Graduate Student Handbook
Money
Tuition and fees
There are two different types of tuition charges at the University of Arizona: resident and non-resident. The department pays for the resident portion of the tuition charges on your bursar's bill. Provided that you are not a resident of the state of Arizona (see the section on Arizona Residency, below), you are responsible for paying the non-resident portion of the tuition charges which are paid by every student, including grad students, on a per-class basis. Six units costs around $2300 and 9 units is almost $3300. However, if you are a graduate assistant or associate, the University refunds 90% of the out-of-state tuition charges, and is scheduled to refund 100% for academic year 2008-09. See the University page on Costs & Financial Assistance for more information.
The Department offers a few out-of-state tuition scholarships to continuing students. These are awarded on a competitive basis to cover the next academic year. Eligibility begins after the first semester. `
How to pay: Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and those awarded the Graduate College Fellowships will have their tuition waived but are responsible for payment of fees. Those on other fellowships or grants are responsible for fees and tuition, if applicable. If you are an RA or TA, you must pay the fees yourself directly to the University. This can typically be done online through Student Link. Fellowships (because they are disbursed by the University) will usually have the fees deducted automatically---but don't assume this!! Check with Lynn Lane in the Business Office (621-6966) and/or the Bursar (621-3232) before the late date for payment to make sure you're paying in the correct manner.
Arizona Residency: After 12 consecutive months of residence in the state of Arizona, you may be eligible to become a resident. For the most part, this means you're not responsible for out-of-state tuition anymore, only in-state tuition. This is highly desirable in order to save both you and the Department money. Residency is sometimes rather difficult to obtain--make sure you have everything on the list that the Residency Office gives out. This includes: an Arizona permanent address and car registration, bank records, rental receipts, tax returns, two years of financial independence, and a compelling reason. Residence for the purpose of attending school is NOT acceptable. Call the Residency Office for more information or consult this website.
Getting Paid
Your actual salary will depend on what type of funding you receive and whether you have passed your orals. Students who have not passed their orals are not considered doctoral candidates yet and are called "graduate assistants." Once you've passed your orals (and filled out the appropriate forms), you're a Ph.D. candidate and a "graduate associate." People who are supported by the department as RA's or TA's during the academic year are responsible for finding a research situation to be paid over the summer. If you can't find summer funding, see the grad student funding rep or the department head. If you cannot find funding on your own, there are arrangements that can be made with the Department itself. The Departments official position is that any student in good standing will be supported.
RA's/TA's: Salary figures can be found at the bottom of this webpage. You will have to fill out timesheets during the summer months. RA's and TA's are paid every other Friday during the year. A check will be put in your LPL mailbox unless you elect to have your pay directly deposited into your bank account. Federal and Arizona State taxes are withheld from these checks.
Fellowships/Grants: Fellowship stipends vary with the awarding institution. Almost every fellowship available to PtyS students will be disbursed by the University. The UA policy is to send two checks (each for 1/2 the stipend amount) directly to the student. One will be released on the first day of classes for the fall semester and the other on the first day of the spring semester. You must be registered in the University to receive your check. This policy is nominally to keep students from taking a big check and running off to Mexico without any obligation to the University. Any outstanding University charges are withheld from Fellowship checks but taxes are not. Fellowship stipends are considered taxable income (see the official IRS rules for more information) so you must plan to pay a big check on your own income tax time, or make quarterly estimated tax payments (contact the IRS for more information).
Fiscal year 2007-2008 salaries are:- Grad Assistant TA or RA
Academic Year Salary $15,414.39 Summer Wage Rate $20.66/hr Work Hours for Summer 497 Total Salary $25,682.40
- Grad Associate TA or RA
Academic Year Salary $17,052.39 Summer Wage Rate $22.85/hr. Work Hours for Summer 497 Total Salary $28,408.80