Graduate Funding and Finances

Please click on a heading below to see resources related to graduate funding and finances. 

Penn graduate tuition and fees vary by school and program.

Graduate Appointments and Fellowships 
There are a variety of university fellowships and appointments available to Penn graduate students. Students should refer to their appointment letter or contact their department to determine the type of stipend they are receiving. See also: Guide to Graduate Student Appointments. 

Incoming PhD students receiving a university fellowship can typically expect the first stipend payment on September 30. Please contact department or school administrators for more information about university fellowships. 

Educational Loans
Long term education loans, payable after departure from graduate school, are intended to help students cover the cost of attendance during the academic year. The University can only certify loan amounts for educational expenses up to the cost of attendance, less available student resources. More information can be found on the Student Financial and Registration Services (SRFS) website or by speaking with a SRFS Graduate Financial Counselor.

Federal Student Loans 
Federal student loans are intended to help students cover the cost of attendance during the academic year. International students are not eligible for federal loan programs. Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for federal student loans through the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information on federal loan programs, interest rates, and the amounts you are allowed to borrow; please visit the U.S. Government's  Federal Student Aid website.

Private Loans 
International students may borrow from private sources or apply for private student loans through banks, credit unions, or other lending institutions. Private loans should be considered by US citizens and permanent residents only after all other borrowing options have been explored.

• Information about Paying for a Penn Education

• Information about Applying for Financial Aid

• Information about Loans

• Information about Billing and Payment

Student Financial Services (SFS), in conjunction with the financial aid director at the various schools, can assist with any questions regarding bills, financial aid, student loans, payment options, and any other financial matters.

Important Policies 
Student Registration and Financial Services publishes student policies related to financial aid, student accounts, course registration, and student records. 
 

Student Accounts and Billing
Penn.Pay offers easy access to all your student financial account information, including real time detail charges and payments, optional interest-free payment plans, and related university financial activity. If you have questions about your bill or want more information about paying your bill, contact Student Financial Services or the Cashier's Office. 

Please visit the Penn.Pay site to familiarize yourself with important information regarding your student account and payment options, as well as important due dates.

Stipend payments
If you hold an assistantship, traineeship, or fellowship, you will need to complete payroll information in the University's online system and submit required documentation in person. Your department will provide you with instructions. You will not be paid until you have completed all of the required forms and steps. 

Payments are generally dispersed on the last weekday of the month and must be paid by direct deposit or debit card. 

SRFS partners with the Comptroller’s Office and the various schools and centers to provide guidance on payments to students. 

School Contacts

Penn graduate student costs and funding vary by school and program. Please contact your program administrator or visit the pages below for more details. 

• Annenberg School for Communication
   
• Arts & Sciences 
   
• Business: MBA; EMBA; PhD programs
   
• Dental Medicine 
   
• Design
   
• Education
   
• Engineering and Applied Sciences 
   
• Law
   
• Nursing 
   
• Medicine: Masters, MD, PHD 
   
• Social Policy & Practice
   
• Veterinary Medicine

There are a number of specialized grant programs for Penn graduate students. Students are encouraged to speak with faculty and staff about additional opportunities offered by their school and/or department. 

• Penn Mentor Meals
  All Penn students can invite current or past professors, teaching assistants, advisors, and members of Penn’s professional staff who serve as mentors to a free lunch or dinner on Penn's campus. Take your faculty advisor or the students in your recitation out for lunch and get to know them a bit better! 
   
• Campaign for Community Grants 
  The Campaign for Community aims to strengthen our Penn community by finding ways to discuss and understand key issues that may appear to be difficult or intractable. The program provides grants of up to $1500 for projects and activities that help advance the Campaign's goals of encouraging mutual understanding, respect, and discussion among members of the community on important topics. 
   
• Funding for student groups 
  Visit our student organizations page for information about funding for recognized student groups and organizations. 
   
• Student Government-Supported Grants
  Several graduate school governments use a portion of their student activity fee allocation to fund individual travel and research grants, including: 
   
  • SASGov grants: Support for SAS Graduate Division research students to pursue research and professional development  
     
  • GSESG grants: Support for GSE students for conference travel and research  
     
  • GAPSA Conference and Professional Travel Grants 
    Small grants to reimburse students for costs associated with travel to and participate in academic and professional conferences or meetings. Students may also have access to travel funds through their graduate school government or department.
     
