Program Funding

Full-Time Doctoral Students

Admitted, well-qualified Ph.D. students are typically offered a funding package that covers tuition, health insurance, and a Teaching Assistantship (TA). The TA provides a stipend of $23,600 for the first year, distributed as $11,800 in the fall and $11,800 in the spring. In subsequent years, students generally continue with either a TA or a Research Assistantship (RA) at the same stipend rate for the fall and spring semesters.

Part-Time Doctoral Students

Part-time doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a funding package through the School of Data Science; however, various options exist such as faculty research grants and employer support.

On-Campus Funding Resources

Fellowships and Philanthropic Awards: The Graduate School

UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School has developed a specific resource to address the financial aid needs and answer questions tailored to graduate students. For more information, visit the Graduate School’s Website. The Graduate School also offers fellowship resources for both summer and academic year funding. Summer fellowship applications are due in March through the funding application portal and are reviewed by faculty. Academic year fellowships are awarded to outstanding UNC Charlotte graduate students each spring and begin in the following academic year. These fellowships are exclusive to UNC Charlotte students.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

UNC Charlotte’s Office of Student Financial Aid offers various federal, state, and institutional aid programs to graduate students. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can help you access gift aid (grants) or self-help aid (loans, Federal Work-Study). For assistance with the FAFSA or financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website at NinerCentral.

Campus-Wide Scholarship Opportunities

The NinerScholars Portal provides students access to over 1,000 UNC Charlotte scholarships through a single application. This online portal matches both undergraduate and graduate students with potential scholarship opportunities. After logging in, students create a profile, view eligible scholarships, select those they wish to apply for and submit all necessary materials. For more information, visit the NinerScholars Student Application Portal.