The number of new graduate students increased by 12% during the 2024-20205 academic year at the University of Mississippi Graduate School. Growing graduate enrollment is important for UM to maintain its Carnegie R1 highest research activity ranking. At the same time, competition for top graduate students has increased.
The Big Picture: Strong faculty and impressive labs attract students, but stipends are often the difference maker for recruiting graduate students. Ole Miss must increase funds available for recruitment.
Why It Matters:
- Investing in graduate stipends will bring in even higher quality students, enhancing UM’s overall research. Stronger research increases UM’s competitiveness for grants and other funds.
- Grad students know earning an advanced degree can take five to six years of tuition, housing and expenses, resulting in years of financial burden. Graduate stipends help bridge the gap for students and allow them to focus on classwork instead of having to take a job outside the classroom.
- UM often trails other SEC schools in the size of stipends offered to graduate students while Oxford is among the more expensive places to live and study within our conference. This gap puts UM at a major competitive disadvantage.
- When the university names supplements, research funds and fellowships for donors, the awards can take on more prestige. Departments can nominate their best students to be considered for the named, endowed assistance.
To learn more, contact Charlotte Parks, vice chancellor for development, at cpparks@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3120, or give online here.