All ACE MS and ACE PhD applicants are considered for financial assistance to support their graduate studies during the ACE graduate admission process. There is no separate application to fill out for financial assistance. We take into consideration financial support during the application process. Potentially credentials submitted with the application could be used in making decisions regarding financial support within the department. If you are offered admission into the ACE MS or ACE PhD graduate program we will send you an offer letter with the full details of your admission. At that time and if you reach this admission stage, financial assistance will be stated if the department has decided to offer financial support.
The ACE MAAE program is a self-supporting program and there is limited funds available. If you would prefer more information please email ace-grad@illinois.edu.
ACE certificate programs are self-supporting.
There are other forms of financial support the student can investigate. Here is further information: Office of Student Financial Aid, Graduate College Funding Types/Options, and Tuition and Fee Waivers. Keep in mind funding is complex and your best option might be to reach out to the graduate programs coordinator if you receive an offer letter to fully understand your letter. Please email ace-grad@illinois.edu if you have questions.
Types of Funding
The Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign typically offers four types of funding: Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Fellowships, and Scholarships. Depending on the support you receive these could be a mix or solely one type of funding. Your funding will be convened in terms of "full-time effort" (FTE), which is expressed in percentages normally ranging from 25% to 50% if financial support is present.
Both fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and many include a waiver of tuition and coverage of some university fees. The stipend and fee waiver may vary in amount according to the nature of the appointment. In addition, students who are supported with qualifying governmental or privately funded fellowships that do not include a waiver may be considered for a waiver of tuition and some fees.
Financial support is based on several factors and we review applications holistically. Applications are reviewed by the ACE Graduate Admissions Review Committee (GARC) and potentially could be review by any ACE grad faculty. Also, the UIUC Graduate College is involved throughout the process as well.
Note: The department does have limited funds and funding can be competitive.
Graduate Fellowships & Scholarships
Graduate fellowships are financial awards designed to reward the most outstanding applicants. Fellowship recipients have no service requirement and can devote full attention to their studies and research. Scholarships are less common in the ACE department but there is potential for these to be awarded as well.
The Department offers fellowships funded by internal resources including generous gifts to the Department, or by successfully nominating students for competitive College and Campus Fellowships. The Graduate College Fellowship Office maintains a listing of fellowship opportunities.
Graduate Assistantships (Research & Teaching)
Graduate assistantships require the student to assist faculty in teaching, research, or outreach activities in connection with the financial award. The service time expectations can vary but usually do not exceed 20 hours per week (50% FTE) on average.
Teaching assistants appointed must have English Proficiency Standards met. To be eligible for a teaching assistantship, non-native English students need to understand requirements for English Proficiency for Teaching Assistants (the requirements are about mid-way down the page).