the opportunity to combine theory and practice while offering financial assistance that includes remission of tuition and a stipend. Assistantships allow students to focus on academic coursework and take advantage of other professional opportunities.
The School of Education does not provide a list of current assistantship openings; however, applications are accepted throughout the year, and are reviewed as opportunities become available. Candidates must be enrolled in a minimum of one credit of on-campus coursework; distance students are eligible provided this requirement is met. Please email Louise Jennings with your questions about eligibility requirements and the application process.
You may submit a Graduate Assistantship Application at any time. These applications will be kept on file and reviewed by faculty when assistantship opportunities become available. Submit your completed application to the School of Education Graduate Programs Office.
Teaching assistantships
Teaching assistantships usually go through the Center for Educator Preparation and require experience teaching undergraduate education classes. For more information, contact the Center at (970) 491-5292.
Graduate teaching assistants play a vital role in the success of the Teacher Education Program. Generally, only individuals with prior PK-12 experience, good academic skills, and an interest in teaching/mentoring preservice candidates are selected. Certain candidates will teach in the introductory courses, while others will support our work in professional development schools or will supervise student teachers.
Research assistantships
Research assistantships are available on an annual basis, depending on availability. Research assistantships may be offered through individual faculty members; to discuss potential opportunities, please contact the faculty member with whom you hope to work.
Supplements Additional Resources
AmeriCorps Education Award
As a CSU student active in volunteering, you may be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award. AmeriCorps education awards are given on what you do in the community, not on financial need or GPA. If you’re planning to do unpaid service for a nonprofit organization, you could qualify. The education award is a great fit for internships, practicum experiences, fieldwork experiences, alternative spring break participation, ongoing and committed volunteer work and service learning classes. You can use your education award to pay for tuition, make payments on existing loans, or save it for up to seven years for graduate school or continuing education in the future. Twenty percent of your service can be spent in professional development. The education awards come in the following flavors:
- 300 hours of service in a calendar year = $1,000 award
- 450 hours of service in a calendar year = $1,250 award
- 900 hours of service in two calendar years = $2,363 award
For further information, email Kristin Schultz, Coordinator, CSU UCAN Serve AmeriCorps Program, or call (970) 491-3802.
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education - Western Regional Graduate Program
Out-of-state students in our graduate programs delivered on campus may apply for WICHE classification. These students are eligible to pay in-state tuition. Please see the Graduate School website for more information.
Current School of Education graduate programs delivered on campus: