/College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Ecology & Evolution

Tuition & Funding

Full-time doctoral students in the Ecology and Evolution Ph.D. program receive comprehensive financial support, including full tuition and fee coverage, health benefits, and competitive stipends.

Assistantship Stipends & Support

Doctoral support is provided through Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA):

  • 12-Month Research Assistantships (RA): Minimum $40,667 over 12 months for 12-month appointments.

  • 9-Month Teaching Assistantships (TA): Paid at $30,000 over the 9-month academic year ($15,000 per semester). Over the three summer months, additional funding is available through summer research appointments, teaching appointments, or federal work-study. 

  • Health Benefits: All supported students receive a generous New York State health insurance package.

  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss funding plans, particularly summer funding, with potential advisors.

Fellowships & Grants

Additional university-wide fellowship opportunities can supplement assistantship support, including:

  • Graduate Council Fellowships

  • W. Burghardt Turner Fellowships

  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowships: Eligible domestic students (most entering students who have not completed a Master's degree) are strongly encouraged to apply for an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP). These awards provide three years of stipend support, educational allowances, and supercomputer access.

Important Funding Policies

New York State Residency Note: Domestic non-NY resident Ph.D. students with tuition scholarships must establish New York State residency during their first year. Tuition scholarships are limited to in-state tuition starting in the second year. Details and instructions can be found on the Bursar’s Website.