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Financial Aid for Graduate School: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

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Key takeaways

Financial aid for graduate school includes grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships and loans.

Exhaust all opportunities for free aid before considering student loans.

If you take out student loans, borrow federal direct loans first. For additional funding, compare offers between federal PLUS loans and private loans to see where you’ll get the best deal.

If you’re considering graduate school, make sure you have a funding plan in place ahead of time. Costs for graduate school can vary greatly depending on the type and length of the program, but there are opportunities to help cut down out-of-pocket costs.

Graduate students can get financial aid through:

FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid provides access to federal, state and some school-based grants.

Organization grants: Industry-specific organizations may provide grants to those studying in relevant fields.

Scholarships: State governments, schools and private organizations may provide scholarships for academic excellence or other factors, like studying in high-needs fields or increasing diversity.

Fellowships: Schools, private organizations and government entities offer fellowships based on field of study and academic performance in exchange for research activities.

Assistantships: Schools may award living stipends and tuition waivers to full-time students in exchange for work.

Employer tuition assistance: Employers may offer to reimburse their employees’ tuition expenses as an employment benefit.

Here’s who qualifies and how to apply for each type of aid.

» MORE: How to pay for grad school: 5 strategies for students

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA , as your first step to funding your graduate education. Citizens and eligible non-citizen graduate students, including permanent residents and U.S. nationals, are eligible to file.

You must file the FAFSA to qualify for federal and state-based grant awards. Many school-based grants also require the FAFSA.

Federal grants for graduate students include the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, or TEACH, grant. The TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 a year to education students who will teach in a low-income school or high-needs field after graduation.

Contact the department of education for your state and your school’s state to learn more about state-based grant opportunities.

Contact your school’s financial aid office to learn more about school-based grants and ask your department head about industry-specific grants.

» MORE: Guide to grants for college

Scholarships

Scholarships are available at the state, local and school levels. These awards are based on various eligibility criteria, which can include field of study and academic achievement. Some scholarships are also need-based or allocated only for certain demographics.

Apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for to increase your chances of getting the most money.

Check the Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder or National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ state-based scholarship search tool to find programs.

Contact your school’s financial aid office and department head about specific scholarship programs you may be eligible for.

» MORE: How to get a scholarship

Fellowships and assistantships

Eligibility requirements and service commitments for fellowship and assistantship programs vary. While fellowships are offered by schools, private organizations or government agencies, assistantships typically only come from the school.

With a fellowship, you may perform research activities outside of your school and payment may not be directly tied to tuition. As assistantships are generally school-based, they are more likely to directly provide full or partial tuition waivers. Some assistantships also come with living stipends .

Contact your financial aid office about school-based fellowships and assistantships, including teaching and resident assistantships. Search the zintellect database, which has ties to the Department of Education and a consortium of Ph.D.-granting institutions, for government and private-sector fellowships.

» MORE: Is a masters degree worth it?

Employer tuition assistance

According to a 2020 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM, about 47% of employers offer tuition assistance as part of their benefits package. This benefit can be in the form of tuition reimbursement, where the employer gives a lump sum to employees after they prove their tuition expenses. Other companies may pay tuition costs directly to the school, so the employee doesn't have to front the bill.

The amount of reimbursement varies by employer. The most common benefit ranges from $5,000-$5,999, according to a 2019 report by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Contact your human resources team to ask about your company’s tuition assistance benefit. Make sure to verify that graduate school tuition qualifies. You also want to get an understanding of any service commitments that come with accepting the benefit. Some employers require you to stay with the company for a certain period after the reimbursement funds are disbursed.

If you exhaust all of your opportunities for aid that doesn’t have to be repaid, look to student loans to fill the remaining funding gaps for graduate school. Schools may include student loans as part of your aid package, but you have to repay them.

Filing the FAFSA typically qualifies you for direct unsubsidized federal student loans. As a graduate student, you can borrow up to $20,500 each year. These loans will accrue interest while you are in school, but typically come with lower interest rates than their private loan counterparts. They also offer repayment options that private student loans don’t, like income-driven repayment .

» MORE: Government student loans: What are the benefits?

If you still need more funding, compare offers between the Grad PLUS loan from the federal government and options available with private student loan companies .

Unlike other federal student loans, PLUS loans require a hard credit check and may come with a higher rate than you can get with a private lender. But if you think you’ll need the protections of federal student loans, they’re still a better option.

On a similar note...

30 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.

(Getty Images) |

Many Ph.D. programs are fully funded.

Students interested in graduate research in various fields, from public health and English to computer science and engineering, have numerous options for Ph.D. programs that offer full funding. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees and an annual stipend. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. Gaining admittance into these small cohorts can be highly competitive, and the programs can be time-consuming . Here are 30 fully funded Ph.D. programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are others out there.

• Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago

Anthropology Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago can receive funding for up to eight years of study, assuming they are in good standing at the university. During that time, they will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus health insurance and a living stipend – which equated to $33,000 for the 2022-2023 school year – and can apply for external fellowships.

Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University (MA)

Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health that aims to provide students with expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend and health insurance for five years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits. Current research in the school's laboratories involves diseases like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria and tuberculosis.

(Dominick Reuter) |

• Ph.D. in business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can study a range of fields like organization studies, accounting and information technology. Those pursuing a Ph.D. will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus a monthly stipend of $4,267, capped at $51,204. They will also receive medical insurance, new laptops at the beginning of their first and fourth years of study and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.

(Tommy Lavergne | Rice University)

Ph.D. in business at Rice University (TX)

At the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas, students enjoy full financial assistance upon admission to the Ph.D. program. Aiming to prepare students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior and strategic management, the program provides students with a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a tuition waiver and a $40,000 annual stipend contingent on making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining full-time student status.

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• Ph.D. in business at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business offers Ph.D. degrees in fields such as accounting, economics, business analytics and marketing. The college says it provides full funding to "virtually all admitted students." This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments and comprehensive health insurance covered at 90%. Some departments offer funding for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships and paid time off for independent research.

Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University (NY)

According to Cornell University 's website, all students admitted to the chemical engineering Ph.D. program at the New York school receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.

Chris Taggart | Columbia University

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University (NY)

Students enrolled in Columbia University 's Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years. The stipend also carries into a student's fourth year. These doctoral fellows "may be expected to serve" as graduate teaching or research assistants. Students typically complete the mentor-matched program, which includes a full-year internship, in five to seven years.

Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University (RI)

Brown University 's Ph.D. students in computer science have access to "full financial support while completing the degree," plus the option to take classes at nearby schools without incurring additional costs, according to the school's website. In fact, doctoral students in any program at the Rhode Island university are guaranteed five years of financial support, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees and a subsidy for health insurance.

Georgetown University |

Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University (DC)

Georgetown University 's Ph.D. program in computer science provides scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition at the Washington, D.C., school and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and ultimately write and defend a full research dissertation in a seminar open to the public.

Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University in St. Louis

Ph.D. students in the computer science or computer engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support and health insurance. According to the university's website: "As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree." Doctoral students may also qualify for one of three fellowships.

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Incoming Ph.D. students at the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison are guaranteed full funding for the duration of the time that they are expected on campus, according to the university's department of counseling psychology website. Doctoral students also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance. Funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships and/or traineeships.

Emory University |

Ph.D. in economics at Emory University (GA)

Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding, according to the Georgia university's website. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student's cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.

• Ph.D. in education at New York University

New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers more than 30 degree programs. Many can be pursued on campus or online. Ph.D. degrees are offered in areas like developmental psychology, educational leadership and childhood education. Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.

L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service |

Ph.D. in education at Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University's Graduate School of Education allows students numerous fellowship and assistantship opportunities at the California school, along with a "five-year funding guarantee that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary, and covers the standard cost of attendance," the program website reads. At the Graduate School of Education, doctoral students can choose from a range of academic areas like curriculum studies and teacher education, and developmental and psychological sciences.

• Ph.D. in education at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.

• Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor can choose from numerous areas of specialization under umbrella categories like aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, macromolecular science and engineering, and robotics. All engineering doctoral students are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend and health insurance. The exact amount can vary, according to the program's website, and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.

Boston University Photography |

• Ph.D. in English at Boston University

Annually, doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, according to the university's website, but it's not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships and short-term research and travel grants.

(Stephanie Diani) |

• Ph.D. in English at the University of California—Los Angeles

Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at the University of California—Los Angeles are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes "a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support and up to four years of teaching assistantships," according to the school website. Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Jeff Watts |

Ph.D. in international relations at American University (DC)

American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean's Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant. Students also must "demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language" before graduating.

Jonathan Cohen | Binghamton University

• Ph.D. in management at Binghamton University—SUNY

All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years. This STEM-designated business doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia and work in the public and private sectors, and has a student-faculty ratio of 1-to-1, according to the university's website.

Duke University Communications |

Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University (NC)

Doctoral students at Duke University in North Carolina studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university's student medical insurance plan. The doctoral program aims to help students publish with a faculty adviser and develop research skills, with the opportunity to present research at professional conferences.

Homewood Photography | JHU

Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland provides most doctoral students with three fully funded years of study. Available financial aid includes graduate assistantships, targeted fellowships and nursing-specific funding. The university aims to "advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery" with the degree, its website reads. "By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career."

• Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Virginia

All students admitted to the University of Virginia 's Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant. With a heavy research focus, students can expect courses in qualitative, quantitative and historical research, and will have to submit a research proposal for peer review.

Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University (CT)

At Yale University in Connecticut, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of study. Every incoming Ph.D. student gets paired with a faculty adviser "whose area of expertise and active research most closely matches with the student’s scholarly interest," according to the school's website.

University of Minnesota |

• Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend and subsidized health insurance. Funding comes from some combination of teaching assistantships, traineeships, research assistantships and fellowships. Students in the program can specialize in areas like cognitive and brain sciences, industrial-organizational psychology and social psychology.

Matt Cashore | University of Notre Dame

Ph.D. within the Romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame (IN)

University of Notre Dame doctoral students who focus on French and Francophone studies, Iberian and Latin American studies or Italian studies are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance. Anyone who completes the Ph.D. degree requirements at the Indiana university within five years will automatically receive a one-year postdoctoral fellowship via the university's 5+1 Program. Fellows will have a teaching load limited to one course per semester.

Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College (PA)

Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College 's Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and "substantial stipends" toward living expenses. The Pennsylvania college's website says: "Consistent with our model, all Ph.D. students are funded equally, and do not compete for basic financial support during coursework." The program's cohorts typically include only three or four students each year. According to the college, it awarded the first Ph.D. degree in social work in the U.S. in 1920.

Vanderbilt University |

Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University (TN)

Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This includes full tuition, a "competitive" monthly stipend and health insurance for up to four years. Students may also be nominated for additional honor scholarships and fellowships. Areas of focus within the Ph.D. program include high-incidence disabilities and early childhood education.

Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University (IL)

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Northwestern University in Illinois combines coursework in humanities, social science and the visual arts. The program's students receive a five-year full-tuition scholarship plus an annual living stipend. Ph.D students enrolling at this program in fall 2022 will receive a living stipend of at least $36,960 during the 2023-2024 school year. Stipend amounts may change from year to year. Students can apply for subsidies to facilitate conference travel and summer language study.

(Photo by Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post via Getty Images)

• Ph.D. in women, gender and sexuality studies at University of Maryland

At the University of Maryland 's Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master's degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master's degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. Since the program's establishment in 1999, the department has granted 36 Ph.Ds, according to UMD's website.

Learn more about paying for graduate school.

