Financial Issues

Tuition and fees (2005-2006) for Master's International graduate students at Michigan Tech who have been "nominated" by the Peace Corps is approximately $323 per credit. Students need to take at least 23 credits before leaving for their assignment. This is a savings of $145 per credit. Students DO NOT pay tuition and fees for credits earned during Peace Corps training and service overseas (up to 7 credits of the 30 credit MS degree).

The area around Michigan Tech is considered to have a relatively low student
cost of living. The Michigan Tech Graduate School web page has links to available on- and off-campus housing (see http://www.mtu.edu/grad/).

The Civil & Environmental Engineering Department will consider all applicants for positions as course graders and as graduate teaching assistants. Students can also be considered for employment in research laboratories on an hourly basis or as graduate research assistants. Drs. Mihelcic and Van Dam will work with students to identify possible sources of financial support during the two-semester required residency. However, assurances can not be made for all students.

During your volunteer training and service, Peace Corps will provide you with a monthly allowance for housing, food, clothing, and incidentals; free medical and dental care; transportation to and from your overseas site; and 24 vacation days per year. Many student loans are deferrable during Peace Corps service, and you may be able to cancel a portion of a Perkins Loans you hold. Post-service benefits include a $6,075 adjustment allowance after successful completion of your 12 week of training and two years of volunteer service. Students can learn more about the specifics of Peace Corps financial commitment to volunteers by checking their web page (http://www.peacecorps.gov/).