So, you’ve decided that you want to go to graduate school. Great! But what about the cost? Graduate program grants can help you pay the costs!
By now, you have probably come to the realization, and doesn’t need to be told, that graduate school can be expensive in the US. In fact, unless you have a substantial amount stashed in an account somewhere account, you might never be able to achieve that dream.
The reality of such situations is that, your best chances hinges on your ability to get someone or a program to help out. In perspective, that means you’ll need some help paying for the degree. And that’s where graduate program grants come in.
By now, you likely know what grants are. In fact, you must have heard a lot about them. But, just in case you have not, permit us to introduce you to what grants are.
Grants are financial awards which are based on financial need, and which you do not need to repay. And, trust us when we say the possibility of getting money, without needing to pay them back, has made grants a great option for those who require help in paying for school.
Therefore, since you are aiming to reap the same benefits as those who walked this path before you, it’s important to know how they went about their process. This will help you follow their footsteps, so that you can get the same result as them.
So, what are the steps, and how do you go about getting one? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Graduate Program Grants?
Let’s start with the obvious question, even though we know that you most likely have an answer to the question.
A graduate program grant is financial assistance to help students who are attending a graduate program. Graduate program grants can come from the government, the school, or private organizations.
However, people sometimes have the wrong impression, that graduate program grants are loans. This is false and a clear misconception because grants are not loans, and do not have to be repaid.
Also, grants does not only take care of tuition, as it can be used for a lot of other things. Such things include room and board, books, transportation, and other expenses related to your graduate school program.
What Is A Fellowship?
A fellowship is a grant that is typically awarded to graduate students to help offset the cost of education. Unlike student loans, fellowships do not have to be repaid.
There are a variety of fellowships available, ranging from those awarded by the federal government to those offered by individual colleges or universities.
In order to be eligible for a fellowship, you typically need to be enrolled in a graduate program and have excellent academic credentials.
If you are looking to study in a research-driven capacity, then fellowships are for you. ;One positive of getting into a fellowship program, is that it increases opens you more to research, and this helps you to gain industry-relevant experience.
These programs are however very challenging, as you usually have many people jostling for the slots. You may therefore go through a lot before you can get into a fellowship program.
But, hard as it might be, there’s no harm in trying, right?
Some fellowship opportunities for you, include:
- Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship:
- Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship:
- National Science Foundation Fellowship:
What Are The Different Types Of Graduate Program Grants?
There are a few different types of graduate program grants you can apply for, whicch each having its own peculiarity. Some of them are:
- Academic-merit Grants: These are scholarships based on academic achievement and range from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Need-Based Grants: Financial aid packages that take into account your family’s income and assets.
- Teacher Education Grants: Specialized grants for students studying to become teachers.
- Minority Grants: Financial aid specifically for students from minority groups.
- Specialized Grants: Grants for students pursuing specific areas of study, such as engineering or law.
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How do I Apply For Graduate Program Grants?
The process of applying for a graduate program grant is typically no different from the process of applying for a graduate program itself. What would you need to do?
If you are looking to get government grants (be it federal or state grants), take some time out to fill the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will get a notification message after a thorough check of your application , and you will receive official confirmation, provided you are eligible for any grant money. Also, you will receive notification on when the grant will be available to you, as well as when you will get the money from your school.
Also, they may inform you of certain additional requirements as time goes by. One of these requirements is that, it may be important that you must be a citizen or legal resident of your state of residence.
Additionally, you may need to provide all the standard application information, including your academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. You may also need to provide a personal statement or essay.
However, be sure to consult the guidelines and eligibility requirements for the specific grant you’re applying for, as each one has unique requirements. And you do not want to fall foul of these requirements, as this may cause you to lose the grant.
Some Graduate Program Grants For You
- https://us.fulbrightonline.org/types-of-grants
- http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/FordFellowships/index.htm
Are There Any Special Requirements?
You might be wondering if there are any special requirements for graduate program grants. The good news is, there are few! What this means, is that there won’t be too many obstacles on your way.
In most cases, you’ll need to be a United States citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for most grants. You’ll also need to demonstrate financial need and academic merit.
Some grants might also require you to submit an essay or complete an interview. So, what are you waiting for? Start your grant search today!
Conclusion
Applying for a graduate program grant is a great way to ease some of the financial burden of attending grad school. Also, there are a variety of different grants available, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that is in line with your needs.
Remember to start early, because the application process can be difficult and time-consuming.
With a little hard work and planning, you can make your dream of getting a graduate degree a reality – with help from a graduate program grant.
Good luck!