Finding a fully funded program isn't the only option to offset the costs of graduate school. See these seven strategies to pay for graduate school to learn more. Check out the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings to see the country's top business, medicine and law programs – and more. For additional grad school tips, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Ph.D. programs that are fully funded

• Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University
• Ph.D. in business at Rice University
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University
• Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University—St. Louis
• Ph.D. in economics at Emory University
• Ph.D. in education at Stanford University
• Ph.D. in international relations at American University
• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University
• Ph.D. within the romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College
• Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University

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•       Financial Aid

Graduate School Financial Aid Awards, Loans, Reimbursements and Alternative Methods to Fund an Advanced Degree

Prospective graduate students often feel overwhelmed by the process of applying to graduate school, and finding ways to lessen the financial burden can be stressful, leaving many opting to fund their program with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans . This comprehensive resource center highlights a multitude of financial aid opportunities available to graduate students. Explore multiple guides to learn about various funding opportunities including ideas for crowdfunding and frugal living, expert insight on crafting a strong essay, hundreds of scholarships, and tips for completing a degree on a budget.

• Graduate Financial Aid
• Graduate School Scholarship Database
• Student Loans
• Alternative Ways To Pay
• Get Your Company To Fund Graduate School
• What Does a PhD Cost?
• 10 Advantages To Pursuing An Advanced Degree

WHAT TYPE OF GRADUATE FINANCIAL AID IS BEST FOR YOU?

Today’s students have access to a wide spectrum of funding options, some of which will suit their individual needs better than others. While some degree paths are heavily focused on fellowship and research grant opportunities, others may offer employer assisted tuition programs or military benefits. Similarly, funding options for students at the masters versus doctorate levels may also vary.

Determine what financial aid options may best suit your needs in the guide options below.

Featured Online Schools

Search hundreds of scholarships and funding options offered on the basis of degree area and level, academic merit, career path, background, and special interest.

Find out-of-the-box funding options including crowdfunding, assistantships, military benefits and ways to accelerate your degree program in this guide.

As advanced degrees rise in popularity, many employers now see the benefit of empowering their workforce to undertake further education. Whether offered as tuition assistance programs or salary advancements, this guide provides tips on navigating the conversation.

Discover the differences between federal and private loans, review loan forgiveness programs and various repayment plans.

Doctoral students typically have more specialized funding options available, ranging from research roles to teaching opportunities. Learn about these and more in this guide.

During the most recent academic year, public and private master’s degrees averaged $26,288 and $61,104, respectively. As the rising cost of education outpaces economic growth, many students are realizing their dreams of further education will only be possible if alternate methods of funding can be secured.

GRADUATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP DATABASE

Finding funding, while time consuming, doesn’t have to be an arduous or disheartening process. Though top scholarship and fellowship programs are highly competitive, innumerable options are available for students of all different backgrounds and interests.

For students who are able to blend a mix of personal funds, scholarships and grants to avoid significant amounts of debt, graduate school is a significant step toward growing their careers.

A 2013 study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that individuals with a master’s degree earned 23 percent more than their bachelor’s level peers. Aside from long-term earning potential, a postgraduate degree also opens doors to expanded career options, advanced skill sets, and teaching or research positions.

Aside from general and degree-specific scholarships, countless specialized grants are available to students of varied backgrounds and interests. The following databases have been compiled to help students find a scholarship created with them in mind.

With 2015 estimates of tuition and fees for an MBA topping out at $140,000 – not to mention lost income – scholarships for this degree can make a significant dent in overall debt. Whether offered by a private foundation or for-profit company, MBA students typically have many scholarships available to them, provided they know where to look.

• MBA Graduate Scholarships
• MBA Scholarships for Women
• MBA Graduate Scholarships for Minorities
• MBA Graduate Scholarships for Military/Veterans

Business school graduate students can find a wide variety of scholarships available, many that are offered by foundations, associations, donors and businesses. They can be applied to annual tuition, as well as related fees, including technology and books. Search dozens of scholarships for an MBA degree programs.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time graduate student who is pursuing an advanced degree and intends a career in state or local government finance.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

For full- or part-time upper division or graduate students studying in one of several finance-related areas including business administration, and who belong to one of a number of minority groups.

Women are often the most underrepresented group in business and MBA programs, according to research from the Graduate Management Council. Earning an MBA can lead to significant career advancement in leadership and business endeavors. Find a variety of scholarships and grants specifically tailored for women MBA students.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants

Grants made to provide assistance to women making a change of career, seeking advancement in a current career or reentering the workforce.

Chicana / Latina Foundation Scholarship Program

Offered to women of Chicana/Latina heritage who are enrolled in a college or university program in one of 13 Northern California counties.

Samuel Schulman Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a single mother entering or continuing in school to earn a marketable skill. Must be a resident and attending a college or university in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange or Riverside counties in California.

For minority groups, such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics and American Indians/Alaskan Natives/Pacific Islanders, pursuing an MBA can lead to increased diversification in the business world. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities specifically created to help these groups fund and achieve their MBA.

National Black MBA Association Graduate Scholarship

For students pursuing careers in business, academia and related professions. Must be a member of the NBMBAA to be eligible.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Merit-based award that supports 30 students annually. Must be child of naturalized citizens or be a permanent resident or naturalized citizen on his or her own.

Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent and a graduate student at a college or university in the United States. Available to full-time student only.

Active military service members and veterans alike can utilize various MBA funding opportunities, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®. Additionally, scholarship and grant options are available to help advance an active duty members transition to a civilian employment path. Find more information about military scholarships in the following MBA scholarships.

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ .

PNC-SVA “Serving with Integrity” Scholarship

Open to individuals who have been honorably discharged from Active Duty military service or currently serving in Guard or Reserve. Sponsored by the Student Veterans of America and PNC Bank.

SVA-NBC Universal Scholarship

Sponsored by Comcast/NBC Universal and the Student Veterans of America. Open to veterans pursuing a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university. Requires completion of an essay.

Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program

Applicant must be a woman, or child of a woman, who is currently serving or has served honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

Female students currently account for 53 percent of the national student body, yet they remain underrepresented in numerous key areas. Funders and foundations alike are stepping up to the plate to provide financial incentives to women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. In addition to areas related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics, women can find scholarships for almost any topic of interest with this resource.

