Published: July 5, 2022

24-hour difference for Old Main

One of the most daunting pieces for students pursuing a graduate degree is the task of paying for it. Several factors can affect how much you should plan to set aside or borrow. Variables include the desired school to attend, whether or not you are in-state or out-of-state, will live on campus or off campus, transportation costs, living expenses in the neighborhoods near the school, books, additional fees charged by the institution, and more. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

1. Get Your Employer to Pay

If you, like many graduate students, are also a working professional, start your search for financing by investigating your company’s tuition benefits. Numerous companies offer tuition benefits to encourage their talent to further their education and thereby benefit the company itself. The degree or certificate generally must be related to the employee’s role at work to qualify and the grade earned in the course must be a “B” or better. Some student employees may be fortunate enough to have 100% of the tuition covered, while other programs may reimburse only a certain amount annually. Most companies reimburse tuition after proof of the grade earned, so student employees will need to pay the initial costs. 

2. Scholarships and Grants

Although a bit tougher to obtain with economically forced cutbacks to many traditional sources of free money for graduate students, with some research into specific departments at a school, you might discover scholarships based on merit or even needs-based funding (e.g. FAFSA). The earlier you apply, the better your chances of receiving aid–since programs typically like to nab outstanding candidates early.

3. Work for the School

If you are not already a working professional, you might want to look into job opportunities at the school you would like to attend. Similar to scholarships and grants, these positions are available through specific departments. The key is to be highly aware of the specific topic you would like to study in depth and then seek out those programs and instructors that might be willing to offer you an assistantship. Often, there are more of these positions available for doctoral students than for those earning a master’s degree.

There are also organizations, both in the private and public sector, that offer fellowships. Be aware this can be a highly competitive applicant pool. 

Many schools also offer work-study, need-based financial aid that allows students to work on-campus or with an approved off-campus agency.

4. Tax Credits & Deductions

A tax deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax, can be used to deduct qualified education expenses. You might qualify for a business expense deduction if you need a graduate degree to keep your job or to maintain or gain new skills required for your current job.

Look into the U.S. Federal Lifetime Learning Tax Credit to see if you qualify.

Check with the IRS website for more information.

5.  Savings

As with any large financial commitment, it is best to start saving and cutting back expenses as early into the planning phase as possible. If you think that your start date for attending grad school is a couple of years in the future, now is the time to start saving. It’s less expensive to save than to borrow and your money works for you!

The U.S. government allows a withdrawal from your IRA (individual retirement account) penalty-free as long as the money is used for education.

6. Borrow Wisely

If you are paying for your own or for your child’s higher education (including grad school) you and other family members, friends, and even employers can contribute to a 529 plan that you establish. Every dollar contributed can be deducted from state taxable income and the earnings grow federal and state tax-free!

Check out Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for additional funding. 

Some loan options include Perkins loans, Stafford loans, and Graduate PLUS loans. 

Keep in mind that private loans may be tempting, especially with low variable interest rates to start, but with variable rate private loans interest rates could sky rocket before your final payment. Private loans may also have higher upfront fees and fewer repayment options. Think carefully before selecting private loans to finance your education.

 

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