Graduate School
Graduate Assistantships: What They Are and How to Compete for One
By: Dr. Deborah Tollefsen, Vice Provost & Dean of the UofM Graduate School
For many graduate students, a graduate assistantship (GA) represents the gold standard
of funding support: a package that often includes a stipend, tuition coverage, and
valuable professional experience. But it’s no secret that graduate assistantships
are increasingly rare—particularly as universities face cuts to federal and state
funding. The reality is that GA positions are highly competitive and generally reserved
for the top applicants in each admissions cycle.
Why Graduate Assistantships Are Limited
Assistantships are not distributed evenly across disciplines or institutions, and their availability has decreased over time. With tightening budgets, many departments can fund fewer students, which means the competition for these positions is fierce.
Part of the limitation comes from the cost of funding a graduate student. Many students assume tuition and fees are “waived,” but in most universities, those costs are actually covered by the department or by a faculty member’s research grant. The investment is significant. At R1 universities like the University of Memphis, for example, a STEM graduate assistant typically receives full tuition and fees, a stipend, and health insurance—the equivalent of roughly $50,000 per year. Most assistants work only 20 hours per week, often for just 9 months of the year. For a doctoral student funded for four years, the university’s investment totals close to $200,000.
Of course, universities receive something vital in return. Graduate assistants provide essential support in teaching and research. In fact, at research-intensive institutions, graduate students are the backbone of the enterprise—teaching undergraduates, staffing labs, and advancing faculty research. Quite literally, much of the innovation and discovery that happens at R1 institutions would not be possible without them.
Who Gets Funded
Departments generally prioritize their strongest applicants for assistantships. These are the students who stand out not just academically but also in terms of the contributions they can make right away. Because graduate assistants usually take on roles in teaching, laboratory work, or faculty-led research, committees look for students who already demonstrate readiness for those responsibilities.
Positioning Yourself as a Top Candidate
While no one can guarantee an assistantship, there are steps you can take to increase your chances:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Use your personal statement to show how you’ve already built skills that translate to assistantship work. For example, if you’ve tutored undergraduates, worked as a teaching assistant, conducted lab work, or participated in research projects, make sure to describe those experiences.
- Demonstrate Fit with the Program: Programs want to see that your academic goals align with their strengths. The clearer you are about why you are applying to that particular program—and how your work connects with faculty expertise—the more compelling your case.
- Strong Recommendations: Letters of recommendation that speak to your work ethic, reliability, and ability to contribute in research or teaching settings can make a significant difference.
- Academic Excellence: A strong GPA, test scores (if required), and evidence of research potential remain central. These metrics help distinguish candidates when funding is limited.
Steps to Research Opportunities
In addition to strengthening your application, proactive research can open more doors:
- Contact the Department Directly: Ask about the availability of graduate assistantships, how many positions are typically offered, and what the selection process looks like. Some programs may fund only a handful of students each year.
- Explore University Employment Sites: Many universities post assistantship openings beyond academic departments—such as tutoring centers, writing centers, athletics, libraries, or student affairs offices. These can be excellent options for additional funding.
- Review External Funding Sources: Since GA positions are limited, it’s wise to explore scholarships and fellowships offered outside the university. A few widely used resources include:
Final Thoughts
Graduate assistantships are among the most sought-after forms of graduate funding, but they are far from guaranteed. Understanding both the scale of investment they represent for universities and the competitive process for selection can help applicants approach the process strategically. By presenting yourself as someone who not only excels academically but also brings relevant teaching or research experience to the table, you improve your chances of standing out in the pool. For those who do secure an assistantship, the reward is significant: financial support, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the university’s teaching and research mission.