Did you know the average cost of a Master's degree in the United States is approximately $36,760?
How in the world are you going to afford that? You're already stressed out about paying off your undergraduate degree.
With a little effort and exploration, you may find you qualify for one or more scholarships or grants. Even if they don't offer you a full ride, every cent counts. What have you got to lose?
Scholarships for Master's Degrees
That's right! Scholarships for Master's degrees exist. All you have to do is a little research. They're out there waiting for your application.
Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on UnsplashTypes of Scholarships for Master's Degrees
Scholarships for graduate studies are much like those for undergraduates. They're offered for various reasons, based on:
need
merit
career field
community & non-profit affiliations
citizenship
diversity
intentions for research
and so much more
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on UnsplashAs you begin thinking about applying for scholarships for Master's degrees, you may find yourself wondering about some of the most common questions. Let's explore a few of them and answer them along the way.
Do I need to be enrolled in a graduate program before applying for scholarships?
No, you do not need to be enrolled before applying. However, some scholarships may require proof of enrollment before financial assistance is provided.
Is there a limit to how many scholarships I can apply for and win?
No, there is no limit. The more applications you send in, the more assistance you may receive.
Will I need to write an essay when applying for scholarships?
In many cases, yes, but this isn't the case for all scholarships. You'll need to check the requirements to determine if an essay is necessary.
Are letters of recommendation required?
Yes, many scholarships require a letter of recommendation, but not always. Check with the individual scholarships to learn if a recommendation letter is needed.
Should I submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Yes, always submit the FAFSA. It may assist you in your financial aid journey.
Where Do I Find Scholarships for my Master's Degree?
Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on UnsplashStart your search in your community, and don't forget to check the resources offered at your college or the university you wish to attend for graduate school. They may not advertise their scholarships on the big search engines. Instead, go to their website or stop by their business to inquire.
Start Locally
library
Chamber of Commerce
community center
place of worship
local businesses
your employer
College Campus
organizations you belong to
financial aid office
graduate portal or website
Quiz
You're about to graduate with your Bachelor's degree and would like to start on a Master's degree next year. You should start your scholarship search by inquiring at (choose all that apply):
Helpful Database Search Sites
Photo by Christin Hume on UnsplashNumerous websites allow you to search for scholarships in the United States at no cost. Most of these will include scholarships for those seeking a Master's Degree.
Additional Scholarship Databases
provided by the U.S. Department of Labor
browse more than 8,000 scholarships
provided by U.S. News
browse over 2,000
claims to have a "one-stop scholarship application"
has helped "over 23 million students" find scholarships
niche scholarships
offers "one simple application"
provides a personalized scholarship list
provided by Sallie Mae
Quiz
True or False: You only need to use one database to find all the graduate degree scholarships.
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