Pros
Health insurance covers costs of doc visits, and prescription prices are reasonable. Student fees pay for a gym membership during fall and spring semesters.
Cons
Cost of living outpaced fixed salaries between 2018-2024. Only received a single 2% raise in 6 years. Salary is based on 20 hour week pay schedule, classifying graduate students as "part time," despite being obligated to work 50-60 hours a week. Most grad students in my department get groceries from the local food bank, and many often skip meals to make ends meet. We formally brought these cost of living concerns to our department head, are were told "this is how things are." Health insurance has a $500 deductible for ER visits, and has a $7000 maximum. You will likely live in a slum close to campus with other grad students so you can walk to work, because all WSU employees must pay for parking,and grad students do not receive a reduced cost benefit. No PTO, and federal holidays are given at the discretion of your PI.