Graduate Assistant Benchmarking Project

Executive Summary and Results

To support the university’s strategic plan, the Graduate School benchmarked minimum graduate assistant base pay within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

As a result of the benchmarking project, the minimum graduate assistant base pay rate is expected to increase approximately 10% effective July 1, 2024, and approximately 10% effective July 1, 2025. These numbers represent the minimum base pay required by the Graduate School. Individual colleges, departments and units may have a base pay above the minimum requirement.

Graduate assistants also received a market adjustment provided in the form of a 3% COLA to their base pay effective earlier this year.

GA Minimum Base Pay Increase

Level	Current Minimum	New Minimum 7/1/24*	New Minimum 7/1/25
Masters 9-Month	11,936	13,131	14,445
Masters 12-Month	15,914	17,508	19,260
PhD/MFA 9-Month	14,322	15,750	17,325
PhD/MFA 12-Month	19,096	21,000	23,100

*Increase applied in October 2024 and calculated back to 7/1 for 12-month and 8/12 for 9-month

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is conducting the graduate assistant benchmarking project?

To support the university’s strategic plan to advance student success, the Graduate School benchmarked minimum graduate assistant base pay within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

What data was used for the graduate assistant benchmarking project?

The Graduate School benchmarked minimum graduate assistant base pay within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

What are the results of the graduate assistant benchmarking project?

As a result of the benchmark project, minimum graduate assistant base pay rates will increase approximately 10%, effective July 1, 2024, with an additional expected increase of approximately 10%, effective July 1, 2025. The increase to the minimum base pay for July 2024 is intended to be added in October and effective July 1, 2024, for 12-month graduate assistants and August 12, 2024, for 9-month graduate assistants.

Will any adjustments be made to graduate assistant compensation?

Yes. Graduate assistants received a market adjustment provided in the form of a 3% COLA to their base pay effective earlier this year. In addition, minimum graduate assistant base pay rates will increase approximately 10%, effective July 1, 2024, with an additional expected increase of approximately 10%, effective July 1, 2025. The increase to the minimum base pay for July 2024 is intended to be added in October and effective July 1, 2024, for 12-month graduate assistants and August 12, 2024, for 9-month graduate assistants. See below for more information on the graduate assistant minimum base pay increase.

Level	Current Minimum	New Minimum 7/1/24*	New Minimum 7/1/25
Masters 9-Month	11,936	13,131	14,445
Masters 12-Month	15,914	17,508	19,260
PhD/MFA 9-Month	14,322	15,750	17,325
PhD/MFA 12-Month	19,096	21,000	23,100

*Increase applied in October and calculated back to 7/1 for 12-month and 8/12 for 9-month

What graduate assistants (GAs) are in-scope for this project?

All graduate assistants who are at least 50% appointed. Division of Agriculture (UADA) appointed GAs are also included.

Does the graduate assistant (GA) increase to the new minimum only apply for GAs below the minimum?

Yes, only GAs below any new minimum are expected to be raised to the new minimum rate. The increase to the minimum base pay for 2024 is expected to be added in October and effective July 1, 2024, for 12-month graduate assistants and August 12, 2024, for 9-month graduate assistants.

Did graduate assistants receive a COLA?

Yes. Eligible graduate assistants received a market adjustment in the form of a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to their base pay earlier this year. These adjustments became effective July 1 for 12-month graduate assistants, and Aug. 12 for 9-month graduate assistants. The increase was calculated on the graduate assistant’s base salary as of June 30, 2024.

I received an increase to my base pay due to the project and I know that the increase was effective July 1 or August 12 (for 9-month GAs). Where is the amount of that increase representing the portion of my appointment from July 1 (or August 12 for 9-month GAs) to October 1 on my payslip?

In Workday, you can view your phase one base pay increase – including the total amount accumulated effective July 1, 2024 (or August 12 for 9-month GAs), until Oct. 1, 2024 - in the Oct. 15, 2024, payslip.  The pay increase amount representing the portion of a graduate assistant’s appointment period before October 1 will be noted under the “Earnings” table and shown as Salary GA with dates prior to Oct. 1, 2024. See the below example for more guidance on where you can find this information. You can also view all previous changes to your pay under "Compensation" and "Pay Change History" on your profile in Workday. Learn more about how to read your payslip and retroactive pay from financial affairs.

How can I receive more information?

If you have any questions, please contact your immediate supervisor, your graduate coordinator, department chair/head, or the Graduate School Dean’s Office.