Graduate Tuition Return Incentive Program (GTRIP)
The Graduate Tuition Return Incentive Program (GTRIP) aims to grow graduate enrollment at UGA. GTRIP returns the tuition dollars included on sponsored projects to the principal investigator’s (PI) unit to support additional graduate assistantships.
For all new proposals and competitive renewals submitted on or after October 1, 2025:
- GTRIP will return 100% of tuition charged to sponsored projects.
- Proposals submitted prior to that date and non-competitive renewals will have tuition returned at the rate in effect at their time of submission.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO ME?
The University will return 100% of the in-state tuition paid from the sponsored project to the PI’s unit to support additional graduate assistantships. If the graduate program includes a tuition differential, the tuition return will be 100% of the standard graduate tuition rate.
HOW DOES THE TUITION RETURN PROCESS WORK?
Because the tuition is returned as state funding, all GTRIP funds must be used within the fiscal year in which they are returned. Units can choose whether to receive the GTRIP funding in the fiscal year of the tuition expenditure or at the start of the following fiscal year. This will allow units to maximize the time in which the funding can be used. GTRIP funding may not be split over fiscal years. Please note that some colleges or units may have more specific guidelines regarding timing of tuition return funds distribution.
HOW MAY THE TUITION RETURN FUNDS BE USED?
Units are expected to deploy at least 75% of the returned GTRIP funds to support graduate student assistantships. Students on assistantships funded by GTRIP dollars will receive the same benefits (i.e., tuition waiver and university contribution to health insurance) as students on other forms of university-supported assistantships. Colleges / Schools are strongly encouraged to work with their faculty PIs to ensure this program is beneficial to them.
Up to 25% of the GTRIP funds may be used to support graduate student training and professional development beyond assistantships (e.g., registration and travel for conferences and research-related trips; specialized training or software; access to core research facilities). GTRIP funds may not be used to pay mandatory student fees or health insurance premiums.
IS THERE A CAP ON TUITION RETURN FUNDING?
For PIs, there is no cap on the total number of assistantships eligible for GTRIP for either research or training grants.
