Benefits of Appointment

Contents

Minimum Stipends

The University of Arizona Graduate College sets a minimum stipend for GA positions. This amount is for a 9 month .50FTE position. The stipend should be prorated for longer or shorter contracts, and contracts of FTE less than .5. 

  • For the Academic Year 2024-2025, the minimum .5 academic appointment (9 months) stipend is $21,750.00..  The minimum .5 fiscal appointment (12 months) is $28,275.00.

This amount is only a minimum. Colleges are welcome to set their own rates, so long as they do not go below the annual mandatory minimum. Issues such as market, program quality, as well as UArizona / College / Department strategic goals should all factor into the decision about what the rates should be. 

This number is calculated from the amount that the US State Department currently requires in order to issue a visa to an international student living in Tucson. It is a combination of the minimum cost of living in Tucson plus money to pay for the fees of grad students.

Tuition Remission

A Graduate Assistant/Associate (GA) who is appointed during the Fall and/or Spring academic semesters will receive tuition remission. Tuition remission is a reduction in the tuition amount that a student will be charged. The tuition remission is an amount which is dependent on FTE, enrollment, and dates of the appointment contract. The tuition remission benefit is only available for Fall and Spring semesters. Tuition rates for nonresident GAs will be automatically recalculated at the resident rate (GA Reduced Tuition).

For example:

  • If a GA is appointed at a total FTE less than .50, they will receive tuition remission in the amount of 50%. This is a 50% reduction in the original tuition charges.
  • If a GA is appointed at a total FTE of .50 or more they will receive tuition remission in the amount of 100%. This is a 100% reduction in the original tuition charges.

The tuition remission benefit applies only to base graduate tuition. It does not apply to Arizona Financial Aid Trust (AFAT) Fee, program fees, differential tuition, or any other fees charged by the University for specific programs. The student appointed as a GA is responsible for these charges and fees which must be paid on or before the first day of classes. Students needing to delay payment of any remaining tuition, or fees can enroll in the GA Deferment Plan.  GAs enrolling this plan must do so at least 3 business days before classes start to avoid late fees.

For any questions or concerns regarding graduate tuition rates, please visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator.

Prorated GA Benefits

GAs may have their appointment benefits prorated for various reasons. Some of those reasons may include:

  • GAs hired after the start of the GA Remission direct bill will receive the full GA Remission unless otherwise directed by the unit in writing to the Graduate College
  • An FTE (Full-Time Equivalency) adjustment.  The amount owed will be governed by the GA Remission direct billing schedule.
  • GA position ending before the contract end date.  GAs whose positions end before the start of the GA Remission direct bill will lose the entirety of the GA Remission.  The GA Remission for later-ending position will be prorated based on the GA Remission direct billing schedule.  The Campus Health Insurance benefit will be prorated based on the end date of the appointment.   

Please contact the Graduate College for more information.

Health Insurance

The University of Arizona will cover the single student Campus Health insurance premium charges for a GA during their appointment. The health insurance and health services are provided through the University of Arizona Campus Health and is not transferable to outside insurance providers. To receive this benefit, a student must enroll in the student health insurance program during the open enrollment period.

Standard Insurance Premium Amounts Academic Term
$1,045.00 Fall 2024
$1,720.00 Spring 2025

GAs who enroll in the plan cannot cancel their coverage after the open enrollment period ends, even if they resign or are terminated. GAs who resign or are terminated during the period of insurance coverage will be responsible for payment of the remaining insurance premium. Also, a GA will be automatically re-enrolled in the student health insurance program each semester upon enrollment in classes.

For more information on the student health insurance offered please visit The University of Arizona Campus Health website.

Family and Medical Leave

Graduate Assistants/Associates may be eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) under certain circumstances.  GAs must make a request for FMLA leave to his or her supervisor following established University FMLA leave procedures.  The supervisor will promptly coordinate with the designated leave coordinator to ensure University FMLA procedures and timelines are followed for notifying the GA of eligibility, certification requirements, and whether the leave will be designated and counted as FMLA leave.  For more information please visit the University of Arizona Family and Medical Leave Act Policy.

GA Parental Leave

Graduate Assistants/Associates will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Please review the GA Parental Leave Policy for details.

Bookstore Discount

GAs are eligible for a 10% discount off the price of select items purchased at all ASUA Bookstores, subject to Bookstore policies in effect. This benefit goes into effect once appointment information is processed and all requirements are satisfied. This benefit must be mentioned at the time of purchase to receive it and is not available retroactively.

Deferment Plan

The GA Deferment Plan allows a GA to defer payment of any remaining tuition, including differential tuition, AFAT fee, program fees, and/or course fees until close to the end of the semester. If you enroll in the GA Deferment Plan, you do not need to enroll in the standard UA payment plan. Students with enough accepted financial aid to cover their charges cannot use this form. Non-appointed graduate students may be interested in the payment plan offered by the Bursar’s Office.

Eligibility and Process

  1. Must be hired as a Graduate Assistant/Associate. 
  2. The GA Deferment will be processed after:
    1. The GA position information is present in UAccess Employee (processed through hiring unit & active in UAccess Employee),
    2. The student has met the requirements for the GA position (including enrollment for a minimum of 6 graduate units), and
    3. The deferment form has been submitted.
  3. Defers payment of remaining tuition, including differential tuition, AFAT fee, program fees, and/or course fees until close to the end of the semester. This plan does not cover non-tuition related expenses such as international student fee, Housing and Residential life charges, etc.  Students must have at least $100.00 in their current outstanding balance of eligible charges to use the GA Deferment .
  4. There is no cost to enroll in this plan. If enrolled in the GA Deferment Plan, do not enroll in the standard UA Bursar's Office payment plan.
  5. Students with enough accepted financial aid to cover their tuition charges cannot use this form.
  6. PLEASE NOTE: Any funding that is processed through the Bursar's Office will pay for remaining charges on your bursar's account, regardless of whether the charges have been deferred with this plan.
  7. Allow 3 - 5 business days for processing.
  8. PLEASE NOTE: by enrolling in this program, you agree to the conditions of this plan.

Fall 2024 plan enrollment will open Monday, July 29th.

Requesting a Deferment

Graduate Assistance and Associates may request a deferment by submitting the GA Tuition Deferment Form.

Deadlines for Fall 2024:

Monday, August 19, 2024 - Priority date to submit deferment form 
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Deadline to pay all deferred charges and not be subject to late penalties

Deadlines for Spring 2025:

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - Priority date to submit deferment form 
Friday, April 18, 2025 - Deadline to pay all deferred charges and not be subject to late penalties

Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR)

Graduate Assistant and Associates are considered student employees and do not receive the QTR based on this hire. However, should the GA be a spouse, partner, or dependent of a benefits-eligible employee, the GA cannot utilize the GA tuition remission benefits and the QTR benefit together (per University policy). The GA must choose to use the GA tuition benefit associated with their appointment or the QTR.  For more information please visit the University of Arizona’s Human Resources website.