Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The National Science Foundation offers an annual Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). The purpose of the GRFP is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. A goal of the program is to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. The five-year program provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend and tuition/fees allowance. Interested students should review NSF GRFP applicant eligibilty, deadlines, and application requirements here. As of May 20, 2024, faculty research advisors must maintain an annual Individual Development Plan (IDP) for GRFP Fellows they mentor.

Students who were awarded a GRFP and plan to pursue their STEM graduate degree at Rowan should contact Rowan's GRFP Coordinating Official in the School of Graduate Studies, Dr. Stephanie Lezotte at lezotte@rowan.edu. 

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) manages the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) for all Rowan campuses. The PI of the university’s GRFP award is a representative of SGS who is responsible for overall management of the award on behalf of the graduate student Fellow awardee. Pursuant to the award terms and conditions of the award, the annual Cost of Education Allowance must first be utilized in a way that ensures the Fellow does not pay tuition or fees or any mandatory fees (Rowan University considers the university health insurance plan a mandatory fee) during their three years on tenure. If there is any unspent allowance after tuition and mandatory fees have been paid, it will go towards:

1. 33% of any unspent allowance will contribute to programming related to supporting the overall NSF-GRFP at Rowan University (examples include hiring fellowship application writing support staff, fellowship application writing workshops, guest speakers, expert panels, publication costs, travel, and other activities as determined collectively by the NSF-GRFP awardees and their research advisors).  
2. The remaining unspent allowance is made available to GRFP graduate student Fellows, who may request funding using this form. 
3. Any funds remaining in the account after August 31 (annually) will be used for programming related to supporting the overall NSF-GRFP at Rowan University (as described in bullet [a.] above.).