Most students in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology receive some form of financial support. However, both the source of the support and the responsibilities associated with it vary from situation to situation. New BCB students are admitted to the program in one of two categories discussed in Section III. Students entering Bioinformatics and Computational Biology for exploration rotations usually receive a Research Assistantship (RA) funded by Bioinformatics and Computational Biology during the first year or by an NSF two-year fellowship. Typically, Ph.D. students receive 10-24 months of guaranteed assistantship support, and M.S. students receive up to 6 months. Stipends for students admitted as transfers, co-majors, or concurrent degree candidates are provided by major professors or home departments and are governed by departmental policies. The responsibilities associated with a stipend depend on the type of assistantship (Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship). Information about these forms of support is available in the Graduate College Handbook.

It is important for students to discuss their future graduate assistantship support with potential major professors. After a major professor has been chosen, the primary responsibility for a student's assistantship funding lies with the major professor and home department. (For administrative purposes, the major professor's department becomes the student's home department.)

All graduate students on assistantships sign a Graduate Assistantship Letter of Intent that lists the terms and conditions of their appointment. Generally, graduate assistantship appointments are on a "one-half time" basis. "Half-time" is the maximum time appointment for graduate students; the remaining "half-time" is spent as a student in graduate studies and research. Appointments can be terminated by mutual consent or for reasons as described in the Graduate College Handbook. Any questions regarding graduate appointments should be directed to the BCB office (2014 Molecular Biology Building).

• Financial constraints and program changes may result in adjustment in specific responsibilities and/or sources of funds during the period of appointment.
• The Graduate Assistantship Letter of Intent is based on the University fiscal year and does not imply that support will terminate on the end date noted in the Letter of Intent.
• BCB students will receive continued Graduate Assistantship support (either as a Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant) for the duration of Ph.D. degree work, as long as students remain in good standing. The specific source(s) of funding may vary depending on resources available to the major professor.
• If a student transfers from the BCB Ph.D. program to the BCB M.S. program, the student will be financially responsible for his/her education after the transfer.

The University payday is the last workday of each month, with pay deposited directly into students’ bank accounts. Direct deposit and any bank account changes can be done on a student’s AccessPlus account. Deductions are made for Federal and State income taxes and Social Security, if applicable.