Financial Support
Funding your doctoral education at NC State
NC State MSE offers competitive financial support to help you focus on what matters most to you: research, learning and discovery. All doctoral applicants are automatically considered for assistantships and fellowships based on academic and research credentials, which cover tuition, health insurance and a stipend.
Research Assistantships (RA)
The most common form of financial support for Ph.D. students is a half-time Research Assistantship (RA). This assistantship is:
- Funded by faculty research grants
- Includes full tuition coverage, health insurance and a competitive stipend
- Offers are made by individual faculty members based on your research fit, qualifications and recommendations
To maximize your chances of receiving an RA, we recommend:
- Exploring the faculty directory
- Reaching out to professors whose work aligns with your interests
- Highlighting relevant experience in your application materials
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
A small number of Teaching Assistantships (TA) are available each year. This assistantship is:
- Typically assigned to advanced Ph.D. students
- May involve lab instruction, grading or leading discussion sections
- Also includes tuition, health insurance and stipend support
Other Funding Sources
Fellowships and supplemental awards
Exceptional Ph.D. applicants may be eligible for competitive supplemental fellowships awarded on top of an RA or TA stipend.
- Typically awarded for 1-2 years
- Require a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Selection is based on academic excellence and research promise