How to Get Grad School Paid For?

Pursuing a graduate degree can be a transformative step in your academic and professional journey, but the cost of tuition, living expenses, books, and fees can be daunting. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to get grad school paid for, ranging from scholarships and assistantships to employer reimbursement and government programs. In this guide, we’ll explore effective, realistic strategies to minimize or eliminate the out-of-pocket cost of graduate education.

Whether you’re considering a master’s degree or Ph.D., this comprehensive guide will walk you through your best options to graduate debt-free and position yourself for long-term success.

Scholarships and Fellowships: Free Money for Grad School

One of the most effective ways to get graduate school paid for is through merit-based or need-based scholarships and fellowships. These awards do not require repayment and are offered by universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and private foundations.

Competitive Fellowships

Graduate fellowships are prestigious awards that cover tuition, living expenses, and often include a stipend. These are ideal for high-achieving students in fields like STEM, social sciences, and public policy.

Examples include:

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship

• Ford Foundation Fellowship

• Hertz Foundation Fellowship

• Fulbright Program (for international study)

University Scholarships

Most universities offer institutional scholarships for incoming graduate students based on academic merit, research potential, or underrepresented status. Always check with the university’s graduate funding office and academic departments.

Private and Professional Association Scholarships

Many professional associations (like APA, ASHA, IEEE, or AERA) offer scholarships for students in specific fields. Websites like Fastweb, ProFellow, and Scholarships.com can help you find targeted opportunities.

Pro Tip: Apply early and often. Competition is stiff, but submitting multiple applications increases your odds significantly.

Graduate Assistantships: Work and Study Simultaneously

Graduate assistantships are one of the most popular ways to get graduate school tuition waived while also receiving a stipend.

Teaching Assistantships (TAs)

Teaching assistants help with undergraduate instruction, grading, and office hours. In return, students receive full or partial tuition remission and a monthly stipend.

Research Assistantships (RAs)

These positions allow students to work on faculty-led research projects. RAs are especially common in STEM and social science programs and are typically funded by external research grants.

Administrative and Professional Assistantships

Some universities offer assistantships in administrative departments (e.g., Student Affairs, Admissions, or Campus Life). These roles often come with full tuition coverage and valuable experience.

Keep in Mind: Assistantships are competitive and may require prior teaching or research experience. Be sure to inquire during your application process.

Tuition Reimbursement and Employer Sponsorship

If you’re already employed, your company might help pay for your graduate education, especially if your degree aligns with your current role or future career within the organization.

Corporate Tuition Assistance Programs

Many large corporations, including Google, Deloitte, Intel, and Amazon, offer tuition reimbursement programs. These may cover part or all of your tuition for approved graduate programs.

Conditions typically include:

• Staying with the company for a specified time post-degree

• Pre-approval of the graduate program

• Minimum GPA requirements

Contractual Sponsorships

Some employers offer full sponsorships in exchange for a service commitment after graduation. This is common in nursing, education, public service, and engineering fields.

Read Also: How Do I Set Up a Scholarship Fund?

Tip: Contact your HR department to review your company’s education benefits policy or negotiate tuition support during job interviews.

Funded Master’s and PhD Programs

Some graduate programs, particularly PhD tracks, are fully funded by the institution or external research grants. That means you can attend grad school without paying a dime out of pocket.

Fully Funded PhD Programs

Most Ph.D. programs in the U.S., especially in fields like sciences, humanities, and social sciences, offer:

• Full tuition remission

• Annual stipend (usually $20,000–$35,000)

• Health insurance

These funding packages often include teaching or research responsibilities as part of the program requirements.

Funded Master’s Programs

Although less common, there are master’s programs that offer full funding. These are more likely in public policy, social work, and STEM fields.

Search for programs that explicitly mention “fully funded” or “tuition waiver” on their admissions or financial aid pages.

Resource: Use ProFellow’s directory of funded graduate programs to locate options by discipline.

