Each full-time student is granted an assistantship covering 50% of tuition costs in exchange for working 7.5 hours per week at the University. Through grants and contracts obtained by the Lea R. Powell Institute for Children and Families as well as competitive assistantships earmarked for our students, additional funding typically becomes available at beginning in the second year. Finally, incoming students are considered for three Powell Doctoral Fellowships that provide additional funding during the first year of enrollment. During 2008-2009, of the 21 doctoral students on campus, twelve were receiving 50% funding, two were at 85%, and the remaining seven students were fully funded.

Additionally, paid internships are sought for students in the final year of the program. The Financial Aid Office assists graduate students in obtaining additional forms of assistance whenever possible.

The Division has been successful in increasing available assistance through grants and contracts awarded to its Lea R. Powell Institute for Children and Families. Continued success in this area is not guaranteed, but it remains an ongoing goal of the Division and the Institute to obtain additional financial assistance for graduate students from external sources (e.g. government programs and private foundations)