Funding graduate & professional school

Fellowships cover living expenses and often tuition in return for research or work on a project. Fellowships may be single- or multi-year awards and are usually based on an individual’s merit as measured by grades, GRE scores, publications, and letters of recommendation.

Assistantships are campus-affiliated work assignments that provide a stipend and often waive tuition and/or other matriculation fees for a designated number of work hours. Talk with administrators of your individual program about the availability of assistantships with your department. Other general assistantships may be available elsewhere on campus, often within student services units, and may or may not relate to your field of study.

Grants are awarded to cover expenses associated with carrying out research or other specific projects, such as expenses for travel, materials, or computers.

Loans are available from the government and from private sources. These are very similar to those you may have applied for during your undergraduate program.

Many colleges and academic departments may offer scholarships. Scholarship opportunities typically have qualifications. Check with financial aid or the department for more information.

Some employers offer opportunities for you to continue your graduate education. Tuition assistance is money the employer pays for your tuition as long as you meet certain qualifications. Tuition reimbursement requires that you invest in your education upfront, and the employer will reimburse your expenses.