Federal and State Grants for Graduate School

While federal grants are more commonly associated with undergraduate studies, some graduate students may still qualify for certain government-funded grants.

TEACH Grant

For students pursuing a graduate degree in education who agree to teach in a high-need field or underserved community, the TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 per year.

Requirements include:

• Completing TEACH Grant counseling

• Signing a service agreement to teach for four years within eight years of graduation

State-Based Grants

Some states offer need-based aid or career-specific grants for graduate students, especially for public service fields like social work, nursing, and education.

Action Step: Visit your state’s higher education department website to explore state-funded aid programs.

Federal and Institutional Student Loans with Forgiveness Options

If you’re unable to secure scholarships or grants, federal student loans may be a necessary funding source. However, with smart planning, you can significantly reduce or eliminate this debt.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

These loans allow graduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. While interest rates are higher than subsidized loans, repayment options are flexible.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans (IDR)

Under IDR plans like PAYE or REPAYE, your monthly payment is capped at a percentage of your income. After 20–25 years, any remaining balance is forgiven.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you work in the government or nonprofit sectors, you could qualify for PSLF after making 120 qualifying payments. This is a common path for social workers, public defenders, and nonprofit employees.

Tip: Always borrow federal before private. Federal loans offer more protection and forgiveness options.

Military Service and ROTC Programs

Military-affiliated graduate students have access to generous education benefits.

GI Bill

Veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover up to 100% of tuition and fees for graduate school, plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend.

ROTC and Direct Commission Programs

Some branches of the military offer programs that cover graduate school tuition in exchange for a commitment to serve as an officer post-graduation.

Bonus: Many military programs include leadership training, stipends, and job placement assistance after service.

Online Graduate Programs with Financial Aid

Online graduate programs have grown in popularity due to their flexibility and affordability. Many are also eligible for the same forms of financial aid as traditional on-campus programs.

Accredited Online Programs

Look for regionally accredited programs that are eligible for federal aid and employer reimbursement. Some online programs even offer lower tuition rates for out-of-state students.

Examples: Arizona State University Online, Georgia Tech Online Master’s in CS (OMSCS), University of Illinois iMBA

Digital Advantage: Many online programs offer modular payment plans or pay-as-you-go options.

Crowdfunding and Alternative Funding Sources

If traditional funding options fall short, there are creative ways to raise money for graduate school.

Crowdfunding Platforms

Websites like GoFundMe, PlumFund, or Indiegogo allow students to create campaigns to raise tuition money from friends, family, or the public.

Tips for success:

• Tell a compelling story

• Include photos or videos

• Share your long-term goals and how grad school will help

Alumni Networks and Community Organizations

Local religious institutions, civic organizations (like Rotary Clubs), and university alumni chapters often have small grants or awards for graduate students.

Conclusion: Strategic Planning Pays Off

Graduate school doesn’t have to mean crushing debt or years of financial struggle. By understanding your options—from scholarships and assistantships to employer tuition support and government programs—you can get grad school paid for without compromising your future.

The key is to start early, research thoroughly, and apply strategically to maximize your funding opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a master’s degree or a Ph.D., with careful planning, your advanced education can be both affordable and rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I go to grad school for free?

Yes. Many students attend grad school tuition-free through assistantships, fellowships, or employer reimbursement. Ph.D. programs are often fully funded by default.

2. Are online grad programs eligible for financial aid?

Yes, accredited online programs are eligible for federal student aid and sometimes scholarships or employer reimbursement.

3. What’s the best funding source for a master’s program?

Scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition assistance are the top options. Also, explore funded master’s programs in your field.

4. How do I improve my chances of getting a fellowship?

Maintain a strong GPA, get involved in research, build relationships with faculty (for recommendations), and tailor your application essays to each opportunity.

5. Is it worth taking out loans for grad school?

It depends on your field. For high-earning fields (e.g., tech, finance, medicine), loans can be a smart investment, but always exhaust grant and scholarship options first.