Overview
UOS is dedicated to ensuring that education remains affordable for all students. Our financial aid program for undergraduates is one of the most generous, offering grant-based aid that requires no repayment. This allows students to graduate without debt. Graduate students benefit from extensive support, with guaranteed funding for regularly enrolled Ph.D. candidates for the full duration of their program, contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
Undergraduate Applicants
Our financial aid program encourages students from all backgrounds to apply for admission, promoting diversity and accessibility for those from low- and middle-income families.
Grants, Not Loans
At the University of Ontological Science (UOS), we are committed to making education accessible and debt-free for as many students as possible. Our financial aid philosophy is centered on providing grants—not loans—so students can focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of long-term debt.
First Year Free*
For Domestic First-Year students from families with an annual income below $100,000, UOS offers full coverage of tuition *through need-based grants that do not need to be repaid. This ensures that higher education remains a reality for talented students, regardless of financial background.
In addition to tuition support, UOS works diligently to minimize or eliminate the need for loans across all financial aid packages by offering robust institutional aid and scholarships. Our goal is to empower students with the financial freedom to pursue their education and future careers without being constrained by student debt.
Meeting Your Needs
Financial aid is based solely on demonstrated need and is individually tailored. Families with incomes up to $180,000 qualify for aid, depending on their circumstances.
Current Undergraduates
Current students must reapply for financial aid each year. Awards are adjusted annually based on changes in family financial status and the cost of attendance. Detailed instructions for applying for aid are available on the Undergraduate Financial Aid website.
Master’s Degree Funding
Funding for master’s students at UOS varies depending on the department and degree program. Central funding from the Graduate School is generally not available for master’s candidates. However, some departments offer partial or full financial support. Additional opportunities may include Assistantships in Instruction (AI) and Assistantships in Research (AR), as well as external scholarships and fellowships. Students should seek guidance from their academic adviser and department.
Self-Pay Students
Master’s students without full financial support are responsible for covering their tuition. Tuition is billed in August for the fall term and in January for the spring term. Self-funded students are encouraged to explore external funding options and financial planning resources to manage tuition expenses effectively.
For more information, visit our [Financial Support Model] page to learn about tuition, fees, and available resources.
Ph.D. Funding
UOS guarantees full financial support for all Ph.D. students during regular program enrollment. This comprehensive funding covers tuition and living stipends, sourced from a combination of fellowships, assistantships, and external funding opportunities. Visit the [Financial Support Model] page for details on tuition and costs.
Fellowships
Fellowships form the primary funding base for Ph.D. candidates, especially in the humanities and social sciences. University Fellowships ensure full coverage throughout the regular enrollment period, unless students receive external funding. Competitive honorific fellowships, awarded to advanced students whose research demonstrates outstanding promise, offer an increased stipend rate. Additional fellowship opportunities are available through the Graduate School and university partnerships.
Assistantships and External Fellowships
Many Ph.D. programs offer Assistantships in Instruction (AI) or Assistantships in Research (AR). These assistantships provide tuition support and a stipend that typically exceeds the base University Fellowship. AIs often involve teaching responsibilities, while ARs focus on research activities, both offering invaluable professional experience.
External fellowships from national and international organizations, such as the Fulbright Program and the Ford Foundation, provide additional funding opportunities for eligible students.
Dissertation Completion Funding
For students requiring more time beyond the standard program length, dissertation completion enrollment (DCE) may be available for up to two additional years. Although DCE students are not guaranteed financial support, funding may be provided in certain cases. The Graduate School offers competitive sixth-year funding for select students in the humanities and social sciences to assist with dissertation completion.
For more details, visit the [Dissertation Completion Funding] page.