Support Graduate Students

At The University of Minnesota, we realize that our graduate students are the future business and political leaders, professionals, policy makers, scholars, researchers and teachers.  They play a vital role at The University of Minnesota conducting world changing research, connecting diverse disciplines, and linking the University to the larger community.  They conduct research unimagined by previous generations and infuse the University with fresh perspectives and a passion for learning that inspires new directions.

Every fall the University of Minnesota admits roughly 1,000 doctoral students in 100 academic programs.  Even so, because of a dearth of substantial multi-year fellowships at the University, some departments claim they lose up to 80% of talented graduate school applicants to other universities that offer better financial packages.  Many students who would prefer to study at the University simply cannot afford to exercise their preference.

Recipients of first-year fellowships report that even with teaching assistantships and research assistantships in their second year, they are receiving much less financial support from the University than their peers at competitor institutions and their time to degree is extended on account of the need for half-time employment throughout their education, even when their first priority ought to be mastery of their chosen field.  Upon degree completion, students with high levels of debt from combined undergraduate and graduate loans too often find that financial considerations must drive their career choices, rather than their passion for a particular profession. 

Support of graduate education through Graduate Fellowships provides “the gift of time” to the most promising leaders who will provide the next generation of breakthroughs in knowledge, creation and solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.  Your support also helps ensure that The University of Minnesota attracts the best and brightest students and maintains the highest level of research.

Through the 21st Century Graduate Fellowship Endowment, gifts of $25,000 or more that are designated to endow graduate fellowships may be eligible for a 1:1 match.  This unique matching fund doubles the impact of the gifts for fellowships.  Learn more about the 21st Century Graduate Fellowship.

Click here if you want to make a supporting gift to The Graduate School online.

If you have questions about making a gift to The Graduate School, please contact Bill Venne (612-625-6977 or venne025@umn.edu.)