  • GAPSA-Provost Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Innovation
    Grants of $6,000 to support original, student-derived initiatives that integrate knowledge across diverse academic disciplines. The fellowship is also meant to help the project-leader(s) develop, pursue and complete their proposed interdisciplinary initiatives.

Grants for Students with Financial Need
Penn offers a number of funding sources to support individual graduate students with financial need. These include:

• Trustees’ Council of Penn Women Emergency Grant
  The Trustees' Council of Penn Women will offer grants to students who have special financial needs. Special consideration will be given to women students. Grants will be for sudden, compelling, and unanticipated need due to changed financial circumstances. Examples include the death or unemployment of a parent or illness. These students would be unable to continue their studies without special financial assistance. Students should demonstrate resourcefulness and self-reliance in their quest for a Penn education, and their qualities should identify them as role models for other University students.
   
• Graduate Emergency Fund
  The Graduate Emergency Fund provides grants to assist currently enrolled graduate and professional students with urgent financial needs and unanticipated, one-time expenses. The fund is intended to support the continued academic progress and well-being of students experiencing short term financial hardship who cannot reasonably resolve their immediate financial needs through loans, aid programs, or personal resources.
   
• Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
  The Weingarten Center provides need-based scholarships to students registered with Disability Services . Scholarships support a range of needs, including specialized equipment and assistive technology, neuropsychological or psychological testing, summer internship support, and more.
   
• Insurance Grants for PhD Students
  The University offers two grant programs for PhD students to help offset the cost of health insurance and dental insurance. These grants are funded by the Office of the Provost and administered by the Graduate Student Center and the Office of Student Registration and Financial Services.
   
• Grant Programs for PhD Students with Families
  The University offers grant programs for PhD students to help offset the cost of childcare and family expenses, and health insurance for dependents. These grants are funded by the Office of the Provost and administered by the Family Resource Center and the Office of Student Registration and Financial Services.
   
• Career Services summer funding
  Career Services has compiled a variety of funding sources across Penn for professional pursuits over the summer. 

Individual Travel & Research Grants
Several graduate school governments use a portion of their student activity fee allocation to fund individual travel and research grants, including: 

• SASGov grants: Support for SAS Graduate Division research students to pursue research and professional development  
   
• GSESG grants: Support for GSE students for conference travel and research  
   
• GAPSA Conference and Professional Travel Grants 
  Small grants to reimburse students for costs associated with travel to and participate in academic and professional conferences or meetings. Students may also have access to travel funds through their graduate school government or department.
   
• GAPSA-Provost Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Innovation
  Grants of $6,000 to support original, student-derived initiatives that integrate knowledge across diverse academic disciplines. The fellowship is also meant to help the project-leader(s) develop, pursue and complete their proposed interdisciplinary initiatives.

Student Event Funding 

• GAPSA Group Funding 
  GAPSA provides grants to support student group events. Groups apply through a universal application for a variety of funding categories.  
  
  Visit our student organizations page for information about additional funding options for recognized student groups and organizations. 

Internal award competitions
The University offers several fellowships and awards to support Penn graduate students. In many cases, students must be nominated by their department and cannot apply directly to these awards. Students wishing to be nominated should contact their department’s graduate chair for details. 

• Limited Submission & Institutional Endorsement
  Competitive external opportunities that require submission or endorsement through Penn departments or centers. 
   
• Internal Award Competitions 
  Fellowships and awards for current and graduating Penn students.  
   
• Awards for graduate and professional student alumni 
  Coming soon!

Many schools and departments provide additional fellowship and grant opportunities for their students. Be sure to check with faculty and staff in your department for more information. 

External Fellowships and Grants
Whereas “internal” awards are those offered by your department or the University, “external” awards are nationally- and internally-competitive opportunities offered by private foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Penn provides a number of resources and services to help students pursue these awards. 

Additional information about these and other awards can be found on our Grants and Fellowships page. 

Visit the Student Employment Office for more information about employment opportunities at Penn. Information about on-campus employment for international students can be found at global.upenn.edu/isss/oncampus

Penn/Federal Work-Study
Eligible graduate students may participate during academic and/or summer terms.  

The Federal Work-Study program provides eligible students with employment opportunities. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

Penn/Federal Work-Study is a federal government and Student Financial Services subsidized work program, which provides on-campus and off-campus employment to eligible undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. While the program offers a variety of job opportunities, a student is encouraged to seek community service work and/or work related to the student's course of study. The student is paid for those hours actually worked.

