Graduate students may receive two types of appointments - a graduate assistantship requiring University employment or a fellowship requiring no service to the University. All forms of assistance for graduate students (assistantships, fellowships and traineeships) are coordinated through the Graduate School, but decisions regarding the awarding generally rest solely with the departments.

Since assistantships and fellowships are administered by the respective colleges or departments, and applicants should directly contact their department for more details. Graduate assistants are eligible for a reduction in academic fees. Graduate assistants who receive their official assignment after a loan is processed may be required to adjust their loan due to the reduction in academic fees.

The Office of Student Financial Aid is primarily responsible for all forms of assistance awarded to undergraduate students. The Federal Stafford Loan is the only form of federal aid available to graduate students. Students must be accepted into a degree-seeking graduate program and be enrolled at least half-time. Post Baccalaureate students who are not yet accepted into a graduate program are not eligible for federal aid. Postgraduate students must be seeking a teaching certificate or second degree and may borrow only at the undergraduate levels.