All incoming Graduate Students are offered a financial aid package from the Department that includes an annual stipend of $24,500 (approved for Academic Year 2008-2009), tuition costs, and payment of individual Student Health insurance and activity fees. Financial support is dependent upon satisfactory academic progress as defined in the Graduate School and Program policies.
One of the unique aspects of the Department of Immunology at UC Denver is that it encompasses the facilities of three outstanding institutions: The School of Medicine, The Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and National Jewish Health. The geographical diversity also presents unique administrative logistics of which students must be aware. Students are funded from a variety of sources of funds awarded to each institution: NIH Training Grants, Cancer Research Institute Training grant, Howard Hughes Graduate Education Fund, NIH Research Funds, and industrial fellowships, to name just a few. Each source (Federal or Non-Federal, Institutional or Individual) has its own set of guidelines when awarding funds to an institution and, each institution has administrative policies to which it must adhere for the dissemination of those funds. The source of funds and the awarded institution dictate the policies for payment. It is advised that students become familiar with the sources of their support and the guidelines that apply. The Department will make every effort to ensure that students are supported throughout their program. However, students are encouraged to apply for the many alternative sources of individual funding. Check with the Program Office for eligibility requirements and guidelines.
FEES
A $200 incoming student deposit is required from all graduate students that is refunded after graduation or withdrawal.
As a new policy students are now charged $65 for a background check prior to matriculation and that is paid directly to the Graduate School. An approval form is sent from the Graduate School with the acceptance material and should be returned with a check for the background check.
There is a one-time nonrefundable matriculation fee of $140 for any student new to the University of Colorado that is assessed at the time of initial registration.
Stipend and Tuition
STIPENDS
Incoming student stipends are paid monthly on the last working day of the month. The payment schedule of students in subsequent years is dependent upon the source of support funds.
TUITION
Tuition is paid by the Department for first year students and by the student's thesis advisor in subsequent years. Tuition payment is subject to the following limitations:
- Tuition will be paid only at in-state tuition rates after the first year for U.S. and permanent residents. Any additional tuition will be the responsibility of the student. (See Establishing Residency) This is not the case for foreign students who do not qualify for in-state residency. For such students, the thesis advisor will be responsible for tuition payments.
- The University of Colorado Denver has implemented an official E-Bill (electronic billing) program. Beginning with the Fall 2008 term, UC Denver no longer mails paper billing statements to students. All registered students must access their student account bill through the CU Access portal. Please see the Bursar's Office website for more information. (The student is responsible for any late fees incurred.)
- The Department will NOT pay tuition for retroactive registration (administrative registration done after the completion of a semester).
Health Insurance
Student Health insurance is part of the financial package offered to incoming Graduate Students. The Health Insurance invoice is included with your tuition invoice. Information regarding student health insurance is at http://www.uchsc.edu/studentinsurance/.
Health Insurance Waiver
If you are covered by another source of insurance, you may request a Waiver of Insurance. National Jewish employed students are encouraged to submit this waiver.
Dependent Options
If you have dependents that you wish to include on your Health Insurance, contact the Health Services Office for enrollment information. The student is responsible for any extra charge for each dependent.
All students are required to have an initial health screening. It is best to sign up for this as soon as possible at the Student Health Services. Further information will be provided at the Graduate School Orientation.
Students working in NJC labs will be subjected to a health screen and orientation there as well.
Travel
A limited amount of funds are designated to assist first year students to attend a meeting or conference. These funds can be used to assist with the costs of accommodations, meals, travel, and registration expenses. Use of these funds must be requested in writing and approved by the Department Chair and Administrator. Funding for travel is more likely to be approved if the student has submitted an abstract that has been accepted. Upon approval, the Department Office will assist you with your travel arrangements and completing all University required forms.
The University requires completion of a Travel Authorization form prior to all student travel. This requirement is in addition to the above described Department policy. The Office staff can assist you with this.
Travel Advances may be issued to cover authorized travel expenses. Travel advances may be issued at a minimum of $50.00 and a maximum of $400.
It is important that you retain all pertinent receipts of expenditures. Original receipts will be required for reimbursement.
Upon return from your trip, it is important that you report your travel expenses and return any unused portion of your travel advance. The Department Office will assist you with preparing the required forms.