Part-Time Employment 
Many on- and off-campus organizations hire graduate students. However, specific funding and employment rules may apply depending on your department, school and/or visa status. Part-time employment is generally paid on an hourly basis and is different from fellowship or grant funding, which provides monthly stipend support. 

• Visit the Student Employment Office for a searchable list of part-time employment opportunities on- and off-campus.
• Check out the public bulletin board in the lobby of the Grad Center for additional postings

Campus organizations that frequently hire graduate students include: 

• Career Services
• Communication Within the Curriculum (CWiC) hires graduate students as "critical speaking" teaching fellows.
   
• Critical Writing Program hires graduate students for an assortment of writing positions.
   
• Graduate Student Center employs graduate and professional students as Fellows who develop programming, maintain the website, and staff the front desk.
   
• International Student & Scholar Services employs graduate and professional students for Orientation positions.
   
• Office of College Houses and Academic Services employs graduate and professional students as Graduate Associates in the undergraduate residences. GAs receive rent-free housing on campus and a meal plan.
   
• Netter Center for Community Partnerships hires graduate and professional students in a variety of roles, including work-study, intern, and volunteer positions. 
   
• Penn Transportation hires drivers and dispatchers for shuttle vans (evening/night work).
   
• VPSE Equity & Access Programs administer several programs that may hire graduate students.
   
• Weingarten Learning Resources Center regularly offers advising, instructing, tutoring, and proctoring positions to graduate students through its various offices. 

Information about payroll and payments for University fellowships and assistantships can be found under the "Educational Costs" tab

Please click on a heading below to see resources related to individual personal finances and financial assistance. 

Penn is committed to providing resources to help you manage your finances.

Financial Wellness @ Penn
Financial Wellness @ Penn offers personal finance education, tools, and resources to help students improve their financial well-being. Explore Financial Wellness @ Penn's modules on Budgeting, Banking, Managing Debt, and Investing. You can also attend or request a workshop on topics related to personal finance. In addition to these modules

In addition to our modules, all Penn students have access to two external financial wellness resources:

• Cash Course, developed by the National Endowment For Financial Education, offers self-paced personal finance education, including a series of worksheets and templates for use by students and blog posts featuring students' anecdotes. To create your account, indicate that you are a student at the University of Pennsylvania on the sign-up page.
   
• Financial Avenue, developed by Inceptia, offers courses on a range of financial literacy topics. Each course includes a combination of videos, worksheets, and action items for students to improve their financial well-being. Create your account today using Penn’s school access code: kw7rqd.

Personal finance resources that grad students may find useful include:

• GradSense
  An online education platform that provides students with important financial information on topics from money management to the value of pursuing an advanced degree. This site aims to help graduate and undergraduate students make wise financial decisions that will support their long term academic and professional career goals.
   
• Grad Student Finances
   
• Financial Lessons for Grad Students
   
• Budgeting, Saving & Credit
   
• College Budget Template
   
• CashCourse: Real Life Money Guide
   
• 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy
  360 Degrees of Financial literacy is a national volunteer effort of the nation’s Certified Public Accountants to help Americans understand their personal finances and develop money management skills. It focuses on financial education as a lifelong endeavor—from children learning about the value of money to adults reaching a secure retirement.

Personal Finance InfoGraphics
from the Council of Graduate Studies (CGS)

• Let Compound Interest Work for You
   
• Repaying Your Federal Graduate Student Loan
   
• Evaluating a Job Offer
   
• Negotiating a Job Offer

Banking Resources  
If you open a bank account with either PNC Bank, your PennCard can also be used as an ATM card and as a pin-based bank debit card. This eliminates the need to carry an extra card to access your money. There are numerous banks close to campus:

• PNC Bank, 3535 Market Street
• Bank of America, 3925 Walnut Street
• Citizens Bank, 134 South 34th Street
• Santander Bank, 3131 Market Street
• TD Bank, 3735 Walnut Street
• Wells Fargo, 3431 Chestnut Street
• Student Federal Credit Union at the University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Walnut St. *not affiliated with the University 

Tax Information for Graduate Students 
University staff who are not tax professionals are not authorized to offer personal tax advice or guidance. Students may wish to consult with a qualified tax specialist or the Internal Revenue Service with specific questions about your individual tax situation. 

