Some graduate students work in labs as research assistants.
For those without a master's degree, getting a doctorate can take 5 to 6 years. At private schools, one year's tuition and costs can exceed $60,000. Because the average college student graduates with $25,000 worth of debt, most do not want to take out another $300,000 in student loans. For this reason, many college graduates do not even consider doctoral studies. However, by applying for financial aid and outside opportunities, planning, and working during graduate school, most college graduates can fund doctoral studies in part or in full.
Instructions
1. Apply for financial aid. Write a list of the graduate schools that interest you. For each school, note the financial aid deadline and what forms are required, such as a tax return or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. As a graduate student, you probably will not get need-based aid, but you may get low-interest or interest free loans. You may also qualify for grants that are based on a combination of need and merit.
2. Work during graduate school. Expect to work as a teaching assistant, instructor for a lower-level class, research assistant or lab technician. When you enroll at the school, sign the contract that states that you will work during school in exchange for free tuition and, possibly, a living stipend. Although tuition is usually subsidized for your entire time, do not expect to work during your first year since most doctoral programs do not permit first-year students to work.
3. Look for outside opportunities, such as external scholarships and fellowships. Many organizations give scholarships to graduate students, such as the Philanthropic Educational Organization Scholarship for women or the Leopold Schepp Scholarship for needy students. If you are interested in receiving pay for advanced research, seek a graduate fellowship. Speak with professors or financial aid counselors who work with graduate students to find these opportunities. Use www.fastweb.com or www.scholarships.com to find more scholarship opportunities.
4. Maintain your GPA. Unlike undergraduate students, graduate students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Grades below a B- do not count toward your degree. Having to retake a class will mean more money, and many schools are reluctant to pay for it. A solid GPA will make you more competitive for opportunities within the school, scholarships and outside opportunities.
5. Plan before starting your doctorate. Upon matriculating in graduate school, you may not have time to seek scholarships, fellowships and other opportunities. Hence, start planning before entering graduate school. Furthermore, for some scholarships, you must apply while still an undergraduate student.
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