Finances shouldn't keep you from graduate study at the Texas A&M University College of Engineering.
The most common financial assistance received by graduate students are through graduate assistantships (research or teaching) and/or college/university fellowships (department, college, university, private or federal).
Graduate Assistantships
There are three types of graduate assistantships available through academic departments and colleges, along with agencies and administrative offices. These appointments are for teaching, research and non-teaching activities and require service of 20 hours per week. Students serving in these roles must be making satisfactory academic progress (3.0 or higher), be in good academic standing, and be registered full-time (9 credited hours each fall/spring; 6 credited hours during summer). Such positions are eligible for insurance benefits and may pay tuition and fees at the in-state rate. Contact your respective department if you are interested in a graduate assistantship.
College/University Fellowships
A variety of fellowships are available through departments, colleges and the university. Many competitive fellowships of $1,000 or greater per academic year awarded by the university may allow students to pay tuition at the in-state rate. Acceptance and continuation criteria include making satisfactory academic progress (3.0 GPA or higher), be in good academic standing, and be registered full-time (9 credited hours each fall/spring; 6 credited hours during summer). Fellowships packages vary from $500 to more than $30,000 and some include funds for insurance and tuition and/or fees. These fellowships are for incoming students as well as current/continuing students.
External Fellowships
Prospective and current graduate students are encouraged to seek funding through external sources such as private foundations, academic and professional associations, non-profit organizations, and state and federal offices. External funding can include one-time to multi-year stipends, living allowances, tuition payments, and/or professional development travel funds. Many external fellowship programs are "portable" meaning they follow the student regardless of institution.
Awards and Travel Funds
Current graduate students are recognized for their research, teaching, outreach and professional accomplishments through various award programs. Funding is also available to support the professional development of current graduate students to attend and present at professional conferences and other professional development endeavors.