Does anyone know which programs offer non-needbased financial aid? For instance, I was told BU pays for a substantail portion of your tuition if you work for them while your in their program. I've been told UConn does something similar. Which other schools offer tuition reduction or stipends for work or research?

Columbia gives a stipend for TAing classes. Being a TA in some courses means just making copies and keeping handouts organized (you can do it while taking the course for the first time), and for others it's more about grading exams and leading discussions (for people who already took the course). They only allow you to TA if you're a full-time student, though. I think they have research/work stipends too but don't know much about them.

I was told by a friend who is currently a fellow at UW's infectious disease program that residencies and fellowships can essentially pay for one to get an MPH, if you have the MD. Has anyone else heard this? And where can I get more information?

Columbia gives a stipend for TAing classes. Being a TA in some courses means just making copies and keeping handouts organized (you can do it while taking the course for the first time), and for others it's more about grading exams and leading discussions (for people who already took the course). They only allow you to TA if you're a full-time student, though. I think they have research/work stipends too but don't know much about them.

Hi!

How do you go about getting a TA position? Are they hard to come by? What subjects could someone TA in? I just got accepted to Columbia and am curious about paying for it.

The US Dept. of HHS used to have "public health traineeships". I got one during my training (it was actually awarded by the faculty of my SPH - I didn't apply for it). There were also, to the best of my memory, NIOSH grants available for those going into Occupational Health.

- H