Types of Assistance Available

Grants and Scholarships can be awarded from a variety of sources including Vanderbilt, federal, state and private entities. These funds are considered "gift" assistance and do not have to be repaid. Graduate and Professional students are awarded all gift aid (including, but not limited to, scholarships, grants, and graduate research and teaching assistantships) from their academic department and/or school.

Loan assistance is available and it must be repaid, with interest, based upon a certain payment schedule. For more loan information, please see the section, "Loan Information & Payment Plan Options".

Student employment opportunities offer students a chance to gain valuable work experience in addition to receiving a paycheck for their hours worked. Employment positions are not assigned; students must initiate the job search and application process.

• Federal Work Study provides part-time jobs for graduate students, allowing them to earn a monthly paycheck to help pay education expenses. Federal Work Study is not applied towards your bill or charges. It is simply the opportunity for part time employment on campus. A FAFSA application is needed to determine if you are eligible for Federal Work Study. Graduate students can work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Federal Work Study is not available during summer.  Federal Work Study

• Vanderbilt Institutional Employment Program
  Vanderbilt has an institutional employment program for those students who do not qualify for the Federal Work Study program. Most positions are obtained through the HireADore job website. Eligible undergraduate students may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus. Eligible graduate/professional students may work up to 29.5 hours per week on-campus. There are a variety of work locations and settings. Wages begin at $7.25, but vary depending on type of job. Students are normally paid bi-weekly for hours worked.