2019 acs graduate Student Survey Report

3.3.3 Funding and Living
* p<0.05 
Column A: N=1,718, Columns B1, B2: N=1,718, Female respondents: n=856; Male respondents: n=673 
Columns C1, C2: z-tests were performed to determine whether all students, as well as male and female respondents with a 
male or female advisor, responded differently; N=1,703; F: n=440, M: n=1,263; FF: n=243, FM: n=609, MF: n=151,
MM: n=515

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27
This study also addresses the differences in funding mechanisms currently used to support gradu-
ate students in the chemical sciences. Additionally, it provides information about the graduate stu-
dents’ perceptions of funding adequacy to meet their living standards. As shown in Table 3.3.3.1.
on page 29, the majority of survey respondents are funded by “Teaching assistantships” (31.6 
%) and “Research assistantships” (26.5%), while a smaller percentage (16.2 %) reported being 
funded by “Multiple sources.” The number of graduate student respondents who are currently 
being supported exclusively by “Fellowship/Scholarships/Traineeships” is only 15.7%.
Administrators and 
staff members at your 
current institution
17.6 
21.2 
80.6* 
73.5 
26.1 
33.8 
72.2* 
61.9
Alumnus/a 
from institution 
5.3 
11.3* 
84.7* 
70.2 
14.9 
13.0 
77.0* 
68.1
Family 
44.8 
47.7 
53.0 
50.3 
46.3 
47.8 
51.0 
50.7
Friends 
41.1* 
31.8 
56.7 
65.6* 44.8 
43.2 
52.6 
55.4
Postdocs at your 
current institution 
15.5 
15.3 
69.6* 
48.7 
27.1 
22.1 
59.8* 
43.4
Primary 
research advisor 
39.0 
43.0 
59.2* 
41.1 
72.3 
65.2 26.5 
23.2
Professional colleagues
outside of your current
institution
11.8 
15.2 
77.4 
70.9 20.8 
28.5* 69.6* 
59.9
Other faculty 
(besides your primary 
research advisor) at 
your current institution 
9.9 
25.2* 
86.9* 
66.9 
21.2 
34.5* 75.4* 
58.3
Other graduate 
students at your 
current institution 
32.0 
30.5 
67.1 
64.2 
39.0 
38.1 
59.8 
56.8
Other 
9.5 
7.3 14.9 
22.0 
11.8 
14.3 
13.7 
17.1
 
Doctoral
degree
Master’s
degree
Doctoral
degree
Master’s
degree
Doctoral
degree
Master’s
degree
Doctoral
degree
Master’s
degree