SPEA MASTER’S PROGRAMS
Funding Opportunities
Indiana University is located in a beautiful area in southern Indiana that enjoys a relatively low cost of living. The cost of a School of Public and Environmental Affairs’ (SPEA) degree is one of the most economical in the league of peer institutions. Moreover, in light of the quality of our academic programs and marketability of our graduates, a SPEA graduate degree is a sound investment with a solid return. This list of funding options is not intended to be comprehensive; it is merely a sample of opportunities. Funding levels and opportunities change. We encourage you to proactively seek out these opportunities.
Merit-based Aid
All students who submit a complete application file by the priority deadline of February 1 are considered for SPEA merit-based aid. To apply for merit-based aid, check the appropriate boxes in the Departmental Questions portion of your application. The merit aid allocation process begins in February and recipients are notified in March. GPA and test scores, academic and professional achievements, extracurricular and volunteer activities, recommendation letters, and responses to application questions are among the factors considered when determining merit awards.
MASTERS PROGRAM OFFICE • SPEA 260 • 1315 East Tenth St. • Bloomington, IN 47405
Merit awards include fellowships, graduate and teaching assistantships (GAs and TAs), Service Corps Fellow and Coverdell Fellow distinctions, and tuition awards. Merit awards generally include a partial tuition remission and a stipend or hourly wage.
Benefits to Volunteers*
SPEA strongly encourages candidates who have successfully completed volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach For America to apply. In addition, Peace Corp, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America service satisfies the experiential requirement associated with SPEA master’s degrees.
Damon Smith MPA/Master of Arts, Russian and East European Studies, 2015 International Development RPCV, Ukraine
SPEA Funding: International Engagement Grant, Study Abroad Scholarship, Teaching Assistantship Other Funding: Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship, Russian and East European Studies (REEI); Mellon Grant, Russian and East European Studies (REEI); Ukrainian Research Institute Fellowship, Harvard University; International Enhancement Grant, Office of the Vice President for International Affairs
“Having worked for a few years after earning my undergraduate degree, I knew that graduate school was the right decision for me professionally. However, three years of additional schooling is a significant financial burden that I would not have been able to Peace Corps: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) qualify for a undertake without the generous aid packages available reduction of 6 credit hours based on two years of service (over $6,300 at Indiana University. The financial opportunities in the benefit, depending on residency). SPEA MPA and REEI MA dual degree program have allowed me to focus on my studies and deepen Teach For America: Alumni of the Teach For America (TFA) program qualify my professional development. Having taken for a reduction of up to 6 credit hours based on two years of service (over full advantage of the opportunities available, $6,300 benefit per year of service, depending on residency). I know that I have already received a return on my investment and look forward AmeriCorps: Alumni of the AmeriCorps program qualify for a reduction of 3 credit to an exciting career in hours per year of service, with a maximum award of 6 credit hours (over $3,100 benefit per public service.” year of service, depending on residency). * Note: Students participating in dual degree programs other than the MPA-MSES are not eligible for the volunteer credit reduction. As a dual degree student, SPEA degree requirements are already reduced from 48 to 36 credit hours.
Fellowships for Current Students
In addition to SPEA merit-based aid that is allocated during the recruitment and application process, SPEA prides itself in making fellowship dollars available to current SPEA master’s candidates through a competitive application process. These fellowships provide additional funding for students who have demonstrated excellence in academics and involvement during their SPEA graduate studies. In addition to the financial benefit, these fellowships also serve to recognize students’ achievements and commitment to their SPEA degree program.
p: 800-765-7755 or 812-855-2840
speainfo@indiana.edu
f: 812-856-3665
www.spea.indiana.edu
Need-based Aid
The Federal Government and IU’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) administer need-based aid. Federal Work-Study funds are administered by OSFA: http://www.indiana.edu/~sfa/. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms are available from OSFA online at http://studentcentral. indiana.edu/ or in-person at 408 N. Union Street. You can also apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. All U.S. citizens should submit the FAFSA by the university’s priority deadline of March 1.
Student Employment
Many students seek employment to help finance tuition and living expenses. IU employment opportunities are posted on the following websites: University Human Resource Services University Information Technology Services Career Development Center
www.indiana.edu/~uhrs/jobs www.indiana.edu/~uitshr www.indiana.edu/~career
Additional Sources of Funding
Many students pursue additional sources of funding to help finance the remaining cost of tuition and living expenses. Students should be proactive in researching funding opportunities online and by referencing the weekly Masters Program Office News & Notes electronic newsletter for further opportunities.
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships are generally supported by faculty who have external research grants. Award levels vary and are open to incoming and continuing students.
MASTERS PROGRAM OFFICE • SPEA 260 • 1315 East Tenth St. • Bloomington, IN 47405
Funding from Other Campus Departments
Assistantships and fellowships are also available from other departments and offices on campus. Students must contact departments directly about funding opportunities. In the past, SPEA master’s students have been able to receive funding from the following campus units: Department of Biology Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Hutton Honors College Indiana Geological Survey Institute for Family & Social Responsibility Kelley School of Business Residential Programs & Services (RPS) Student Academic Center University Graduate School Writing Tutorial Services
www.bio.indiana.edu www.indiana.edu/~flas www.indiana.edu/~iubhonor www.igs.indiana.edu www.spea.indiana.edu/fasr www.kelley.iu.edu/ucso www.rps.indiana.edu www.indiana.edu/~sac www.graduate.indiana.edu www.indiana.edu/~wts
Jessica Fischbach MPA 2014 Nonprofit Management, Specialized Concentration: International Human Rights Policy & Advocacy SPEA Funding: Educational Opportunity Fellowship, SPEA Auction & Gala Scholarship, SPEA Teaching Assistantship, SPEA Overseas Education Graduate Assistantship, Steven D. Eisenach Memorial Graduate Fellowship “I was very fortunate to have multiple fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships that helped to finance my SPEA education. I was also able to gain experience working in the SPEA Overseas Study Office, the SPEA Career Development Office, and working alongside Dr. Wakhungu as a teaching assistant for undergraduate statistics. SPEA, along with individual faculty, has provided numerous opportunities for professional networking and personal growth as I have explored the areas of nonprofit management and human rights policy.”
Online Resources for Finding Aid
Students can research additional sources of funding by visiting the following websites: University Graduate School IU GradGrants Center OSFA Scholarship Search
www.graduate.indiana.edu www.indiana.edu/~gradgnt www.studentcentral.indiana.edu
© August 2014