• WOMEN GENERAL
• WOMEN NURSING, PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
• WOMEN SOCIAL WORK
• WOMEN EDUCATION

Innumerable opportunities are available to help support women’s career and academic pursuits in graduate school. Many scholarships and grants will help offset school costs, such as tuition, books and fees, as well as provide advancement in various fields. Explore what scholarships are available to women graduates.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Dissertation Fellowships

Graduate school funding for women preparing to complete dissertations, full-time post-doctorial research, and/or research for a publication project. The dissertation fellowship can cover any or all of the following: education and living expenses, including childcare; research assistants and equipment; travel for field research and conferences.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Postdoctral Research Leave Fellowship

Postdoctoral funding for women engaged full-time in the completion of a dissertation, and post-doctoral institutional research or research for publication. The postdoctoral fellowship can be used to purchase equipment, hire research assistants, pay for publication costs, and cover living and childcare expenses.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grants

An 8-week grant for graduate scholars engaged in independent research for publication and preparing research for publication. Grant money can cover living expense, research assistants, clerical and non-technical support, office supplies, and journal fees.

A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) can help many women achieve their goals in the business world, including leadership, entrepreneurship, and executive areas of business. Learn more about the variety of funding options available to women MBA students below.

Ada I. Pressman Memorial Scholarships

Open to women undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in all areas of engineering, including construction, chemical, computer, mechanical, and marine/oceanographic engineering. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years.

Sponsoring Organization: Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

AAUW Selected Professional Fellowships, Science and Technology Group

Aimed at supporting women entering graduate work in disciplines in which women have traditionally been underrepresented, including master’s programs in architecture, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and statistics. Covers education and living expenses, including travel to professional meetings and conferences.

Sponsoring Organization: American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Amelia Earhart Fellowships

The 35 Amelia Earhart Fellowships overseen by Zonta International are awarded annually to women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace science and aerospace engineering fields. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a qualifying PhD program, and the fellowships do not cover post-doctoral research.

Sponsoring Organization: Zonta International

Women have often been underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries. However, in recent years, these industries have sought to increase the number of women professionals, and today, many scholarship and grant opportunities are available to help women achieve their STEM graduate school goals.

AAUW Selected Professional Focus Professions Group Fellowships

Fellowship grants that provide education and living expense to minority women pursuing graduate studies, specifically African-Americans, Mexican Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. Targeted at graduate-level study in fields in which these groups have been historically underrepresented, including MBA programs (second year of study only); JD in law (third year of study only); and MD or DO in medicine (third or fourth year of study).

Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship Program

The Chicana/Latina Foundation is a regional organization serving Northern California. It awards merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate schooling for students of Chicana/Latina heritage in designated counties of California.

From biology and anatomy to chemistry and nursing, women can increase their expertise by achieving a graduate degree. Find dozens of funding opportunities specifically for women seeking to complete a degree program in nursing and the physical and life sciences.

Nursing and Healthcare AACN Scholarships

AACN scholarships are targeted to further the continuing education and specialization goals of active registered nurses pursuing further graduate studies. They can cover up to $3,000 in tuition costs and other expenses, including up to $750 for travel.

Sponsoring Organization: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

AfterCollege/AACN Scholarships

A joint venture between the AACN and AfterCollege, this scholarship offers awards of $2,500 quarterly to graduate students in nursing programs, particularly those who are on track to become a nurse educator. Applicants must be members of the AACN.

Thompson Scholarship for Women in Safety

Awarded by the ASSE to women pursuing a graduate degree in fields related to occupational safety management and engineering, including occupational health nursing and medicine, fire and environmental safety, and industrial risk management.

Sponsoring Organization: American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)

For women interested in advancing their education in counseling, public health, psychology or social work, there are a variety of tailored financial aid opportunities including scholarships and grants. Learn more about the specific options available to prospective women graduates in these degree programs.

Social Work Scholarships American Cancer Society Health Professional Training Grants

The ACS targets one of its grants for Health Professional Training at second-year master’s degree students in clinical oncology social work. The grant covers two years of graduate training.

Sponsoring Organization: American Cancer Society (ACS)

American Society on Aging Graduate Student Research Award

The ASA’s Graduate Student Research Award is given to a student who is nominated by an ASA member for graduate research in the field of aging, including clinical social-work research in this area. Applicants must have a faculty sponsor and a fully formed research project ready to undertake.

Carol A. Sarchet Scholarship

This scholarship is open to students in the CSU Schools of Social Work; Education; Occupational Therapy; Human Development & Family Studies; Food Science & Human Nutrition; Family & Consumer Sciences; or Design & Merchandising. Candidates must be first generation students, and preference is given to those raised in foster or kinship care.

Sponsoring Organization: Colorado State University

The high and increasing demand for educators, from early to special education, has provided a vast array of special funding opportunities for women seeking an education graduate degree. Explore dozens of scholarship opportunities available to women pursuing a graduate degree in education.

Renshaw Fellowship

Doctoral students or applicants to doctoral programs in education who are members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute can apply for the Renshaw Fellowship, which is targeted at individuals aiming to teach at the college level or to work as a superintendent or administrator/researcher in the field of curriculum development.

Sponsoring Organization: Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ICI)

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

Future high-school physics teachers can apply for a $2,000 scholarship from the AAPT. These scholarships are available to students pursuing a teaching certificate at the undergraduate and graduate school levels.

Sponsoring Organization: American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)

American Chemical Society (ACS)-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship

Administered by the American Chemical Society, the ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship is aimed at chemistry majors and professionals in the chemistry field who are pursuing a master’s in education with the intention of teaching chemistry. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and at least one year of experience working in a professional capacity. For those who have not spent at least a year working in a field related to chemistry, there is an ACS-Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarship

Although 62 percent of military veterans are first-generation college students, the number of retired military learners is set to soar. As of 2013, more than one million veterans were taking advantage of GI benefits to pursue their educations, and this number is expected to increase by 20 percent in the coming years. Given that 85 percent of veteran students are considered nontraditional, this resource provides crucial awareness of scholarships that aren’t exclusively focused on high school seniors.

