Is a fellowship better than a research assistantship?

Fellowships (NSF GRFP, Hertz, etc.) generally pay more, offer research independence, and carry significant prestige — typically considered superior funding.

What is the NSF GRFP stipend?

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship provides a $37,000 annual stipend plus $12,000 cost-of-education allowance to the institution.

How competitive are external graduate fellowships?

The NSF GRFP has approximately 12–16% acceptance rates. Hertz Fellowship is under 5% — one of the most selective science fellowships.

Research Assistantship vs Fellowship Comparison

Formula Definitions

The Research Assistantship vs Fellowship Comparison works by applying a well-defined formula to the values you enter. Understanding the formula behind the calculation helps you interpret the result and check that your inputs are correct. Below we break down the key components that drive the RA vs Fellowship.

The core formula used by this calculator is:

Result = f(inputs, settings)

Each variable in the formula has a specific meaning:

inputs — Values entered into the RA vs Fellowship.
settings — Options, units, or parameters that adjust how the calculation is performed.
Result — Computed output for the chosen inputs and settings.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the required values. Enter the required values into the Research Assistantship vs Fellowship Comparison input fields.

Adjust settings. Adjust any settings, select applicable options, or choose units as needed.

Calculate the result. Press Calculate to compute the result using the underlying formula.

Interpret the output. Review and interpret your result using the provided context, reference ranges, or explanatory notes.

Glossary and Definitions

Input

A value entered into the calculator to be processed.

Output

The computed result returned by the calculator for the given inputs.

Setting

An option that adjusts how the calculation is performed, such as unit selection or mode.

Research assistantship