Are "waitlisters" given the same funding offer as those originally accepted?

[hejduk]

Is anyone aware of a school or situation where an original applicant's funding offer was greater than the waitlister that got their admission spot? I know it's probably different in STEM vs. Social Sciences, but just wondering people's take on this.

Surely the waitlisted individuals get the same funding offer as those originally admitted?

[lyonessrampant]

It may be different in my field, but the answer is it depends. Some schools have standard funding packages, so a waitlisted person who ends up getting in would get the same funding. This is the case in my field with manyl of the private schools, but the schools I was admitted to had a variety of funding packages, and their most desirable applicants get better funding (more money, fewer teaching requirements, fellowships, etc.) than even other admitted applicants. In those cases, people who get in off the waitlist do not get the same funding.

[borderlands]

As "lyonessrampant" mentioned it largely depends on the graduate school program. When an applicant is placed on the waitlist they sometimes let them know that it's because of funding reasons, if all applicants admitted receive some kind of funding. Not all programs work this way-- an applicant can be admitted from the waitlist without any information about funding. It is best to always ask about the funding situation before declining other funding options. Most grad programs have another waitlist on funding.

[rising_star]

In my department, yes. There are only three pay rates in my department: students without a MA/MS; students with a MA/MS; students that are ABD. Waitlisters get paid based on which of the first two categories they fall under.