The above data regarding graduate workers’ stipends in comparison to their expenses were self-reported by graduate students at NC State via survey. Many datapoints represent approximations. Some responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
The categories break down as follows:
Monthly net stipend is the money taken home after taxes.
Housing includes rent or mortgage, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, utilities, internet and other housing expenses.
Food includes groceries, meals out and other food expenses.
Transportation includes cost of gas for car, parking, car loan, car maintenance, public transportation, Uber, etc.
Health includes medicine, health insurance, doctor’s appointments, etc.
Personal includes clothing and shoes, laundry, etc.