• General Scholarships for Military Veterans
• Disabled War Veterans
• Spouses and Dependents of Military Veterans

There are numerous options for military veterans seeking graduate school financial aid assistance. From government-funded programs to countless scholarship opportunities, veterans can find funding to help offset the cost of graduate school.

Google SVA Scholarship

Candidate must be an Active Duty or veteran student currently enrolled in or accepted to a college degree program in computer science, computer engineering or closely-related subject.

Anne Gannett Award for Veterans

For veterans who are former music students who interrupted their education to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and wish to resume music study in pursuit of a music career.

Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarship

Offered to those currently serving or honorably discharged veterans of a U.S. Army component (Army, National Guard or Reserve) who is currently enrolled in a nursing or nurse anesthesia undergraduate or graduate program. Must not be currently receiving from a U.S. Army component (GI Bill benefits or ROTC scholarship.)

Multiple scholarships and grants are available to disabled war veterans, such as those who were injured during combat in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom. Funding opportunities like these, and many more, are available to assist and offset disabled war veterans’ graduate school costs.

American Airlines Veteran’s Initiative Scholarship

Military veterans who are pursuing aviation or aeronautical education or training are eligible. Personal factors considered include achievements, teamwork, leadership skills, motivation, and community service involvement.

Colorado Technical University Wounded Warrior Scholarship

Open to U.S Armed Forces (including National Guard and Reserve) Active Duty members or veterans currently receiving medical treatment for injuries (over 30 percent) suffered in the line of duty.

New York State Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute – MERIT Scholarship

Available to members of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time on or after August 2, 1990 and who became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred in combat or during training for combat. Must be New York State resident attending a postsecondary institution in New York State. Also open to spouses, children, and other financial dependents.

While families of military veterans may have not served in the military, they often have helped support the military and its members. In respect of the spouses and dependents of military veterans, many scholarship and grant opportunities are available to them for graduate school, such as the AMVETS National Scholarship Program and Leadership Through Action – Tillman Military Scholars program.

Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Non-Member Scholarships

These scholarships are open to U.S. Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel and veterans, as well as their spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Does not require FRA membership.

Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Member Scholarships

These FRA-sponsored scholarships are open to spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of current FRA members in good standing. FRA membership requires an affiliation with the U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard. A number of these awards give preference to post-graduate students.

506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association Scholarships

Family member applicants must be a child, grandchild, sibling or spouse of a veteran who served with the 506th Airborne. Factors considered include the applicant’s overall academic excellence, financial need and quality of the chosen postsecondary institution.

This growing area of funding is set to expand exponentially as more educational institutions, foundations, companies, and individuals begin earmarking scholarships for this community. Options are expansive, ranging from grants to students pursuing gender topics to students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). Many of these funding options are also available to individuals who are considered allies of the LGBTQ community.

• PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
• SOCIAL SCIENCES

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals pursuing graduate degrees in the arts – theater, photography, fine and graphic arts – can find a variety of financial aid options to help them fund their schooling. Learn more about the variety of scholarships available to LGBTQ graduate art students.

Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship

Sponsored by the Pride Foundation and open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, but may apply funds for study elsewhere. Open to LGBTQ identifying students pursuing a career in human services, health sciences, or the visual arts.

Bill McKnight Legacy Scholarship

Available to Arts and Humanities students in the queer community. Sponsored by the Pride Foundation and open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, but may apply funds for study elsewhere. Preference given to residents of Kitsap County/Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Gregori Jakovina Endowment Scholarship

Candidate must be LGBT or child of a LGBT parent, a resident of Oregon or Clark County, Washington, and pursuing a career in the arts.

LGBTQ students seeking a degree in a scientific discipline — such as chemistry, geology, physics, engineering, and biology — can find a wide variety of funding options for graduate school. Explore the many scholarship opportunities available to physical and life science LGBTQ graduate students.

Women in Medicine Leadership Scholarships

Four scholarships awarded to women studying at allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. or Canada. Factors considered include academic standing and contributed/demonstrated leadership in the LGBTQ community.

AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship

Eligibility to students currently working toward a STEM-related degree from a group underrepresented in their field of study, including groups defined by sexual orientation.

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) Out to Innovate Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Students in STEM

Must be declared major in accredited STEM or STEM-related teaching field and an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations promoting LGBTQ inclusion and visibility.

The social sciences examine various aspects of the human experience, including society, culture and economy. There are various scholarship and grant options for LGBTQ-individuals wishing to pursue a social science graduate degree.

Alexander G. Gray, Jr., Scholarship Fund

Applicant must be enrolled at a law school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a member of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar.

Kay Longcope Scholarship Award

Applicants must be an LGBT individual of color planning to pursue a career in journalism and be able to demonstrate their passion and commitment to the profession. Selection based on journalistic and scholastic ability. Applicants also must demonstrate an awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the importance of fair and accurate news coverage.

Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award

Must be enrolled in a journalism program. Selection based on journalistic and scholastic ability. Applicants also must demonstrate an awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the importance of fair and accurate news coverage.

Becoming a leader in the LGBTQ community can be supported with an advanced degree in various community and advocacy-related graduate degree programs. Find a vast array of scholarship and grant opportunities available to LGBTQ-individuals who demonstrate active community roles, or a desire to lead in their communities in the near future.

American Atheists Chinn Scholarships

Must be an atheist and self-identify as gay or lesbian, or have a demonstrated commitment to LGBT rights and equality.

Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community (APIQWTC) Scholarship

Awarded to Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, bisexual, or queer women or transgender individuals pursuing technical/professional training or an undergraduate/graduate degree.

