Dear Graduate Coordinators and Program Directors,
After a review of the All But Dissertation (ABD) Waiver program and available alternatives, it has been determined that Fall 2026 will be the final semester for which doctoral students may apply for the ABD Waiver program. Approved applicants may receive the ABD waiver support for up to two semesters. The final application period will close on August 15, 2026.
Tuition-flex-waivers will remain available when connected to sponsored funding. Unlike ABD waivers, flex waivers are associated with specific grants or projects rather than individual students. These waivers are requested through a commitment request submitted to the Graduate School and must include clear and sufficient justification for approval (see below).
The Graduate School remains committed to supporting departments in advancing the university’s land-grant mission and core values. The commitment request process promotes transparency, ensures alignment with institutional funding policies, and supports responsible financial planning for graduate student funding.
Tuition Flex Waivers
Flex waivers may be requested under one or more of the following conditions, which formally expand the previous options for flex waivers. Conditions other than those listed may be considered if justified.
- Sponsor-Mandated Cost Share: The sponsor requires direct cost share, or it is necessary to meet the minimum institutional commitment outlined in the funding announcement.
- Tuition Explicitly Disallowed by Sponsor: The sponsor prohibits charging tuition as a direct
expense, yet the grant project requires graduate student research effort within its scope of work. - Grant Budget Constraints: During proposal development, allowable total direct costs are insufficient to support both fully funded graduate assistantship(s) (including tuition) and the other essential direct costs required for the project. Tuition waiver support may be considered post-award if significant budget limitations or unexpected constraints emerge during project execution.
- Prestigious Doctoral Fellowships: A doctoral student receives a competitive fellowship that provides a stipend, but support for tuition is limited.
Tammy D. Barry
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education
T. Chris Riley-Tillman
Provost and Executive Vice President
Additional information on graduate assistantship waiver types and statuses