Teaching and Research Assistantships
Assistantships are a type of funding for graduate students who exchange teaching or researching for tuition or a modest salary. Check with the academic department in which your program is housed as well as the institution’s graduate admissions to find what may be available.
Charities, Societies, and Special Interest Groups
Finding organizations that target specific demographics such as lower income backgrounds, fields of interests, academic excellence, ethnicity, or other aspects can be a great way to supplement your graduate funding. Often these organizations dedicate a portion of their budget to graduate school funding.
Employer Contributions
Working prior to entering graduate school may provide options for funding assistance through an employer. Often employers will have graduate tuition assistance programs or can be persuaded to contribute if there are benefits to an employee advancing through a graduate program.
Fellowships
A fellowship is funding awarded to subsidize the cost of education usually merit-based and specific to advanced study of an academic subject. Fellowships are usually competitive and based on the candidate’s potential for significantly contributing to a body of research. A fellowship usually lasts one year and sometimes longer.
Scholarships
Scholarships are highly sought after for assisting with graduate school tuition and are provided by the institution, charitable organizations, special interest groups, non-profits and professional organizations.
They are usually based on academic merit and target students who fall into categories influenced by interests, professions, ethnicity, economic status, and other areas. Check with the academic department in which your program is housed as well as the institution’s graduate admissions office to find what may be available.
Federal Student Loans
Start by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early. There are several types of federal student loans available including direct subsidized loans, direct unsubsidized loans, direct PLUS loans, and direct consolidation loans. FAFSA can also lead to work-study and grant opportunities as well. Federal loans can offer many benefits so it is a great idea to check them out as a resource.
How to Pay for Graduate School Resources
How to Pay for Graduate School
The comprehensive guide walks students through the various sources of aid available to graduate students: institutional aid and loans, fellowships/assistantships, employer assistance programs, and more. Offers subject-specific advice, such as federal loan forgiveness programs for teachers, and medical school scholarships for military veterans. The guide offers something for all students.
Open Education Database – Graduate Scholarships
Scholarships for graduate school can help students pay for college and supplement their income as they pursue a graduate-level academic or professional degree. Even with a variety of options to help reduce the cost of their degree, including fellowships, teaching assistantships, and stipends, graduate students face stiff competition to obtain these awards and often continue struggling to pay living expenses once they receive financial assistance. Graduate scholarships are designed to meet the unique needs of this student group as they strive to obtain their degree in the years ahead.
