Paying for graduate school is one of the most common worries among prospective students. The cost of tuition and books can be very high given that graduate courses are far more expensive than undergraduate courses. There is also less federal aid in grants and subsidized loans available for graduate students.
To top things off, prospective graduate students are often already carrying the burden of debt from their undergraduate degree.
There are many different avenues and ways in which prospective students can obtain the financial assistance that they need. There are many organizations, universities, and companies that offer scholarships for graduate studies. Because these scholarships are scarcer, there is greater competition to obtain them.
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Undergraduate students that are thinking of attending graduate school should begin planning ahead to ensure that they receive the financial assistance that they need.
Here are a few things that undergraduate students can start doing:
1) Get involved with student organizations or clubs. Many of these large organizations have scholarships available for graduate students in that particular area of study. If you are already involved, you are more likely to qualify for a scholarship.
2) If your area of study relies heavily on research, start volunteering or participating in research projects going on in your school. There are many scholarships available for graduate students that participate in a research fellowship during their studies. The experience in research can place you ahead of the competition for these highly coveted fellowships.
3) Look for a program or area of study in areas with a high need. There are many scholarships available for aspiring teachers, nurses, and doctors because there is always a need for professionals in these areas. There are also certain fields that will pardon your student loans if commit to several years of employment in that area and meet certain requirements.
4) Volunteer for Americorps or Peacecorps. These two organizations offer volunteers stipends and scholarships in exchange for community service. Your volunteer position would be similar to a part or full-time job position and can be in your area of study.
5) Choose the right university. Most universities offer scholarships for graduate students, but, there are some colleges that have a higher amount of aid available to their students. When looking for a university, take this into account so you can increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship. It is also important to compare and contrast the total cost of attending a certain school to see if it is convenient for you.
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