Grants for Graduate School

No matter what your reason for attending graduate school is, you'll have to find a way to pay for it. Many of you will remember putting together your payment plans when you applied for college, and this situation is very much the same. If coming up with the proper funds for your education is something you haven't had to handle yet, let us be your guide. We'll help you explore every nook and cranny of college funding without leading you astray.

Fellowship and Graduate Assistantship Programs

While undergraduates generally receive grants based on need, awards at the graduate level are typically merit-based, usually in the form of a fellowship or assistantship offered directly through your school. At wealthy institutions, most Ph.D. candidates are awarded a fellowship or assistantship that will cover tuition and fees, pay a stipend, and provide health insurance coverage. It's definitely in your best interest to apply!

Fellowships are awarded by private organizations, institutions, or through the government. They vary in amount and can be used towards both research and education. You can receive a 1- to 4-year stipend with or without a tuition waiver.

Fellowships usually have no work requirement, while graduate assistants typically work up to 15 hours a week as teaching assistants or research assistants. The amount awarded through assistantships varies based on institution grants or state and federal aid. Research positions are paid through grants and teaching positions are paid through the institution.

Federal Aid for Graduate School

Federal student aid currently accounts for the largest percentage of aid received by graduate and professional students. The process of acquiring financial aid for grad school is similar to the process for undergraduate aid, which means you'll have to fill out a new FAFSA and contact your financial aid office.

Also, be on the lookout for grants specifically for womenand minorities.  

Grants by field

How much aid you could get depends  on your chosen field of study. 55% of computer science, engineering and mathematics master's students are awarded assistantships, many of which are funded with federal and corporate dollars. Some grants by field include:

• The National Science Foundation Fellowshipprovides three years of support for graduate studies leading to research-based master's or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math. Fellows receive a $30,000 annual stipend with $10,500 cost-of-education allowance.
• TEACH Grantsprovide grants up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school for kids in low-income families. You must agree to serve as a full-time teacher for at least four academic years.
• The Jacob K. Javitas Fellowshipprovides fellowships to students of solid academic standing in financial need who are studying for their master's or Ph.D. in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.

How to Apply for Graduate School Grants

• Begin your search approximately one year before you need funding.
• Application deadlines often occur early in the fall for fellowships or late spring for assistantships.
• Check with both your graduate school for grants specific to your school and at federal agencies, foundations, corporations and professional organizations.
• Make sure to fill out your FAFSA.
• Keep your grades up!  

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