Is there any possible way to finance a graduate degree?

Question

Every web site talks about grants. I think that this is just BS. I need to know if anyone has ever gotten a grant for graduate study. Where did you start?

Answer 1

Here's a rough outline of the basic financial aid process.

1. Do your IRS 1040 draft so that you have all the data you need for the FAFSA.

2. File your FAFSA online as quickly after January 1 of each year as possible, to get as close to the front of the line for free financial aid as you can. Get plenty of tips and instructions at:

+ http://www.FAFSAonline.com

3. Start your scholarship search. There's a free eBook on using Google and search engines for scholarships here:

+ http://www.StudentScholarshipSearch.com/Scholarships.pdf

4. Hit up the major scholarship web sites:

+ http://www.StudentScholarshipSearch.com
+ http://www.ScholarshipPoints.com
+ http://www.FastWeb.com
+ http://www.CollegeBoard.com
+ http://www.sfa.ufl.edu:16080/scholarshipcafe/
+ http://www.uncf.org/scholarships
+ http://www.internationalscholarships.com

5. Once you've exhausted scholarship options, aim for federal student loans.

+ http://www.StaffordLoan.com
+ http://www.ParentPLUSLoan.com

6. Once you've exhausted federal loans, aim for private student loans.

+ http://www.AlternativeStudentLoan.com
+ http://www.ActEducationLoans.com
+ http://www.GradLoans.com
+ http://www.PrivateStudentLoans.com

7. After that, locate a good job on or near campus.

+ http://www.craigslist.org

8. Once you're done with school, consolidate your student loans.

+ http://www.StudentLoanConsolidator.com

Hope this helps!

Christopher S. Penn
Producer, the Financial Aid Podcast
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Answer 2

There are no federal grants at the graduate level only federal loans. You still however, begin the application process the same way with the FAFSA. Contact the graduate school where you plan to attend for any scholarships, etc. Good Luck!

Answer 3

never heard of people getting any grants to pursue a graduate degree. some employers will offer tuition reimbursement if you have worked with them for at least a year and stay with them after earning your degree for a certain period of time. other than that, you can either take out loans or pay cash. you are not eligible for any federal grants at all for sure. check with large companies in your area to see if they offer grants for graduate studies, most probably do not. good luck.