How To Pay For Your Graduate School Education?
REMEMBER . . .The debt you accrue may seem costly, but
the money and time invested can be considered an investment
in your future earning power. If you are planning to attend
full time, you may be eligible to put your previous school loans
on "hold" until you complete your graduate degree
Check Into These Opportunities for Financial
Assistance
Fellowships/Traineeships
Fellowships and traineeships are grants awarded on
the basis of academic merit, generally providing payment
of tuition and a stipend for living expenses. Awards are
highly competitive as they attract applicants from
across the country.
Assistantships
Assistantships are available to help you earn money
for your graduate study while obtaining work experience
which may be (but does not have to be) related to your
area of study. A teaching assistant teaches basic
undergraduate classes and grades papers. A research
assistant may assist faculty with research projects.
other graduate assistantships are common in
administrative offices across campus: residence life,
career development, admissions, counseling, Learning
Servicess and other departments. Related majors and
undergraduate activities will help you obtain one of
these positions, since you will need to apply and
interview for them. Assistantships usually require 15 to
20 hours a week and provide reduced or paid tuition, a
stipend and at times, room and board.
Graduate and Professional School Financial Aid
Service (GAPSFAS)
Financial aid is available for graduate students;
check with the financial aid office.
Student Loans
The Perkins Student Loan Program (to be applied for
at the institution of choice) and the Stafford Loan
Program (can be applied for at any bank) are awarded to
students on a need basis.
Employers
If you decide to get a job and obtain your graduate
education at night, you may want to inquire about
tuition assistance. Many employers offer reimbursement
for tuition, in part or in full, to employees seeking to
further their education.
