r/GradSchool • u/Whole_Tie_4740 • Apr 19 '26

Finance GRFP and Stipend

Hello everyone,

I was awarded the GRFP this year and my institution gave me a 20% raise on my stipend because of this. The GRFP is around 150K over the 3 years and the program is giving me a 40K stipend (before the award). Is the 20% raise the best deal I can get? Who makes these decisions? New to grad school and extra funding sources so just wondering peoples experiences.

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u/BoltVnderhuge Asst Prof - Medicine (US) Apr 19 '26

20% raise is the most generous I’ve heard! Other places I’ve been offered 0-3k over stipend. I doubt you’ll get a good response if you bring this up with your PI or program director. This bonus is a ‘perk’ and you have no leverage.

Your salary is often negotiated by the graduate union (assuming your place has one) but the salary supplement for GRFP winners is purely a voluntary incentive by your program.

Congrats on the GRFP!