EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowship Program for Graduate Environmental Study

The combined Science To Achieve Results (STAR) and Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowship Programs have been a hallmark of EPA’s commitment to encourage students to obtain advanced degrees and pursue careers in environmentally related fields. In 2015, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and activities across the federal government were consolidated and the resources for the STAR and GRO programs have been redirected to the National Science Foundation (NSF). EPA stays committed to STEM education and the development of future environmental workforce. Learn more about other EPA STEM and fellowship opportunities.

EPA’s STAR Graduate Fellowship program supports masters’ students and doctoral candidates in environmental studies. Each year, students in the United States compete for STAR Fellowships through a rigorous review process. Students can pursue degrees in traditionally recognized environmental disciplines as well as other fields such as social anthropology, urban and regional planning, and decision sciences. Since the program began in 1995, EPA has awarded approximately 1,884 STAR Fellowships to students in every state and most territories. Fellowships have helped educate new academic researchers, government scientists, science teachers and environmental engineers.

STAR Fellowships are intended to help defray the ever-increasing costs associated with studies leading to advanced degrees in environmental sciences. The actual amount awarded per year will vary depending on the amount of tuition and fees and the number of months the stipend is needed.

Benefits of an EPA STAR Fellowship include up to $44,000 per year, which includes $12,000 per year for tuition and fees, $27,000 per year in a monthly stipend and an annual expense allowance of $5,000. Masters level students can receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students can be supported for a maximum of three years with funding available over a period of four years under certain circumstances.

Learn more about STAR Graduate Fellowships.