Most Iowa State doctoral students and many of our master's students are appointed to graduate assistantships (GAs). These teaching, research, and administrative appointments are made by departments, graduate programs, research institutes, and other university units. Policies concerning GAs can be found in the Graduate College Handbook.
Requirements
Graduate assistants must:
- Be admitted to a graduate degree program.
- Devote a specified number of hours per week to the duties assigned.
- Be registered for at least 1 credit each term appointed.
In addition, teaching assistants (and other graduate students who have teaching responsibilities) who are nonnative speakers of American English must meet the English for Teaching Requirement.
Stipend
Stipends dispersed to GAs are determined by the appointing department, program, or unit, which must provide at least the minimum amounts set for the university. The stipend is subject to income tax withholding requirements.
Tuition, Fees, and Health Insurance
Tuition Assessment: Graduate assistants who are on appointment for at least three consecutive months during the fall and spring semesters or at least four consecutive weeks during the summer semester are assessed resident tuition. The spouse of a graduate assistant may be eligible for resident tuition during the period of the assistantship appointment. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for more information on the spousal tuition benefit.
Tuition and Fee Awards: Graduate assistants who are on appointment for at least three consecutive months during the fall and spring semesters or at least four consecutive weeks during the summer semester will receive tuition and fee awards unless they:
- do not fulfill their assistantship duties or resign before the required appointment duration is complete
- are on academic probation
- hold an external fellowship or traineeship that provides funds for tuition and fee payments
Health Insurance: Graduate assistants who are on appointment for at least three consecutive months during the fall and spring semesters receive single-student health insurance coverage, which includes a prescription drug plan at no charge (additional coverage for a spouse, children, and dental is available for additional premiums). Contact the Student & Scholar Health Insurance Program for information on how to enroll, costs, and specific plan information.
