Students admitted to the Graduate School for full-time study are eligible for teaching and research assistantships and fellowships to defray their expenses. Full tuition scholarships also are awarded to students receiving financial assistance. Graduate student stipends are competitive with other top research institutions, and the cost of living is moderate to low compared to other geographical areas in the United States.

Teaching Assistantships, which are awarded by the department, generally require teaching in an undergraduate laboratory. Recitation sections and assignments in studio-type chemistry courses also are available. The normal assignment requires a commitment of about 12 hours per week, of which 8 or 9 are contact hours. More involved assignments are possible for advanced graduate students intending to pursue careers in university education.

Research Assistantships are awarded by individual faculty to students in their research groups. These awards, which are supported by external grants, enable students to devote full-time to course work and research.

A number of Fellowships are available. Fellowships are awarded to applicants principally on the basis of prior academic accomplishment, GRE scores and letters of recommendation. Students seeking positions for graduate study are encouraged to complete their applications as early as possible to be considered for Rensselaer fellowships.

Rensselaer is a member of the NPSC which offers fellowships to women and minorities. Applicants are encouraged to apply directly. Students with outstanding academic records are also encouraged to apply to the National Science Foundation for fellowship support. Applicants with excellent credentials are eligible for Rensselaer Topper awards to supplement their TA/RA offer.

Rensselaer's Financial Aid Website:
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/srfs/