FINANCING YOUR FUTURE: STUDENT LOANS

Students typically pursue a blend of funding options, incorporating scholarships and grants alongside any necessary loans. The following section will review loan options and provide helpful tips on how to navigate common steps, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ).

While private loans are available, the vast majority of student financial aid experts strongly recommend taking full advantage of federal loans before considering those offered by lending agencies and banks. This is due in part to lower and more stable interest rates, but also because private loans generally don’t offer the same flexible repayment plans as federal lenders.

To qualify for federal loans, all students – regardless of their educational level – must fill out the FAFSA ® every year they are enrolled in a degree program. This document, which is based on either the student’s or their parent’s financial information, assesses income levels to predict the amount of funding available via federal grants and loans.

Students who used federal funds during baccalaureate studies will be familiar with the process, although there are a few different options available for advanced degrees. Some of the most common questions associated with completing the FAFSA ® and taking on student loans include:

Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at the first of the new year. Students should aim to have all documents ready so they can apply as soon as the new calendar year starts.

If a student is applying as a dependent, they’ll need their parent’s financial records. As an independent, they’ll need their own financial documents along with their social security and driver’s license numbers, investment records, bank statements, federal tax records, documentation of untaxed income, and their federal student aid PIN number provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Each of the main federal student loans have different lending amounts; for instance, the Perkins loan allows graduate students to borrow up to $8,500 per year, while the maximum amount for the Stafford loan is based on the current year of education.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of going back to school and not fully consider the implications of taking on debt. While some loan repayment plans begin while students are still in school, the majority will start once a student has graduated. Students should be considering their next moves – be they further education or entering the workforce – before completing their degree. Students who pay toward their loans faithfully each month can use this time to help build good credit for future significant purchases, but those who fall behind may find themselves penalized when it comes time to purchase their first house or make other big buys.

Students should ensure they understand all of the terms and conditions before signing the dotted line for any loan. While the goal will always be to land a top job immediately after graduation, understanding options for deferment, forbearance, loan forgiveness, and alternate repayment plans can help alleviate a lot of anxiety and avoid negative credit scores if it takes a while to start repaying student debt.

Students who did not take advantage of federal funds during their undergraduate degree will also need to complete an entrance loan counseling session and sign the complete master promissory note before funds are disbursed.

When used knowledgeably, federal student loans can be a helpful addition to a student’s funding bundle. Aside from making the difference in whether or not a student is able to complete graduate school, they also remove many of the pressures of private loans. Our Student Loan and Graduate School guide provides details on these topics and more to consider when plotting out graduate school funds.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PAY FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL

Aside from traditional funding routes such as scholarships or loans, today’s students can utilize numerous innovative methods of paying for their graduate degrees. The Alternate Ways to Pay for Grad School guide highlights inventive ways to lessen the financial burden, including crowdfunding, employer tuition assistance programs, teaching or research assistantships, and general ideas about frugal living while in school.

These thrifty tips give students a weeklong glimpse of some cost cutting ideas.

Gasoline is cheapest on Sunday, so scheduling a fuel up for this day will save a few pennies per gallon. Lots of electronics stores will also have special flash sales on Sunday, so a trip to the local Best Buy may be in order for students in need of a tablet, laptop or other study aid.

Students who enjoy doing a lot of their shopping online can take advantage of the best sales on this day, ranging from clothing and electronics to textbooks and household items. Some websites will also allow users to sign up for notifications when new items go on sale.

Research has shown the best day for booking a flight is Tuesday, while they tend to be marked up on weekends. The day is also perfect for eating out, with the largest number of happy hours and meal deals being offered on the second day of the workweek.

Daily Finance found that hump day is the best for weekly grocery shopping. Not only do more than half of all stores start their sales on this day, they’ll often honor the previous week’s sales as well. As a bonus, if meat counters, bakeries, or prepared food counters have food nearing the end of its shelf life, this is the most common day for scoring a bargain.

Thinking about buying new clothes? Research has shown that a lot of shops and department stores mark down items on Wednesday evenings, making Thursday the perfect day to snag a good deal before items get picked over.

While the majority of yard and garage sales take place on weekends, sometimes sellers will have a preview or early bird sale on Friday. Students with nontraditional schedules that can take advantage of being one of the first on the scene can often find excellent bargains on items that typically get scooped up quickly.

Although many assume that retailers aren’t shy about charging full prices over the weekend, there are still plenty of bargains buys to be found. Clothing stores in particular are known to have some of the best sales on this day of the week.

Lots of resale shops and thrift stores will have sales based on items with same colored tag all being discounted on different days of the week.

These helpful hints are only the tip of the iceberg; further ideas for saving money while not feeling deprived can be found in the Alternate Ways to Pay for Grad School guide.

Train people well enough so they can leave, but treat them well enough so they don’t want to.

GET YOUR COMPANY TO FUND GRADUATE SCHOOL

One guiding principle many business leaders believe is that employers should help fund graduate programs — it can impart a sense of gratitude in employees and provides a more skilled workforce to companies. Numerous national organizations have tuition assistance programs in place already, but it’s always worth asking your current employers if an agreement could be made.

In many cases, companies will supplement educational costs in return for a commitment to stay with the organization for a set number of years after a degree is completed.

These are some of the best companies offering tuition reimbursement programs in the U.S. today:

Bank of America

PROGRAM: Tuition Reimbursement

BOA provides tuition assistance for employees seeking to complete graduate level classes, provided they are in some way related to their area of work.

PROGRAM: Graduate School Assistance Program

Deloitte offers its employees generous benefits, allowing them to attend graduate school and move into Senior Consultant roles upon graduation. After two years of post-college employment, workers receive full tuition reimbursement. They are also given a technology stipend during their education to help purchase necessary computer-related items.

PROGRAM: Educational Assistance Program

Employees completing approved classes and programs relevant to their positions at Raytheon can apply for their educational assistance program, provided they are employed full-time.

PROGRAM: Tuition Reimbursement Program

In addition to other great benefits, Google employees who maintain A’s and B’s through their educations qualify for the company’s tuition reimbursement program.

