Professional Fellowship Program
A Tuition-Free Opportunity for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Graduate Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Any deaf or hard-of-hearing graduate of a bachelor’s degree program at RIT or any other U.S. college who has been accepted into a two- or three-year master’s program in technical studies at RIT is eligible.
Q. What costs do I have to pay?
A. You pay for food, student fees, health insurance, books, supplies and personal expenses.
Q. Should I still fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
A. Yes. You may be eligible for grants or federal loans to help cover the costs of fees, meals or books.
Q. Do recipients have to reapply for financial aid every year?
A. Yes.
Q. If I am taking a one-year master’s certificate course at RIT, may I apply for the fellowship?
A. No. The NTID Professional Fellowship Program is open only to those who are accepted into a two- or three-year master’s degree program.
Q. How long is the fellowship program?
A. The fellowship program supports recipients for up to, but not to exceed, three years.
Q. What happens if I complete my studies in less than three years?
A. If you plan to complete your studies in less than three years, you should discuss plans and implications ahead of time with your advisor or fellowship supervisor.
Q. If I complete my studies in less than three years, can I transfer the remaining year(s) to further study in a new major?
A. No. Your fellowship applies only to the program of study into which you originally were accepted.
Q. I earned my bachelor’s degree at a college other than RIT. Will my fellowship application be given the same consideration as those who have graduated from RIT/NTID?
A. Yes. The college from which you graduated has no bearing on the selection process. Fellows are selected by how closely their backgrounds match the criteria established by the program to which they apply.
Q. Does the graduate program of study to which I have applied have a bearing on the selection process?
A. Yes. Students must enroll in technical programs of study such as science, engineering, computing, graphic design, and printing technology to be eligible.
Q. Is there any way I could lose my fellowship?
A. You must maintain a “B” average and perform well in your part-time job. You also must meet the same university and program requirements as other matriculated RIT/NTID students. NTID reserves the right to withdraw the fellowship from recipients who do not perform satisfactorily in their studies or in their jobs.
Q. Do I lose my fellowship if I withdraw from a class or classes and reduce my total number of per-quarter credits?
A. While the fellowship has no minimum number of credits you must complete per quarter, you should be careful if your per-quarter credits drop below 12 credit hours. The fellowship gives you three years to complete your program of study; therefore you should make sure that credit reductions would not result in your completion date going beyond three years. If you extend beyond that, you would be responsible for costs incurred. Also, if you are receiving other types of financial aid, you may lose that aid if credit hours drop below the required number.
Q. Can I have a job outside the fellowship program?
A. Because of the rigors of graduate study and the fellowship work responsibilities, the program discourages students from accepting other employment. Fellows considering additional employment should discuss the situation with their advisor before making other commitments.
Q. If I am an RIT graduate, do I need to pay the $50 application fee?
A. No. The application fee is waived for RIT graduates.
Q. I am married. May my spouse live in on-campus housing with me?
A. Yes. Available residence hall accommodations are limited in size and in some cases may not be suitable for 2-person occupancy. Children are not permitted in the residence halls. You must notify us when completing the housing contract if a spouse will be living with you here on campus.
Q. If I transfer from a master’s degree program at another college, would I be eligible for the PFP?
A. Each program will consider graduate transfer credits up to a maximum of 12. Both the admission decision and the decision as to whether courses are transferable are up to the department and are reviewed by the department just like any other graduate application.
Q. If I’m enrolling in the Master of Science Program in Secondary Education of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (MSSE), am I eligible for one of these professional fellowships?
A. No. MSSE is a program in the field of education, not a program of technical studies. If you are interested in MSSE, contact that office at gcbnmp@rit.edu for information on financial aid available for that program.
Q. Which master’s programs at RIT qualify for the fellowship?
A. The PFP focuses on the majors explained in the Graduate Studies Bulletin in your information packet. Generally, these are: science, mathematics, imaging science, computer science and information technology, business/management, photography, fine arts, graphic arts and communications, engineering and related programs.