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Costs & financing

HCDE provides funding for PhD students through a combination of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), staff assistantships (SAs), and other graduate student appointments.

Students who receive an eligible graduate student appointment typically receive a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. At the time of admission, HCDE PhD students receive information about their individual funding guarantee, which covers a specified number of academic-year quarters. Many students also receive additional funding through research assistantships, fellowships, and other opportunities during their time in the program.

Admitted students should refer to their offer letter for the specific terms of their funding package.

How PhD students are funded

Funding opportunities may include:

  • Research assistantships (RAs): Students work with faculty on funded research projects. Some incoming students complete research rotations with HCDE faculty during their first year.
  • Teaching assistantships (TAs) and other instructional appointments: Students support or teach HCDE courses.
  • Staff assistantships (SAs): Students support other departmental activities through eligible graduate student appointments.
  • Fellowships: Some students receive fellowships at admission or apply for UW, external, or industry fellowships after beginning the program.

Students often receive a combination of these types of support over the course of the PhD program.

Funding eligibility

Graduate student appointments are subject to UW and HCDE eligibility requirements. Students generally must be enrolled full time during the academic year to hold a TA, RA, or SA appointment.

International students should also review UW Graduate School requirements related to English language proficiency and eligibility for teaching assistant appointments.

UW Graduate School assistantships

Additional funding opporunities

PhD students may also pursue fellowships and other sources of financial support. Resources include:

Current PhD students

See the PhD student handbook for detailed information about the HCDE funding guarantee, assistantship placement, fellowships, and other financial support.