2019 acs graduate Student Survey Report

 
Percentage Indicating They 
Currently Have
a
:
Percentage Indicating They 
Ideally Desire
b
:
“A lot of 
support”
“A lot of 
support”
“None” or
“moderate” 
support
“None” or
“moderate” 
support
Source of Support
*p<0.05
a
Female: n=1,023; Male: n=768
b
Female: n=989; Male: n=736
Note: The “Other” option had 318 responses (F:162, M:156) and 321 responses (F:162, M:159) respectively
Table 3.3.2.5. Current and Ideal Amount of Support for Graduate Students’ Professional Development 
and Career, by Gender (N=1,791
a
and 1,725
b
) 
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Respondents
Respondents
Respondents
Respondents

---

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they were supported by “Teaching assistantship(s)” (33.7%), than “Research assistantship(s)” 
(27.4%), and “Fellowship/scholarships/traineeships” (17.0%). However, the percentage of stu-
dents who disagreed with the adequacy of funding followed similar trends. More students in 
Teaching assistantship(s) (26.6%), than Research assistantship(s) (24.5%) and Fellowship/
scholarships/traineeships (12.9%) disagree that their funding was adequate.
A comparison of the perceptions regarding funding adequacy between female and male grad-
uate students was performed for all funding types. No significant differences in the perceptions 
of funding adequacy were found between female and male graduate students regardless of the 
type of support (data not shown).
Among graduate students, 60% (n = 1,056) agreed with the statement, “Another source of 
funding would have enabled me to participate more in career and professional development 
education.” The survey allowed students to comment on their answer. A recurring theme was 
that Fellowships and Traineeships would have enabled them to participate more in career and 
professional development opportunities.
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Funding levels impact where and how graduate students live. Therefore, this study asked grad-
uate students about the type of accommodation that most closely matches their situation. Table 
3.3.3.2 shows that the majority of graduate students rent an apartment off campus and live with 
roommates. There are no major differences between female and male respondents. Visa hold-
ers (international students) are more likely to live on campus than U.S. citizens and permanent 
residents. This finding emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging on campus, 
which can impact the decision as to whether an international graduate student will continue to 
contribute to the economic development of the United States or whether the student leaves the 
country.
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