Money for graduate study comes in a variety of forms. Keep in mind that deadlines for financial aid applications are generally earlier than regular admission deadlines, so be sure to research your options well in advance.

GraduateSchool.com: Check out the financial aid link on this site to begin your search for financial assistance. This site reviews basic requirements, the process, and links you to additional funding sources.

COS Funding Database: Search the world's most comprehensive funding resource, with more than 25,000 records representing nearly 400,000 opportunities, worth over $33 billion.

Graduate Fellowships: Be sure to ask each program to which you apply for information on financial aid. Ask if other offices might have information (the Financial Aid Office). Opportunities are available, but it is up to you to find them.

Graduate Assistantships: Assistantships are provided by the university in return for service or work, typically on a half-time basis (20 hours per week). Oftentimes, funding is based on financial need, academic merit, or appropriate experience, and the amount varies from providing full or partial tuition saiver, a monthly stipend, or both.

Types of Assistantships: Assistantships include, but are not limited to, teaching assistants (teaching undergraduate courses on a part-time basis) or research assistants (created to carry out research assignments under the supervision of faculty members). Sometimes, a research assistantship can be used to meet requirements in a degree program. Residence Life, Counseling, and Student Affairs assistnats do a combination of administrative work and counseling or advising. Residence Life assistantships often require that you live in an undergraduate dorm and often offer room and board, in addition to a tuition waiver and possibly a stipend.

Additional Financial Aid Sources:

• Administrative internships are provided in return for administrative services. They are also awarded based on such things as financial need, academic merit, or appropriate experience and the amount varies from school to school.
• Loans are available through banks, government agencies, and special loan funds at the university.
• Military funding is available in exchange for future military service.
• Employers: Some employers have reimbursement programs for employees who continue their education in a field related to their employment.

Acquiring money for graduate school is often easier than you might think. The money is out there; the challenge is finding where. one of the most useful sources for beginning your search is Career Services. Our library has an excellent collection of printed guides to fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial aid and staff to assist you in this endeavor.