LB 6-53 - A framework for financial equity among graduate students in an ecology department

Training and retaining a diverse group of graduate students is important to ensure a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas are brought to the field of ecology. However, the cost of living for graduate students has become a significant barrier and disproportionately affects underrepresented groups. This issue is no better illustrated than in Bozeman, MT: one of the fastest growing micropolitan cities in the U.S. With an additional influx of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the median cost of living is 22% higher than the national average. We sought to provide insight into graduate student finances in the Ecology Department at Montana State University. Our objectives were to, 1) Quantify expenses of graduate students and stipend amounts, 2) Identify whether stipends covered necessary expenses, 3) Understand whether finances influenced mental and physical health, and 4) Work with the department and university to alleviate some of these challenges. We conducted a survey of master’s and PhD students in the Ecology Department at Montana State University in the fall of 2022. Survey data were collected from 23 students (50% of current graduate student enrollment). Stipend amounts varied substantially among students, and, on average, students spent 95.6% (standard deviation=21.3) of their stipend on necessary expenses (i.e., housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare). Most students (87%) reported delaying or forgoing necessary medical care due to concerns about their financial situation. Additionally, students reported they would not be able to continue their graduate program without external support: 61% of students work a job while completing full coursework. To reduce the financial burden on students, we suggest that universities provide health care for graduate students and work with graduate students to create a minimum stipend amount which reflects the cost of living. We presented our findings to the faculty in the department and collaboratively developed solutions to address the financial challenges faced by students. We are currently working with the faculty to provide recommendations for other faculty, departments, and universities to increase the financial accessibility of graduate school. This work provides a framework to promote financial equity within a department using a data-driven approach. To ensure this framework is reproducible elsewhere, we are making the tools we created available online, including approachable code. Removing financial barriers and promoting equity in graduate programs is pivotal to ensure ecology can be for all.