University Minimum Graduate Assistant Stipend Rates

• Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching (GANT):$21 per hour
• Graduate Assistant Teaching (GAT), Research (GAR), and Lecturer (GAL) positions:$1,826 per month at 50% FTE
• NoteFor GAT, GAR, or GAL positions below 50% FTE or in split appointments, the stipend rate will be prorated based on the percent work effort charged to each source.

This initiative underscores our university’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by graduate and professional students, and our university's commitment to enhancing graduate and professional student experiences. This mandate will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with the living wage and peer data, maintaining the university’s commitment to supporting graduate assistants.

Mandate Establishing Texas A&M Minimum GA Stipend Rates

FAQ's

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Can departments pay more than the University minimum Graduate Assistant stipend rates?

Yes, the university strongly encourages departments to offer stipends above the minimum to remain competitive within their discipline and with peer institutions. Many departments and colleges have higher starting Graduate Assistant stipend rates. 

What was considered when establishing the minimum Graduate Assistant stipend rates?

The TAMU minimum rate was established based on the median minimum stipend for doctoral students among SEC institutions. We reviewed data from public members of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and determined that our minimum rate is comparable to those at institutions with a similar cost of living, based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

Are the University minimum Graduate Assistant stipend rates different for master’s and doctoral students?

No, the minimum rates apply to all master’s and doctoral Graduate Assistants across Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the Texas A&M Health Science Center.

How will the minimum GA stipend rates be updated to reflect additional cost-of-living increases in the future?

This mandate will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with the living wage and peer data, maintaining the university's commitment to supporting graduate assistants.

FAQs Related to Graduate Assistantships

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Where can I learn about Graduate Assistant opportunities?

Graduate students can contact their faculty or advising office for assistantship inquiries within or outside of the department. In addition, graduate students can visit Jobs For Aggies for additional employment opportunities across campus.  Employers are not required to post Graduate Assistantship positions on Jobs For Aggies but many departments still use this as a mechanism for sharing open positions.

I am a prospective Graduate Student looking at Graduate Assistantship opportunities. What are some questions I should ask employing departments?

Students seeking Graduate Assistantship positions, are encouraged to ask prospective employers the following questions to better understand the terms of the potential employment:

• Is this a 9- or 12-month position?
• Does this position include any payment towards my tuition and fee bill?
• Is this position eligible for an Assistantship non-resident tuition waiver?
• Is this position eligible for a spouse / dependent waiver?
• Is this position eligible for employee health benefits (medical, dental, vision)?
• What are the monthly rates?
• What are opportunities for pay rate increases?
• What are the terms of renewal for this position?
• If I leave for an internship in the summer, will I be able to continue the employment in the assistantship in the following fall term?

What are the requirements to hold a Graduate Assistantship?

All Graduate Assistants must meet the Graduate Assistantship registration requirements by the census date. Texas A&M University does not mandate assistantships be terminated upon failure to maintain GA enrollment requirements after the census date. However, assistantships may be terminated by the employer/supervisor upon failure to maintain enrollment requirements after the census date.

In addition, students serving in a Graduate Assistant Teaching (GAT) capacity for the first time must participate in the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Teaching Assistant Institute (TAI) which is a component of the Teaching Assistant Training and Evaluation Program (TATEP). 

Finally, the State of Texas requires that international graduate students demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) before serving in a teaching capacity. At TAMU, this requirement applies for an international student employed at any percent effort in a GAT or GAL title. In some cases, international students can submit an Emergency one-time semester deferral of ELP certification.

Are there any other financial benefits to holding a Graduate Assistantship?

Depending on the type, Graduate Assistantships provide valuable professional development opportunities, equipping students with essential skills and experiences related to their future careers. Additional benefits are noted below.

Insurance: Master’s and PhD graduate students employed in a Graduate Assistantship position at a minimum of 50% FTE (20 hours per week) and for a minimum of 4.5 months are eligible to participate in a TAMUS employee insurance program. During onboarding, human resource and benefit experts will discuss the available options with new employees.

 

Non-Resident Tuition Waiver: Master’s and PhD graduate students employed as Graduate Assistants (GAT, GAR, GAL, or GANT) are eligible for a Non-Resident Tuition Waiver (NRTW). The waivers allow a Graduate Assistant and their spouse/dependents to pay tuition at the in-state rate. Non-Resident Tuition Waiver requests must be submitted each semester. Visit the Grad School NRTW webpage for further details on Assistantship NRTW requirements.

 

Payment of Tuition and Fees: The University mandates payment of tuition and required university fees for PhD students employed in a Graduate Assistant Teaching (GAT), Research (GAR), and Lecturer (GAL) position. More details including a link to the mandate can be found on the Grad School tuition and fee mandate webpage.