MSFS Financial Aid

Financial Aid and Funding 

Students are expected to participate in graduate education and research throughout the year, including summers. Generally, degree completion is expected to take 5 semesters, including summer.

Graduate assistantships with stipends are available on a limited basis for MSFS students, with fewer than half receiving awards. However, in AY 2023-2024 roughly 75% and in AY 2024-2025 over 60% of MSFS students were receiving some form of financial support (full or partial stipends, tuition, or both). Graduate assistantships in the MSFS program are primarily based on grant funding, which fluctuates from year to year. Other sources of support, such as teaching assistantships, have been available in the past, but are not guaranteed for MSFS students.Financial aid may also include tuition remission for supported students, but this depends on the nature and source of funding. Upon arrival on campus, all funded students must complete paperwork in order to receive a paycheck. Contact Student Employment Services arrange to complete these forms. US citizens or permanent residents will need to present a Passport or Social Security card, along with a current Driver’s license or State ID. Students must provide an I-9 form (eligibility to work in the US) and a Tax Withholding form.

All funded students must register for at least 8 credits in fall and spring semesters and 6 credits in summer semesters, in order to be full-time and, therefore, receive a stipend. Failure to maintain those credit levels may result in cancellation of financial support. Although the school administration checks on registration, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they are properly registered by the start of each semester.

Being awarded a stipend involves a commitment (i.e. teaching, research, or service) to the University. Please be aware that failure to perform any required duties at acceptable levels will result in the termination of funding, regardless of the source of that support. All students are evaluated on an annual basis in order to determine if funding is to be continued for the coming year. Any student not making substantial progress towards the completion of their degrees may be dismissed, regardless of the funding situation.

Provisions and Exceptions for In-State Residency

Graduate Assistanships

BGSU Bursar Office Cost Calculator

Busar Website

Graduate College Financial Aid Website 

Graduate Scholarships

Residency Requirements

US citizens or permanent residents who are not residents of Ohio must apply for Ohio residency for their second year in their programs if they are receiving scholarships.  Scholarships for non-resident fees cannot be provided after the first year for students eligible to become Ohio residents. This process is handled through the office of Registration and Records. Visit “Ohio Residency for State Subsidy and Tuition Surcharge Purpose” for more information.