The Public Policy Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) has successfully secured a 4% increase in graduate stipends, effective Fall 2025, following sustained advocacy efforts on behalf of students. This increase comes in response to the growing cost-of-living crisis, which has placed significant financial strain on graduate students by increasing housing, transportation, and other essential expenses.
The initiative was led by Ejaz Ahmed (PhD Chair) and Bolu Jide-Olugbade (MSPP Chair), who engaged the Graduate Committee, the School Chair, and the administration and presented a compelling, data-driven case for higher stipends. Their efforts included gathering detailed student feedback, analyzing financial trends, and benchmarking stipend levels against peer institutions to demonstrate the need for an increase.
Through consistent advocacy and strategic engagement, PPGSA successfully highlighted that an increase was not only justified but essential for maintaining the competitiveness and well-being of the graduate student community. The 4% stipend increase represents a significant milestone and reflects the administration’s recognition of the financial pressures students face.
“This achievement underscores the strength of collective student advocacy and the power of organized student leadership,” said Ejaz Ahmed “Securing a stipend increase through direct engagement with the administration is a rare accomplishment, and it demonstrates that meaningful institutional change is possible when students work together toward a common goal.”
While this increase is a crucial step forward, PPGSA remains committed to ensuring that graduate stipends remain competitive and responsive to future cost-of-living challenges. This success lays the groundwork for continued improvements and reaffirms the importance of a unified student voice in shaping policy decisions.