How do I pay my way through graduate school?

Question

Besides student loans. What about apartment, food, etc.?

Answer 1

I did not have an option of grants or refund programs, so I work two jobs to pay my way through grad school working within the field of my undergrad work. The two jobs (1 full time and 1 part time) enabled me to afford a small (VERY SMALL) townhouse with roommates and I eat mostly cheap foods without going out much...but in the end it will make a difference if you can create and stick to a budget. Plus with working all the time and studying the rest of your nights away, you won't spend extra amounts away from your budget as often. I have a savings account that I put all extra money into, as well as what I budget each month for school, so when tuition comes around I can pay off most of it and the rest goes on credit (not the best of ideas as credit can be dangerous and cost you most then a loan) This option is only if you are close to paying it off, not thousands away. This is what I am doing, and it is working well.

Answer 2

See if your school offers scholarships - jump on it as soon as possible, because they go fast. Maybe if your school doesn't, the company you or your parents work for might have some. Are you in any community groups or church groups? Do you have a job? They may also offer scholarships. Think about what you are affiliated with. Also, you should check out www.fastweb.com for lots and lots of scholarships as well.

See if the school or department in which you'll be studying have any fellowships or assistantships - this would mean doing research for a professor or teaching a class to undergrads and getting paid for it. Many students can pay their way through college based just on these grants.

Otherwise, see if you can't squeeze in a job. It sounds rough, but you'll probably be able to manage if you are only taking a couple classes a semester. Grad school may require more in depth studying, but it doesn't take up ALL your time.

Think about trying to find roommates wherever you live, because it will cut your costs immensely. So will not having a car. Just a few tips that I can think of. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Grad school is not like college.

Grad students choose they program they want to attend by balancing that department's reputation with the amount of support offered.

One should NOT attend grad school without support. Support is extended by each program to its top candidates, and comes in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships. There are often fellowships and assistantships that are designated for minority candidates. Fellowships and assistantships carry full tuition remission, as well as a small living stipend.

You won't live like a king as a grad student, but your support will be enough for an apartment and food. If you have to take a loan, it should be a very small one.

NOTE: This does not apply to med school and law school. The vast majority of students in med and law school do NOT receive support.

Answer 4

Depending on what you are studying, the best opportunities lie in being research or teaching assistants. In my field, English, for instance, universities are always looking for qualified grad students to teach English Composition. Depending on the university, the load will differ (how many classes you will have to teach per year). But for doing this you will typically have your tuition and fees (including OUT Of STATE FEES) waived, plus you will be paid a small stipend. It's not a great living, and it slows down your progress toward your degree, but if you've got the time and you want to gain the experience, it's a great way to pay as you go and have little or no debt left when you are done. In addition, you are building a bit of a resume, and your senior professors have something concrete to write about in their letters of recommendation. Other fields offer similar opportunities as research assistants, etc. Contact the head of the department of the program to which you are applying for further details. Good luck!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I think the only way to pay for grad school is student or bank loans. Sorry.

Other then cash.

Answer 7

Take a year or two off before starting grad school and work full-time in retail or something and save up. also, if you have high grades from your BA and high GRE scores they sometimes give you entrance scholarships. good luck i hope u get in wherever you want to go and can afford it all.

Answer 8

My fiancee juggled three part-time jobs during her graduate years.

Answer 9

u cant pay ur way its better u study and endure so dat at the end u rip the fruit of success

Answer 10

holly