Financing

Cost will vary depending upon the graduate program you select, including whether you attend a public or private institution. Several financing options are available to graduate students:

Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships are opportunities for students to work in their field of interest or in some capacity in their program, usually on a part-time basis. An assistantship can be administrative or may include a teaching component. Often, students receive a salary, some type of tuition remission, or benefits (health, dental, other). Some programs allow for free room and board or some type of living concession. A separate application outside of admissions is usually required.

Graduate Fellowships

Fellowships are short-term opportunities lasting from a few months to several years. They typically focus on the professional development of the fellow and are sponsored by a specific association or organization seeking to expand leadership in their field. Fellowships are used by many organizations for a variety or purposes. One of which is graduate study in a specific field. The compensation for fellowships is set by the sponsoring organization and varies considerably. An application is required for those interested in fellowships.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a mainstay for financing study of any kind. It is financial aid provided to students based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, program of study, financial need, or underrepresented groups such as Black, Hispanic, or Native American. Unfortunately, a large number of scholarships go un-awarded each year. This is due to the apathy of many prospective students to research scholarship opportunities or who believe they may not meet the criteria.

Corporate Sponsorship

It is in a company’s best interest to have highly talented and qualified people working for them. Therefore, many companies and organizations pay for employees to continue their education, including graduate school. Be certain to check with the human resources department at your place of employment to see if this option is available to you.