• Penn Division of Finance: Tax Withholding on Graduate Stipends (scroll to "Graduate Stipends") 
   
• Student Financial Services: U.S. Taxes for International Students
   
• Internal Revenue Service statement on federal taxes
   
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue statement on state taxes
   
• ISSS: Tax Information for International Students & Scholars at Penn
   
• IRS Tax Information for Students
  • IRS Guidance for Scholarships, Fellowship Grants, and Other Grants 
     
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Please note: Although no reporting or withholding is required for U.S. students, the students must report and pay federal income tax on any payments in excess of tuition, fees, books, and certain other expenses. Further, there are special rules for international students. All Educational Fellowship and Pre-doctoral trainee grants to international students must be reported on IRS Form 1042-S. If the student is not from a tax treaty country, then federal income tax must be withheld from the stipend allowance at 14%. Those students from tax treaty countries that have a provision for scholarships and fellowships may claim exemption from withholding by applying for a tax treaty

Students experiencing an immediate financial emergency impacting their health, including the inability to afford groceries, should contact Student Intervention Services.

Campus Organic Produce Giveaways

In partnership with Penn Wellness and the Penn Park Farm, various campus locations provide regular weekly or monthly organic produce giveaways to help connect students who identify as food insecure with free, fresh produce straight from the Penn Farm. Students are encouraged to bring their own containers and to take only as much as they will use. All produce is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and available until supplies run out. 

Grad Center weekly produce giveaway details are available here. Additional giveaways are posted on individual center websites and on our "around campus" calendar when possible. 

Campus Kitchens and Pantries 

The Greenfield Intercultural Center, Penn Women's Center, and LGBT Center maintain small stocks of food items and condiments in their community kitchens. Use policies and hours vary - please be sure to visit program websites for more details before visiting. 

Please note that these are not full food pantries, and students experiencing chronic food insecurity should consult with a member of the Student Intervention Services team about finding a sustainable solution.

Please note that the Greenfield Intercultural Center's pantry was paused during the Fall 2023 semester. Please contact the Center for more details. 

Public Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves millions of people annually, ensuring that they and their families have access to nutritious food options. The SNAP for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides for the special dietary needs of nursing and pregnant women, infants, and children under the age of five. Additional federal programs can be found on the Benefits.gov Food and Nutrition Page. See additional food assistance programs and food banks below. 

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help low-income households get more food. Applications can be submitted online or filed in person at your county assistance office. For additional information and resources, visit the Department of Human Services website.

The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger connects people with food assistance programs and nutrition education; provides resources to a network of food pantries; and educates the public and policymakers about responsible solutions to food insecurity. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, you can call the WHY Hunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY or visit http://www.auntbertha.com. 

Food Banks and Pantries

There are a number of local food banks in the area. Many food pantries and banks also accept volunteers and donations.
Local food banks and pantries include: 

• Philabundance 3616 South Galloway Street Philadelphia, PA 19148
  215-339-0900
   
• The People's Fridge 125 South 52nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19139

• Food Bank of South Jersey 1501 John Tipton Blvd. Pennsauken, NJ 08110
  856-662-4884
   
• Share Food Program 2901 W. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19129
  215-223-2220
   
• Mary's Cupboard 100 Levittown Parkway Levittown, PA 19054
  215-945-2550
   
• Manna on Main Street 606 E. Main Street Lansdale, PA 19446
  215-855-5454
   
• Narberth Community Food Bank 201 Sabine Avenue, 2nd Floor Narberth, PA 19072
  484-278-4579
   
• St. Mark's United Methodist Church Food Pantry 220 S. Sproul Rd. Broomall, PA 19008
  610-325-0130
   
• Chester County Food Bank 650 Pennsylvania Drive Exton, PA 19341
  610-873-6000
   
• Montgomery County 
  Visit MontCo Anti-Hunger Network for the latest information on food pantries in Montgomery County.

211 Help

United Way-supported 211Help connects you to a specialist in your area who can put you in touch with organizations that provide critical services like food, housing and utilities programs and more.

Public Assistance Programs

On Benefits.gov, you can find government benefits related to unemployment assistance, healthcare, and food and nutrition. You can also use the Benefit Finder to find additional benefits for which you may be eligible. 

Unemployment Resources 

If you are facing unemployment or a lapse in employment, the following resources may be available to you:  

• Unemployment Insurance provides unemployment benefits to those who lose their job through no fault of their own. 
• You may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance if you do not qualify for other types of unemployment benefits.  
• Browse the Unemployment Assistance category and filter by state for unemployment benefits near you. 

