UPDATE: Interim Budgeting Guidance for Graduate Workers (Effective May 2026)
The 91±¬ÁÏ has released interim guidance to assist Principal Investigators (PIs) in budgeting for graduate workers on new sponsored project proposals. Following the 2026–2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement, these updates ensure all submissions meet new minimum stipend and benefit requirements.
Key Budgeting Requirements:
- Minimum Stipends: Use the new base rates ($21,000 for Master’s; $23,500 for Doctoral/9-month) with a 3% annual increase starting July 1, 2027.
- Fringe Allowance: Include a 7.65% fringe rate to cover FICA and Medicare
- Health, Dental and Dependant Care Insurance: Budget these as direct costs using the provided estimated premium tables and a 5% projected annual increase.
- Tuition Remission: Include only when explicitly allowed by the sponsor.
For detailed rate tables and calculation examples, please review the full (Note: requires single sign-on access). Questions may be directed to the Office of Research Administration by email at ora@email.edu.