The Department does not generally provide financial support for students pursuing an MHS degree. Student Financial Services staff are available to direct these students toward grants, scholarships, Federal work-study and other programs for which they may qualify. Most ScM students will qualify for a 75% tuition scholarship. Employment in the advisor's lab may also be available at the advisor's discretion. All PhD students receive full financial support, which covers tuition, fees, individual health and dental insurance and a generous stipend for living expenses ($25,200 for the 2006-2007 academic year). Graduate students are not required to serve as teaching assistants, although opportunities to teach are available if a student so desires. PhD students receive compensation either from an NIH institutional training grant or from faculty research grants as long as they remain in the program. In addition, they are encouraged to apply for individual fellowship funding in their second year. Upon arrival, postdoctoral fellows receive compensation either from an NIH institutional training grant or from faculty research grants. Postdoctoral fellows may be advised by their mentors to apply for individual fellowships for which they may qualify. Tuition and fees will be paid by fellowship (institutional or individual) if available, or by a School scholarship, so fellows are relieved of this expense. The department also provides individual health and dental insurance for all postdoctoral fellows. The Department provides full support for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows enrolled in the Student Health Plan. All full-time and foreign students are required to be enrolled in a qualified health benefit program. At the time of registration, students must provide written proof of enrollment in a plan that meets standard guidelines in the State of Maryland. For students who do not have existing health insurance coverage, the School of Public Health offers the Student Health Plan. | 