PROGRAM: Educational Assistance

Employees of BP can take advantage of the company’s generous tuition assistance program, provided they’re enrolled in courses relevant to their area of work and achieve passing grades.

PROGRAM: Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Microsoft is known for placing great importance on furthering the knowledge and skill sets of its employees, and the company provides assistance for both tuition and textbook costs.

J.M. Smucker Company

PROGRAM: Financial Well Being Program

Smucker’s takes great pride in providing holistic care for their employees, and this includes a generous reimbursement program providing up to 100 percent of the costs for all approved coursework.

PROGRAM: Career Development and Training

Chevron takes a wide lens view when it comes to employees reaching their potential and continuing their educations. In addition to tuition reimbursement, the company also offers internal training, mentoring programs, and opportunities for professional development.

PROGRAM: College Achievement Plan (CAP)

70 percent of Starbucks employees are students or aspire to attend college, and the organization is focused on making that possible. The company recently partnered with Arizona State University to provide assistance to part and full-time employees undertaking online education.

To learn about additional companies providing tuition benefits, or to find tips on convincing your boss to provide educational assistance, check out the guide, Expert Guidance and Strategies for Company Tuition Reimbursement.

WHAT DOES A PHD COST?

The actual costs associated with obtaining a PhD can vary wildly based on the subject area, type of school, and institutional assistance available. The following section helps interested doctoral candidates learn about all the costs associated with working toward an education at this level.

Students have innumerable reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree, ranging from higher salaries to career requirements. In many academic or STEM-related fields, individuals may not be able to fully participate in their field without obtaining the highest level of degree available. Yet PhD programs can also cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, leaving cash-strapped students wondering if it’s practical to complete another degree.

BREAKING IT DOWN

Before enrolling in a program, students should have a thorough understanding of all the costs associated with committing to a further degree.

The cost of a PhD can vary significantly depending on whether the institution is public or private, and which degree path the student intends on pursuing. For in-state students at state colleges, tuition is typically between $7,000 to $10,000 annually, while students at private universities can expect to pay between $30,000 to $50,000 each year.

The cost of rent represents a wide spectrum across the U.S. Birmingham topped the 2015 list for affordable cities, averaging $949 for a two bedroom. Conversely, a two bedroom in San Francisco, the most costly city for renters, tops out at $3,650 per month.

According to a living wage calculator provided by MIT, single adult students will spend just over $1,000 per month on average for living costs, including food, medical coverage, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. These numbers are also likely to fluctuate based on their location

Costs for books and additional fees are often wholly based on a student’s degree. While science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related paths tend to have more intensive fees for laboratory use and materials, humanities courses may require substantially more books. On average, books and fees combined cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per academic year.

Research for doctoral level dissertations or projects is typically extensive, requiring students to spend hundreds of hours poring over materials. Depending on the area of study, this could either mean being able to access materials via a short car ride or spending several months in a foreign country. While these expenditures can quickly add up, scholarships and grants specifically covering research and conference travel costs abound.

Aside from all the costs reviewed above, students should always plan to have funds on hand for unforeseen purchases. Whether it’s an unexpected trip to the mechanic, stocking up on winter clothes, or an emergency trip home, students should plan to spend approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per year on miscellaneous expenses.

After reading through all of the costs associated with undertaking a doctoral degree, interested students may be wondering how on earth they’ll ever be able to justify taking this next step. GoGrad’s Paying for Your PhD guide is here to answer this question and any others arising.

10 ADVANTAGES TO PURSUING AN ADVANCED DEGREE

Obtaining a doctoral degree has innumerable benefits for individuals in many different industries and areas of work.

While some fields – such as psychology or astrophysics – require professionals to hold a PhD to be fully certified, professionals in other areas often undertake this degree to move into specialized research or teaching roles. For mid-career workers who already hold a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree can help propel them into a senior-level role in their new industry.

Looking for more benefits? Keep reading.

Obtaining a master degree is an investment that pays off throughout your career. As reported by National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a master’s degree will net individuals a paycheck that’s 23 percent higher than their baccalaureate-holding colleagues, while those with a doctoral degree earned up to 52 percent more.

Whether deciding to pursue a professorship after years of experience in the field or moving directly into teaching, the vast majority of four-year universities require faculty to hold a PhD to teach courses.

While some may think of in-depth research opportunities being relegated to STEM-related industries, the spread of digital technology is continually increasing the importance of both data gathering and data analysis. Individuals able to delve into research projects and glean useful insights are valuable to almost any industry.

Consultants to government agencies, non-profit organizations and corporate businesses display the highest levels of expertise and knowledge, gleaned from both years of experience and an advanced education.

Students who pursue graduate degrees typically all have one thing in common: they love their subject. While undergraduate degrees offer excellent foundational knowledge and skills, advanced degrees allow students to truly immerse themselves and gain a holistic understanding of the discipline.

As of 2014, less than one percent of the American population held a PhD and only eight percent had completed master’s level programs. Advanced degrees and those who complete them are highly respected due to the sheer fact that pursuing academics at this level requires commitment and intelligence.

Advanced degree holders recognized as leaders in their fields often have many opportunities to travel, be it for research collaboration, guest lectures or speaking at/attending conferences held by professional organizations.

Individuals with advanced degrees are typically those who innovate, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and lead groundbreaking research that changes the way people live their lives. Whether working in the arts and sciences, technology, medicine or law, master’s and PhD level professionals are constantly shifting the way the world works.

Although highly competitive, numerous fellowship and grant opportunities not only pay all costs associated with an advance degree, in some cases they also provide a living stipend. Instead of worrying about housing expenses or other general costs of living, recipients of these awards are able to devote their full attention to learning.

While some jobs may be quite rigid in their structure, advanced degree holders often have more autonomy to structure their work days and projects. They may decide to split their time between offices, complete projects while traveling, or outsource basic tasks to focus on more specialized work.

