- Grad school scholarships provide funds to cover your educational costs.
- In general, you don't have to repay scholarships or grants after graduation.
- Start your search for grad school scholarships with your school's financial aid office.
Types of graduate scholarships
Graduate school can help you take your career ambitions to the next level. But the cost can be very high. That's where grad school scholarships and grants come in. Scholarships and grants don't need to be repaid, which means you can leave school with minimum drag on your post-graduation finances.
Merit-based vs. need-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your academic achievements and other achievements. In contrast, need-based scholarships are awarded based on the financial need of the student.
Subject-specific scholarships
Beyond these need-based and merit-based scholarships, you can find specialized scholarships designed for particular fields of study or demographics. For example, you might find a scholarship opportunity based on your prior military experience or your desire to obtain a graduate degree in STEM.
Where to find graduate school scholarships
Your university
Before you can snag a scholarship, you'll have to find the opportunity and apply for it. Your school's financial aid office is a good place to start your search because they might have information on school-specific scholarships.
Online scholarship databases
You can also find scholarship opportunities through online search engines, like the U.S. Department of Labor's free tool or Scholarships.com. To locate scholarships specific to you, filter searches by "graduate level" and your field of study.
Professional organizations and employers
Many organizations offer some form of scholarship or tuition reimbursement to students pursuing related careers, or those gaining skills to aid in their existing role.
Grant databases
Grants are another form of funding that you usually don't have to pay back. Below are some of the most popular grants for grad school:
- Federal grants: Some federal grants are available to graduate students, including the TEACH Grant, which is designed to prepare them for teaching at the elementary or secondary school level. After graduation, grant recipients must teach full-time for at least four years in a school that serves low-income students. Skipping the teaching commitment means you'll have to repay the funds.
- State grants: Many states provide grant opportunities to students. In some cases, these grants are designed to support students pursuing a graduate degree that's relevant to the state's needs.
- Institutional grants: Many colleges and universities provide grant opportunities to students. You can find out about these opportunities through your school's financial aid office.
- Private grants: Some organizations and foundations offer grant funding to graduate students. In most cases, you'll need to meet some specific eligibility requirements to apply.
Tapping into this source of free money for college is a worthwhile option. If you are interested in grant funding, start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to potentially tap into federal grant opportunities.
In terms of state-level, institutional, and private grants, you'll need to do some research to find grants that might apply to your unique situation. Consider reaching out to your school's financial aid office, they might have more information on grant opportunities you can apply for.
Tips for applying and winning scholarships
When you find an enticing opportunity, it's important to craft a compelling application. Many scholarships require an essay, which could make or break your chances.
"Writing essays for a graduate scholarship is not the same as it was for undergraduates," says Ben Ralston, president of Sachs Foundation, an organization that provides scholarship opportunities to Black Coloradans.
"You are later in your career and can focus less on what you want to do with your education and more about what you have already accomplished," Ralston says. "Get specific in how graduate studies will develop more professional skills to build on previous accomplishments instead of speaking more generally about future goals."
Start early and apply often
It's important to note that the scholarship search process can take quite a bit of time, and once you've identified scholarships to apply for, you'll need time to prepare. Don't be selective with your scholarship applications; The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances of winning.
Tailor your applications
When applying, personalize your essays and highlight how your experience aligns with the scholarship's mission. Be sure to triple-check your essays, and ensure that you're not referencing a separate scholarship opportunity from the one you're applying for.
Get strong letters of recommendation
Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. This can be a teacher, employer, coworker, etc.
Grad school scholarship FAQs
Competition for graduate scholarships can be high, but many scholarships are available. Applying to a wide range increases your chances of success.
No, you don't. Scholarships are typically considered gift aid and don't need to be repaid.
While it's uncommon, there are some full-ride scholarships are available, especially for highly competitive programs or exceptional students.
