Ph.D. Students

Subject to available funding, the CTS program supports first-year Ph.D. students through Graduate Research Assistantships, which includes a modest salary and full tuition remission, as well as payment for the student health insurance plan. 

In subsequent years, each Ph.D. student selects a faculty mentor to provide them with specialized research training and oversight of their dissertation research; the mentor is typically expected to provide funding for the student beginning in their second year in the program. Students are encouraged to seek extramural grants and fellowships to further support their studies. Examples of such funding include NIH NRSA fellowships (F31/F30), American Heart Association fellowships, and other external awards.

Master’s Students

Funding opportunities for M.S. students are more limited. Students may seek faculty mentors who can offer financial support or apply for external funding independently.

Students without financial support from their mentors or other sources are encouraged to explore the Graduate College's resources for graduate student funding. 

For more information, please contact the CTS program at CTSsupport@email.arizona.edu. 
 

Exploring Financial Aid Options

If you need additional funding after exploring other resources, financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Applying for Financial Aid

CTS students may apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible, students must:

• Be admitted and enrolled at least half-time in coursework accepted for credit by the program.
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible non-U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number (unless from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree.
• Use aid only for educational purposes.
• Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on any federal educational loan. (Review Pell Grant and loan history at https://studentaid.gov.)
• Must attend all classes for which they enroll. Failure to attend class may result in the adjustment of aid.

The University of Arizona's School Code for FAFSA is 001083. FAFSA submissions for the next academic year typically open on October 1. Students are encouraged to complete the application by March 1 for priority processing. 

Types of Financial Aid

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

• Annual limit: $20,500
• Maximum aggregate limit: $138,500

*For current loan rates, please refer to the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans page.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

• Based on credit history; adverse credit may require a cosigner or credit resolution.

*For current loan rates, please refer to the Federal Direct PLUS Loans page.

Scholarships

Current CTS students are encouraged to explore additional scholarship opportunities via the Scholarship Universe platform and the Graduate College’s periodic Grad Funding Newsletter.

Qualified Tuition Reduction & Third-Party Funding

QTR is an employee benefit option that reduces tuition. For eligibility details, you (if you are a benefits-eligible employee), your spouse/partner, or your parent should contact Human Resources. Any tuition awards or outside funding will adjust and may reduce your financial aid. Please inform the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office (FASO) if you expect QTR or any third-party payments.

For the latest tuition rates, visit the Bursar’s Office Tuition Calculator.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the average living and academic expenses for students during the fall and spring semesters. For the CTS program, the College of Health Sciences (COHS) applies the main campus Graduate program COAs. For updates or inquiries, please contact the COHS Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

Contact Information

For questions about financial aid or scholarships, please contact:
College of Health Sciences Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
Email: COHS-FASO@arizona.edu

Embark on your financial aid journey with confidence—our team is here to assist you!