Ibrahim Gardner
If you're looking to take non-degree graduate courses, there are a few ways to fund your studies. Firstly, you could enrol as a non-degree-seeking student at a university, which allows you to take additional courses for credit without working towards a specific degree. You can also apply for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantship positions, which can provide financial support without the need for repayment. Alternatively, you could explore federal or private student loans, such as the Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan, which offers flexible repayment options. Another option is to enrol as a part-time or online student and work simultaneously, using your income to fund your studies. Finally, you can research the specific requirements and reach out to the relevant department to understand the financial implications and available support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of non-degree grad courses | $10,000 |
| Ways to pay | Savings, scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, federal student loans, private loans |
| Scholarships | Available for virtually every graduate student |
| Grants | Need-based, awarded by federal/state governments, schools, private organizations |
| Assistantships | Research assistant, teaching assistant, stipend graduate assistantships |
| Federal student loans | Direct Grad PLUS Loan |
| Private loans | Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan |
| Other strategies | Part-time/online student, employer tuition assistance, foreign/domestic service, deferring enrollment |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships
Scholarships
Scholarships are typically merit-based and are often awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements or those pursuing specific fields of study. Many scholarships are available for students pursuing graduate or professional degrees, such as the Ford Foundation Fellowship Program, which is open to predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral students. Graduate school scholarships are also available for students who have completed their bachelor's degree and are seeking funding for further studies. Some scholarships are also need-based, taking into account both merit and financial need, such as the National Medical Fellowships' scholarships.
Grants
Grants are usually need-based and are often awarded to students pursuing graduate studies in specific fields or with financial need. They are typically provided by the federal government, state government, individual schools, or private organizations. For example, TEACH Grants are awarded to graduate students pursuing teaching careers in high-need fields in low-income schools. Fulbright Grants, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, promote international exchange and are available for undergraduate and graduate students to continue their studies abroad.
Fellowships
Fellowships are a special type of merit scholarship that often covers all tuition expenses. They are awarded for academic excellence and can include internships or other service commitments. Fellowship opportunities are available in most graduate fields, and they often provide stipends, living allowances, or housing assistance. For instance, the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in STEM fields.
General Tips
To find scholarships, grants, and fellowships, start by contacting your prospective school's financial aid department to inquire about available opportunities and application processes. You can also ask department heads about fellowships, scholarships, and grants that have helped previous students fund their graduate studies. Additionally, online resources like scholarship databases and graduate school funding websites can provide valuable information on funding opportunities.
Remember, it is essential to understand the criteria and requirements for each funding opportunity and to carefully review the terms and conditions before applying. By exploring these options, you can secure funding for your non-degree graduate courses and potentially graduate with fewer loans or none at all.
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Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are typically classified into three types: Graduate Assistant (GA), Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), and Graduate Research Assistant (GRA). GAs may have a variety of responsibilities, including teaching, research, or other tasks that support their professional growth. GTAs typically grade papers, tutor students, assist in classrooms, or teach courses, while GRAs work with faculty members on academic or administrative research projects.
To secure an assistantship, you should contact the graduate program in which you are enrolled and inquire about available positions. Each assistantship has its own application process and requirements, including specific appointment forms and timesheet expectations. For example, at Oregon State University, the academic department provides details on contract dates, monthly stipend amounts, and position expectations.
It is important to note that assistantships are not typically available to non-degree-seeking students. However, some universities, like Appalachian State University, may offer a limited number of assistantships to fully online students who meet the same eligibility requirements and can adhere to the on-campus work schedule.
Before applying for an assistantship, it is essential to consider the time commitment required and ensure you can balance your assistantship duties with your graduate studies. Additionally, explore other funding options, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and federal student loans to create a comprehensive financial plan for your graduate studies.
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Federal student loans
The federal government has strict eligibility rules for non-degree-seeking student loans, making it challenging to borrow funds for non-traditional programs. The federal government typically won't provide financial aid for non-degree-seeking students unless it leads to an approved professional certificate or credential. For example, you may be eligible for federal student loans if you're completing courses required to enter a degree or certificate program.
If you've exhausted federal financial aid options, consider private non-degree loans. However, it's best to avoid private student loans if possible. Private student loans typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, and refinancing them can be difficult. Most lenders require applicants to have a degree to refinance, though Citizens Bank is one exception.
To increase your chances of receiving federal financial aid, you can take several steps. First, start with money you don't have to pay back, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantship positions. You can ask department heads for more information on what has helped previous students pay for grad school. After researching scholarships and assistantships, you may be able to receive federal financial aid for your graduate degree through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additionally, consider enrolling as a part-time or online student to accommodate a full-time job, using a portion of your paycheck to cover expenses. While it will take longer to complete your degree, graduating with fewer loans or none at all may put you in a better financial position. If you have federal student loans from your undergraduate degree, you may be able to defer them while you're in graduate school.
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Private graduate student loans
Before applying for private loans, it is recommended to first explore other options, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantship positions, and federal student loans. Federal loans, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans, provide key protections like income-based repayment options and do not require a credit check. However, they come with annual and lifetime borrowing limits and may have higher interest rates compared to private loans.
If you decide to pursue a private graduate student loan, there are several lenders to consider. Sallie Mae, for instance, offers private student loans for graduate school, allowing you to borrow up to 100% of your school fees. SoFi also provides low-rate private student loans with a fast and easy application process. Additionally, Ascent offers private student loans for graduate students, two of which do not require a cosigner.
When applying for private graduate student loans, it is important to evaluate your anticipated monthly loan payments and expected future earnings. It is also worth comparing different lenders to find the best option for your financial needs and goals.
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Part-time work
On-campus jobs are a popular choice for students, as they offer convenience, flexibility, and the chance to network with faculty and staff. These roles can include administrative work, research or teaching assistant positions, or working in various campus departments. Research assistant positions, in particular, often have flexible schedules, allowing you to balance your studies and work effectively.
Tutoring is another excellent option, as it provides good pay, flexible hours, and the opportunity to enhance your teaching and communication skills. Many college students and parents are willing to pay for quality tutoring services, ensuring a reliable source of income.
Freelance work is also a viable option, as it offers remote work opportunities and flexible hours. For example, grant writing is in high demand and can often be done on a flexible schedule while providing valuable research and writing experience.
Other part-time job ideas for grad students include data entry, content writing, curriculum development, and working with delivery services like Instacart, Uber, or DoorDash. It's also worth considering employer tuition assistance programs, where your employer may provide benefits to support your graduate studies.
Remember to prioritize your studies and maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing part-time work to pay for grad school.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for funding non-degree graduate courses, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. You can also consider part-time or online enrolment and use your paycheck to cover expenses.
First, search for scholarships and grants specific to your field of study. You can do this by searching " [your field] graduate scholarships" or " [your field] graduate grants". Next, talk to counsellors in your department to learn about scholarships specific to your degree program. Finally, ask department heads about fellowships, scholarships, and grants that have helped previous students.
To register for non-degree graduate courses, you will need written approval from a non-degree graduate registration contact in each department or program offering the class. You will also need to complete a Registration Request for Graduate Credit form, which must include all required signatures.
