Funding Question

[OnlyMe]

Hello all.

I am not very familiar with all the aspects of graduate student funding, so perhaps someone can help make this clearer.

I've ogt an email telling me I would get funding for 4 years (as an RA) covering tuition, health insurance and a stipend.

So my question is - what happens after 4 years ? from what I am aware PhD programs can last anywhere between 4 to 7 years, does this mean:

1. "Let's see what happens in 4 years", if needed the funding can be extended

or

2. 4 years, thats it, the rest is on you, make your considerations accordingly

Any insights ?

Thanks.

[rogue]

You should ask the school about this, as it varies. But many programs have additional funding you can apply for (like dissertation fellowships), or you get funded through a professor's grant, or you adjunct or whatever you have to do.