What field are you in? For my programs (Cognitive Psychology), I asked current grad students how they felt about the funding situation. This worked because, in most programs, everyone is guaranteed full funding, so most students are getting roughly the same stipend (with fellowship people receiving a bit more). This could vary based on field.
I consider it to be perfectly appropriate, and necessary, to ask about funding and placement. Ultimately, you want to come out of grad school and get a job. For my field, especially, you don't want to finish up with tons of loans, unable to find an assistant professorship or good post-doc. When you bring up funding, see if it's over 9 months, or if it includes summers (unfunded summers were a bit of a deal breaker for me). Good luck!
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The professor you're meeting with, unless it's the DGS, probably doesn't know about funding.
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I consider it to be perfectly appropriate, and necessary, to ask about funding and placement. Ultimately, you want to come out of grad school and get a job. For my field, especially, you don't want to finish up with tons of loans, unable to find an assistant professorship or good post-doc. When you bring up funding, see if it's over 9 months, or if it includes summers (unfunded summers were a bit of a deal breaker for me). Good luck!
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