The Department of Anthropology is committed to providing support so productive students can move through the program in timely fashion without the distraction of having to hold outside jobs.
Students who are admitted to the program are generally funded with tuition remission and a living stipend (University Fellowship) for 4-6 years, assuming continued high academic performance. The 12 month stipend for 2021-22 is $28,152.00. The stipend rate for 2022-23 will be announced in early 2022.
- First through third year students are funded by the University Fellowship.
- Fourth year students obtain support for their own dissertation fieldwork through national granting agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Fulbright Program, National Geographic Society, and the Wenner-Gren Foundation. Training students how to write competitive grant proposals is an important part of the department's graduate program, and students in the program have an outstanding record of winning outside funding (click here to see a list of recent graduate student grants). In exceptional circumstances, students who are unable to obtain external funding for fourth year fieldwork may apply to use the full amount of the University Fellowship funding to support their field research.
- Upon completing their fieldwork, students continue to be supported through the University Fellowship, and if making timely progress towards the degree, will be eligible in their final year for dissertation travel funds in the amount of $1000.00.
Additional departmental funds are earmarked for other graduate student activities:
- All anthropology graduate students are eligible for summer dissertation research travel support which has historically averaged out to approximately $1000.00 per student.
- Students may also apply for travel funds to help defray the costs of attending national conferences where they present research papers.
Other fellowships with generous stipends are available to outstanding new students at Washington University, including the Mr. & Mrs. Spencer T. Olin Fellowship for Women in Graduate Study, and the Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship Program for students who bring diversity to the graduate program:
- Mr. and Mrs. Spencer T. Olin Fellowships: Olin Fellowships are among the most selective institutional awards made across disciplines and schools. In Arts & Sciences, they are open only to outstanding women entering with the intent of studying for an MFA or PhD and provide tuition remission, stipend and an annual travel award for the program length of study. More information, Visit the Olin Fellowship page: https://graduateschool.wustl.edu/olin-fellowship#spotlight.
- The Chancellor's Graduate Fellowships: Chancellor's Graduate Fellowships are highly competitive awards that provide fellowship packages offering full tuition plus annual 12-month stipends and an educational allowance for books, travel, and other educational expenses. This fellowship support is provided for the length of program*. Open only to students of exceptional promise who would contribute to the diversity of graduate education and who are applying to the following programs: PhD, MFA or a MA in Arts & Sciences, MD/PhD, MARCH, MUD and JD (teaching fellowship only). Students must enter these programs with the intention of becoming college or university professors. More information, visit the Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship page: https://graduateschool.wustl.edu/cgfp.
- McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowships: The McDonnell Academy selects Scholars based on outstanding academic potential and on an applicant’s commitment to learning about international issues an global leadership. McDonnell Scholars come from varied degree programs and different countries in order to maximize the diversity of the program and create a rich dialogue and experience. McDonnell Scholars receive both financial and programmatic support. In selecting our Scholars, we consider academic distinction, global mindset, leadership, and community. Read more about the program.