9 Beyond College – Graduate School Funding

 

9.1. Scholarships for Graduate Students

Scholarships aren’t just for undergrads—graduate students have their own pool of opportunities. They’re often merit-based, tied to your field, or aimed at specific groups.

  • What They Are: Cash awards for tuition, fees, or living costs—no repayment needed. Sponsors include universities, foundations, and professional organizations.

  • Who Qualifies: 

    • Students with strong academic records (e.g., 3.5+ GPA in undergrad).

    • Those in specific disciplines (e.g., psychology, engineering).

    • Underrepresented groups or those with unique traits (e.g., veterans, women in STEM).

  • Examples: 

    • Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Funds a year abroad for research or teaching—up to $30,000+.

    • American Psychological Association Scholarships: $1,000–$5,000 for … Read more...

9.2. Fellowships and Research Grants

Fellowships and grants are the gold standard for grad funding—especially for research-heavy programs like PhDs. They often cover tuition and a stipend for living expenses.

  • What They Are: 

    • Fellowships: Merit-based awards funding your education, often with no teaching or work required.

    • Research Grants: Money for specific projects—your thesis, dissertation, or lab work.

  • Who Qualifies: 

    • Students with clear research goals or innovative ideas.

    • Often STEM or social science PhD candidates, though master’s students can qualify too.

    • Competitive applicants with publications or conference presentations.

  • Examples: 

    • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship: $37,000 stipend + $16,000 tuition for … Read more...

9.3. Employer-Sponsored Education Programs

If you’re working—or plan to—your job might fund grad school. Employer programs are growing as companies invest in talent.

  • What They Are: Tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for employees pursuing advanced degrees, often tied to your role or industry.

  • Who Qualifies: 

    • Full-time employees (sometimes part-time) with a set tenure (e.g., 6 months–1 year).

    • Degrees relevant to your job—e.g., an MBA for managers, IT certs for tech staff.

    • Willingness to stay post-degree (some require a 1–2 year commitment).

  • Examples: 

    • Starbucks College Achievement Plan: Covers full tuition for Arizona State’s online degrees after 20 hours/week work.

    • Amazon Career Choice: … Read more...

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