To apply for unemployment assistance, please contact your State Unemployment Assistance Agency. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Unemployment Assistance Page.  

Utilities

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps provide low-income families with their heating and cooling energy costs. See a state-by-state list of utility assistance programs on the  Benefits.gov Housing and Public Utilities Page.

WiFi, Data, and Internet

 See this guide to internet and mobile service plans for those with financial need for more information about qualifying for discounts on internet, computers, and resources to stay connected remotely. 

Legal Services 

The Undergraduate Assembly and the Graduate & Professional Student Assembly provide free legal services to all students in Penn’s community.

The Gittis Legal Clinics are Penn Carey Law School's teaching law firm, comprised of nine in-house clinics that provide low income residents with free or discounted legal services, provided by certified law students under close faculty supervision. The mission of the clinics is to educate students on the skills and intricacies of being a lawyer while serving the legal needs of clients and underserved communities.

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia provides provides legal representation and advice to low-income tenants who are renters in non-subsidized housing in Philadelphia. CLS attorneys and other staff provide a full range of legal services, from individual representation to administrative advocacy to class action litigation, as well as community education and social work. 

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in Philadelphia. Volunteers assist clients with a variety of legal issues, including family law, foreclosure, public benefits, and more. PLA also provides referrals and support to organizations that coordinate pro bono volunteer lawyers, including Philadelphia VIP and the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project.  

The Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) matches clients with carefully screened and well qualified lawyers in the Philadelphia area. LRIS refers to lawyers in more than 160 areas of the law. The initial consultation with any LRIS lawyer, up to 30 minutes, is only $35.00. There will be no upfront consultation fee in matters typically taken on a contingent fee basis. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, LRIS may be able to refer you to a legal aid agency or other resource that may be able to help you for low or no fee.

The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships has a legal clinic staffed by current Drexel Law students who work with West Philadelphia community members. 

Medical and Dental Services 

Wellness at Penn free and low-cost services
Access to Student Health and Counseling is based on student status and payment of general and clinical fees. 

• Counseling services are available to all students at no additional charge.
   
• All students paying the Clinicsl Fee have access to Medical Services. This includes free office visits and an array of free or subsidized services. 

Penn Dental Clinic Student Discount 
As of September 1st, 2019 the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine committed to help students save more by offering significant student discounts on dental work. Currently-enrolled Penn student can receive a 30% discount on routine preventative dental services and 20% savings on specialty services at the Penn Dental Clinic. All University of Pennsylvania students that do not have dental insurance and who bring their student ID to their dental visit are eligible for these significant discount opportunities. Learn more (PDF)

Please note: students have several insurance and discount options for dental care. PhD and EdD students may also be eligible for a dental insurance grant to help with cost of purchasing the Penn Dental Student Insurance Plan. 

Aetna Vital Savings Discount Program
Aetna offers the Vital Savings Discount Program as an option for students to purchase on a voluntary basis. This is a discount program, not insurance. Please note: Penn Faculty Practice does not accept this discount program. Please contact the Penn health insurance Office at 215 746 3535 or email vpul-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu for information.

See information about discounted legal and medical services in the section above

Academic technology and software
All Penn students have access to a range of free and discounted technology resources through the University and individual schools. Learn more.   

Cellular Services
Penn partners with two cellular providers (AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless) to provide discounted service to Penn’s faculty, staff, and in some cases, students, entitling them to a service discount. Learn more. 

Technology and Equipment Rentals 
Students can borrow much more than just books from the Penn Libraries! Check out equipment you may need for papers, projects, or research – or that you just want to try out – ranging from audio recording devices, to binoculars, to VR cameras. Learn more

Arts & Cultural Institutions 
Penn students can access a variety of arts & cultural institutions and activities for free with their PennCard, including the Penn Museum, Arthur Ross Gallery, Institution of Contemporary Art, and more! Students can also purchase deeply discounted tickets to performances at Penn Live Arts and at Philadelphia-area arts & cultural institutions as well! Learn more. 

3D Printing Service
The Holman Biotech Commons and Education Commons offer free 3D printing for all members of the Penn Community. 3D printing is available for both academic and non-academic projects.

Musical Instruments 
The Penn Libraries collection includes loanable electronic musical instruments accessible to novice and master musicians alike. Find synthesizers, mixers, a laptop preloaded with digital audio software, and even a theremin to fuel your creative projects. Learn more.