Getting a Grant to Help Pay for a Master’s Degree
Higher Education Articles May 7, 2015Need- and merit-based grants are available for graduate students who wish to enroll in master’s degree programs, but cannot afford the fees. In this article, we take a look at how graduate students can obtain and keep grants.
Information on Grants to Pay for Master’s Degree
Students obtain grants in the form of monetary assistance to help pay their school fees. Unlike a loan, a grant does not have to be repaid. Students who seek grants for graduate education must look for an appropriate grant program and send in their application for the grant. Additionally, after they get a grant, students must maintain the grant through continual adherence to the conditions.
Identifying Grant Programs
Grants for graduate programs are available in many places, including private foundations, academic institutions, and government organizations.
Government Bodies: The U.S. Department of Education is the main federal body that students are offered grants by. Particular groups of students, including those studying to be teachers, may be targeted by these grants.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grants, and the Pell Grant are among the various federal grants offered. State governments also provide grants through their departments of higher education.
Universities and Colleges: Academic institutions offer grants based on financial need and academic excellence. Students can contact schools to find out whether they offer any grant programs.
Private Foundations and Organizations: Subject-oriented, ethnic, or religious foundations and organizations can be contacted by students in search of grant opportunities.
Process of Applying
The application process for grants can vary according to the requirements and guidelines of a particular grant. While there is no application process for some grants, submission of in-depth proposals with the application is mandatory for some others. Students aiming for government grants are typically required to route their applications through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Maintaining Grants
Although students do not need to repay grants, those who apply for some grants may be required to work or teach in an underserved area for a specific span of time. Applicants to some other grants may be required to have a minimum grade point average or to complete certain coursework. The grant can be maintained by adhering to the requirements for the grant. In the event of failure to meet the conditions of the grant, some grants are transformed into loans that require repayment.
