Financial Aid

MCDB&G students in good standing are supported financially with a stipend plus full tuition, all student fees, and 95% of health insurance. Completion of financial aid forms is not necessary, even though the Graduate School lists these forms as being available.

Funding for prospective & incoming students

MCDB&G students may be nominated by the Graduate Program for awards through the University of Minnesota Graduate School.

  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
    The purpose of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. 
  • Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship 
    First-year students from underrepresented groups (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) are awarded stipend, tuition, and subsidized health insurance for one academic year through the DOVE Fellowship. Nominations are based on application materials and DGS recommendations. 
Funding for current graduate students 

MCDB&G students may be nominated by the Graduate Program for the following:

  • Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF)
    The Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) gives the University's most accomplished Ph.D. candidates an opportunity to devote full-time effort to an  outstanding research project by providing time to finalize and write their dissertation during the fellowship year.

Stipend + Tuition Benefits

All full time Ph.D. students receive a 12-month appointment with an annual salary of $34,008 (as of Fall 2024). Tuition and student fees are are also covered for full time Ph.D. students. The University is currently in collective bargaining with the graduate assistant union (GLU-UE) and compensation amounts are subject to change pending the outcomes of bargaining. 

Health + Dental Benefits

Ph.D. students are eligible for the Graduate Assistant Health Plan (GAHP) through Boynton Health Service. 95% of the plan’s cost will be covered. The remaining 5% will be billed to student’s accounts once per semester. Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information.