Scholarships for Graduate Students

Attending college can be extremely pricey, so pricey in fact, that even if sticking around or going back for graduate school would be profoundly beneficial, most students feel as though affording it is next to impossible. This, of course, is where scholarships for graduate students come in. If you are able to find some graduate school scholarship money, then you can devote your full time and energy to getting into graduate programs and completing your Master's, or perhaps even your Doctorate, degree. Though grad school is not the best option for every student, for many (depending on their career choice), it is imperative. If this is the case, consider the many scholarship awards available before writing grad school off altogether—you may find that it is not nearly as impossible as you thought. Conducting a free scholarship search can still help you pay for school, even grad school.

Graduate Scholarship Categories

Scholarships for graduate students are much less common than scholarships for undergraduate students but they are out there. If you distinguish yourself in college by getting involved on campus, participating in your community, and earning the grades that match your social contributions, getting assistance for graduate school is not as hard as it seems. The competition is tough when financial aid is at stake, but there are also fewer students vying for the prize. If graduate school will help you obtain the position that you want, boost your salary, and build your qualifications, by all means, pursue a master’s degree fervently and seek out scholarship opportunities.

Essay scholarships. Many essay scholarships can be applied toward any level of post-secondary education. The great thing about an essay scholarship is that if you find it early enough you have a unique opportunity to knock the socks off your audience. Find a peer or even a past instructor and ask for feedback on the piece that you are going to submit. Then make the changes. The judges of scholarship essay contests are most likely no different than the people who surround you every day so your peers’ opinions are priceless. The more time you invest the greater the potential reward will be. If the reward is a graduate scholarship, I'm sure you will agree, it will have been well worth the effort.

Employer sponsorships/ professional development scholarships. Already lodged into a profession? Find out what incentives your employer offers for employees pursuing an advanced degree. Most employers offer some form of tuition reimbursement, possibly up to one hundred percent. If your employer does not have a sponsorship program, see if they have corporate scholarship opportunities available for employees.

Major specific scholarships. Have you decided what master’s or doctoral program you are interested in? If so, look for major specific scholarship opportunities, as well as grants and fellowships. You will have a better chance at these scholarships because of your interest in the subject and your commitment to studying it.

Research grants. Do you have a degree related research project that you are interested in working on? If so, you may qualify for a research grant either through a university or an independent sponsor that has a vested interest in the topic you are pursuing. There is a network of support available for students committed to learning through the research process because no amount of classroom time competes with the invaluable knowledge gained through hands on experience. Similarly, a variety of research-based doctoral fellowships might also be available.

Sweepstakes. However difficult they are to actually win, sweepstakes contests are still worth entering. Why? Because the chance to earn several thousand dollars towards your degree is worth the five seconds that you invest. Your chances of winning scholarship sweepstakes are much higher than winning say, the lottery, and participation is one hundred percent free. Additionally, there are few restrictions on eligibility requirements which means that even graduate students can participate.