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by Robert Rodgers
I have looked at various funding opportunities available for graduate students. I have found that most of the funds available are geared toward full-time students. Some funding is available to students who are ½ time, but less than full-time. Students who are less than ½ time will have a very difficult time in finding financing opportunities. If you want some suggestions where to look for financing, here are my suggestions: Scholarships I have found many scholarships offered for full-time graduate students, and some are available to part-time graduate students. The problem is that you have to look for them. Places to search include:1. On-line scholarship searches. 2. Some graduate schools have databases that list scholarship, fellowship and other financing opportunities. You have to do the research. A good one is The Cornell University Graduate School Fellowship Notebook 3. Some schools offer specific scholarships for graduate students. Check with admissions, the financial aid office, and individual programs and departments. Graduate Assistantship This is a good way to finance graduate school. Many schools offer graduate assistantship. Generally, assistantships cover your tuition, but it depends on the individual school. The assistantships I have looked at require that you attend school full-time and work about 10 hours per week. Check with the individual graduate school to find out if they offer graduate assistantship and the criteria. Professional Organizations Requesting financial assistance from professional organizations can provide financing opportunities. Many organizations within your field of study will contribute to your education financially. Generally, these are not published scholarships. You have to seek them out. A letter explaining your personal and career goals, interest in the field, how you will contribute to this profession, and your financial need will help with obtaining a gift from the organization. To obtain a list of possible organizations to write to, check for listings at the school library or public library. Your reference librarian should be able to direct you to the proper publication(s). Employers Many employers have tuition reimbursement programs for graduate school. Seek out these employers. Each employer's program will vary. If you can obtain work experience in your field, as well as a degree, this path may prove very beneficial in the long run. Some employers will pay for all of your classes while some may only pay for one class or part of the tuition. Many times, the amount of tuition reimbursed is determined by the grade you receive. Employers tuition reimbursement programs may be especially beneficial to part-time students who have limited funding opportunities available. Loans Most students can borrow the funds if needed. Loans can vary tremendously. Most federal loans require a student to be enrolled at least ½ time. Some of them do not accrue interest while you are in school. Alternative loans and private loans have different qualifications. Some loans allow you to enroll less than ½ time. Some may have payments start immediately while others may allow you to defer the payments while your in school. If you need to borrow to pay for your education, please be sure to consider the following: 1. What are the qualifications? 2. What is the interest rate? 3. When does interest begin to accrue? 4. What type of loan fees do I have to pay? 5. When do I have to start repaying the loan? 6. How long do I have to repay the loan? 7. Are there prepayment penalties for paying off the loan early or making an advance payment? Many times loans have hidden costs. Getting answers to the above questions will help you determine how much the loan will cost you and if the loan will put you in a financial bind later. I hope this will help graduate students locate resources to finance their education. Many resources exist, finding them is the key. Good luck!
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