Graduate Student Assistantships
One of the most common sources of funding is the graduate assistantship. Assistantship appointments provide financial support to a graduate student who engages in teaching, research, and/or service. Departments and programs generally make assistantship offers during the admissions process; however, current students may be eligible for an assistantship in their program if funding is available. Graduate assistantships may include a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. Students should contact their department or graduate program to learn more about assistantship opportunities. If students receive additional awards in conjunction with financial aid or assistantship, such as a scholarship, fellowship, or other stipend, they may need to fill out a Academic Year Revision Request to have your cost of attendance reviewed by a Financial Aid advisor.
Assistantship Descriptions
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA)
A teaching assistantship (TA) is an appointment in which a graduate student’s primary duty is teaching or serving as a teaching assistant. The TA may assist faculty in teaching undergraduate courses and labs, grading examinations, problem sets, or lab assignments, setting up displays for lectures and labs, or preparing or maintaining laboratory equipment. TAs are available to qualified graduate students in academic departments. Students should contact their department/program to inquire about TA opportunities.
- Graduate Research Assistant (RA)
A research assistantship (RA) is an appointment in which a graduate student is engaged in research under a faculty member’s supervision. The faculty member is generally a principal investigator on a grant or contract. RAs are available in many departments and special programs. Students should contact their department/program to inquire about RA opportunities.
- Graduate Staff Assistant (SA)
A staff assistantship (SA) is an appointment in which a graduate student engages in service that enhances their educational pursuits at WSU. The SA provides academic and administrative program support for units such as counseling and testing services, health and wellness services, and other student services offices. These appointments require a letter of support from the student’s faculty advisor.
Assistantship Tuition Waivers
Graduate assistants who maintain at least a half-time (20 hrs. /wk.) appointment are eligible for full tuition waivers. Students appointed a quarter time assistantship (10 hrs./wk.) are eligible for half tuition waivers. To qualify for a tuition waiver, students must reside within the state of Washington. Non-resident graduate students on assistantship appointments are eligible for a non-resident waiver for the out-of-state portion of tuition during the first year they are on assistantship appointment at WSU. During that first year, students are responsible for taking all necessary steps to establish legal residency in the state of Washington. If residency is not established, non-resident graduate students will be responsible for non-resident tuition after their first academic year. International students are provided an out-of-state tuition waiver with their assistantship appointment throughout their academic career.
Responsible Conduct of Research
Access the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training website for information on state regulations, guidelines, and sponsor requirements. The RCR training is a requirement for all assistantships at WSU.
Assistantship Stipends
Graduate assistant stipends range from step 6 to step 115. The current Assistantship Stipend Guide became effective 01/01/2024. For reference only, the previous Historical Step Guide is available. Each step represents a stipend range for half-time (20 hrs./wk.) graduate appointments. Each department and program determines the most appropriate stipend range based on the student’s qualifications, experience, academic standing, and availability of funds. Departments have a wide range of stipend options available to make competitive appointments. At a minimum, the Graduate School recommends Step 26 for Masters and Step 32 for Ph.D.
Assistantship Medical Insurance
Graduate assistants who maintain at least a half-time (20 hrs./wk.) assistantship appointment will be eligible for medical and dental insurance benefits. Visit the graduate student health insurance web page, or contact WSU Billing and Insurance Office at 509-335-3575 (Option 3) for additional information. Graduate assistants appointed and eligible for health insurance during spring semester (January 1 – May 15) are automatically provided health insurance during the summer semester (May 16 – August 15).
Enrolling Family Members
Graduate assistants may also enroll family members including spouses, eligible dependent children, and domestic partners. Coverage must be requested every semester. The PASS Program enables spouses or partners of eligible graduate/professional students on graduate school health insurance (Pullman campus only) to access Cougar Health Care on campus. Enrollment Form.
Payroll Deduction for Graduate Assistants
Graduate students on half-time (20 hrs. /wk.) assistantship appointment may pay their mandatory fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. Students may enroll in the program only after their assistantship appointment has been entered into the payroll system by the hiring department. Students can verify the projected fee amount and projected semi-monthly deduction amount by viewing their online earning statement through Workday.