Funding and Aid

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive program of financial support including grants and fellowships.

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Grants and fellowships come from internal and external sources, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, other academic employment opportunities, and several types of loans.

Our financial aid program features guaranteed funding for the first five years to all PhD students, and a variety of funding options and fellowships for other students. Students can also connect with the Fellowships & Writing Center for advising on internal and external awards.

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Financing Your Education - Doctoral Programs

A doctoral degree is a significant investment in your future, and financing your education is a critical factor to consider. While the funding we provide covers the basic standard cost of attendance determined by Stanford University for a modest life as a graduate student, accepting an offer from a doctoral program has significant personal, professional, and financial implications. Below you’ll find information on GSE and Stanford financial support for doctoral students, as well as other important considerations when it comes to financing your PhD.

Funding 

Stanford GSE offers all admitted PhD students a five-year funding package that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary which covers the standard cost of attendance. The funding is based on meeting the basic financial need of the student alone for the first five academic years of the doctoral program and entails assistantship work. The cornerstone of the GSE doctoral experience is the apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well. In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a funding package that consists of opportunities to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the coursework, students are prepared to excel as university faculty, education researchers, and leaders in the field.

All funding is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and performance on the research and teaching assistantships. There is no separate application for this funding.

Assistantships

As part of the academic and professional training and development, students undertake assistantships which provide both salary and tuition. Research assistantships are funded by faculty research grants, other faculty funds or as needed, by the GSE Dean’s Office, and can lead to joint publications with faculty or to dissertation topics. Students who have sufficient expertise and experience may also be selected as teaching assistants for courses at the GSE or other Stanford schools and departments. Assistantships are typically secured in consultation with faculty advisors. Students work 10 hours (25% assistantship) or 20 hours (50% assistantship) a week depending on their year in the program. 

• Research assistantship (RA): Various duties for research projects
• Teaching assistantships (3 types):
• Course Assistant (CA)—course preparation and grading
• Teaching Assistant (TA)—leads regularly-scheduled discussion sections
• Teaching Affiliate (TF)—full responsibility for course

Funding Details 2024-2025

Note: The above figures reflect 2024-2025 rates. 

Cost of attendance

Tuition depends on the units taken by the student. In addition to tuition expenses, the cost of attendance of a PhD program involves living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. The sum of tuition and non-tuition expenses constitutes the standard cost of attendance. 

As you consider applying to graduate school, you can use the standard cost of attendance of your program —plus any additional expenses you might have—to create your financial plan, keeping in mind that tuition and non-tuition expenses of the standard cost of attendance are set by the university on an annual basis.

What you can do now to prepare financially if admitted

• Prepare for how your standard of living may change as a graduate student, especially if you are coming from a full-time job.
• Consider the length of your program, any dependents, existing debt, and additional financial commitments you may have. Students with children may review Stanford support programs for families.
• If you have personal or special circumstances that require additional expenses above and beyond the standard cost of attendance, plan accordingly.
• Start saving as much as you are able to cover any unexpected expenses you may incur while in graduate school.
• Familiarize yourself with federal as well as private student loans, their interest rates, fees, repayment options, deferment policies, and eligibility requirements, so that you are informed if you need to borrow.
• Be ready to cover all initial expenses, since fellowships and stipends will not be disbursed until a few weeks into your first quarter. Onboarding into a PhD program often requires up front out of pocket expenses for relocation.

Additional GSE resources

Once PhD students matriculate, the GSE has a variety of resources available to support academic work and unanticipated needs.

Travel fellowships

Students are eligible for up to three travel fellowships during their time at GSE if they are attending a conference or other professional development opportunity.

GSE Student Emergency Fund

GSE Student Emergency Fund assists graduate students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing financial hardship. This fund is meant to support those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. 

GSE Dissertation Support Grants

GSE Dissertation Support Grants help advanced PhD students who require additional financial support for dissertation research activities. These grants, available at up to $6,500 total per student, are available to students who do not have access to other funds to cover their dissertation costs.

Stanford University resources

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program aims to prepare the next generation of global leaders to address the increasingly complex challenges facing the world. The program selects up to 100 students each year and provides three years of financial support that is integrated into the GSE’s funding package for PhD students.

Vice Provost for Graduate Education awards various fellowships for doctoral students and maintains a list of other Stanford fellowships that students may consider.

Cardinal Care subsidy is an automatic university-wide subsidy program for graduate students. Vaden Health Center manages the university’s Cardinal Care student health insurance.

Stanford Financial Aid Office oversees a number of financial support programs specifically for graduate students with challenging financial situations. 

Additional hourly work is available to students who wish to work for pay as "casual labor" at Stanford up to eight hours a week, provided work does not adversely affect the academic program. Requires approval from the student’s advisor and the Academic Services team.

Other funding sources

External fellowships.

External fellowships are integrated into the GSE’s funding package. There are many funding opportunities offered outside of Stanford. The GSE admissions team has compiled an external fellowships and grants document for you to explore, though you should plan to do your own research as well. International students can find additional sources of funding on the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website and this publication .

U.S. veterans

Stanford is committed to providing benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to students in degree-seeking programs. GSE students who qualify for Chapter 33 benefits at the 100% level may be eligible for additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please note that for GSE students receiving tuition fellowship funding, the Yellow Ribbon match may reduce and in some cases replace institutional grants and scholarships. For instructions, visit the page, Activate VA Education Benefits at Stanford .

International students

International students are guaranteed the same funding package as domestic students. However, there may be restrictions regarding the number of hours and opportunities to work during the summer months. To learn more, please contact the Bechtel International Center .

To meet immigration regulations, international students must show proof of adequate financial support to cover the length of time of their graduate program. While international students are not eligible for U.S. federal loan programs, they may qualify for private/alternative loans. Many lenders, however, require that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-sign the loan. You can find information and tools to help you choose private loan programs most frequently used by Stanford students here. A comprehensive list of private loan programs is available at FinAid.org .

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