UMN - Twin Cities Stipend

[greenparker]

Hi All,

I have received acceptance from UMN-Twincities for PhD Statistics, but the stipend they are offering me seems pretty low, or maybe I was expecting too much. That have offered me $15k. Does this seem reasonable?

[lyonessrampant]

I can't speak to your field, but I can tell you that $15k goes pretty far in the Twin Cities. The cost of living is quite reasonable here.

[cyberwulf]

Is that for 9 months, or 12? If for 9, then you can add another $5K or so over the summer (either from RA/TA duties or a suitable internship). Even if it's for 12, that amount isn't so low as to be crippling.

[tabis]

Sorry to bring back this old thread, but I was accepted to the above program (with slightly better offer) and wondering.

 

Does it really matter in this case whether the amount is for 9 months, or 12?

 

I mean, even if it were for 12 months, is there some kind of obligation you have to meet that will keep you from doing an internship or TA/RA during the summer?

[cyberwulf]

Sorry to bring back this old thread, but I was accepted to the above program (with slightly better offer) and wondering.

 

Does it really matter in this case whether the amount is for 9 months, or 12?

 

I mean, even if it were for 12 months, is there some kind of obligation you have to meet that will keep you from doing an internship or TA/RA during the summer?

Yes; if they're paying you for 12 months, they will typically expect 12 months of work as an RA/TA.

[tabis]

cyberwulf, thanks for the reply.

 

To be specific, the offer was a 14.5k stipend plus a 2k "summer research fellowship".

 

Hopefully the latter is just a summer allowance with no duties attached, but I guess this is something I should ask the program directly...

[cyberwulf]

"Research fellowship" sounds a lot like an RA position to me. Though I can't imagine it could be for that many hours if it's only $2K.

[TheCommodore]

You're making me sweat, pal. Minnesota is my first choice and I haven't heard back yet...

[kdilks]

cyberwulf, thanks for the reply.

 

To be specific, the offer was a 14.5k stipend plus a 2k "summer research fellowship".

 

Hopefully the latter is just a summer allowance with no duties attached, but I guess this is something I should ask the program directly...

 

Obviously you're expected to be working on research/trying to find an adviser/etc., but I think the only requirement laid out in the summer fellowship offer is that you continue to make the Twin Cities your primary residence for the full length of the summer.