Graduate Student Loans and Financial Aid

Graduate students have a unique set of needs in educational financing. For many students, there are a myriad of issues to face when considering advanced degrees - financial issues included.

Financial aid availability: Many federal and state aid programs available to undergraduate students are not available to graduate students (Pell Grants, SEOG as well as many state scholarships). Much of the aid received by graduate students is in the form of loans.

To make up some ground, Graduate Stafford Loan limits increase significantly, to $20,500 per year, for graduate students. Federal Graduate PLUS Loans can also help cover the cost of education. In addition, private student loan can provide additional funding at competitive rates - see:

• Graduate Student Loan Center (Private Alternative Graduate Loans) - GradLoans.com, serving graduate students , specifically
  • MBA Loan Programs - MBA Loans for graduate students
  • Dental School Loans - Student Loans for Dental School
  • Medical School Loans - Medical Student Loan Program
  • Business School Loans - Business School Loan Program
  • Law School Loans - Law Loans for Law Students
  • Nursing School Loans - Nursing School Loans
  • Graduate Student Loan Consolidation - Consolidate your federal and alternative student loan!

Graduate Center: Resources for Graduate Students including Graduate Schools, Graduate Student Credit Cards, Graduate Jobs, Graduate Financial Services, Online Graduate Degrees and other resources for graduate students.

Financial Aid Status: For federal aid applications, graduate students are automatically considered "independent students"; however some institutions may still require parental information in determining eligibility for non-federal sources or programs.

Consider the Cost vs. Benefits of a graduate education: Learn salary and employment information about others with the graduate degree you're seeking. Is the field growing and likely to offer employment when you receive your degree? Does the degree take you to the next "level" on your career path?

General Advice: Reduce debt as much as possible - Unless you have assistance from your employer or resources to meet costs, you're likely to borrow for your graduate education. Before beginning, consider paying off as much debt as possible, especially high interest credit card debts.

Check out StudentPlatinum.com's "Guide to Good Student Credit and Student Credit Cards" for more advice.

Reduce expenses to live within your means of your expected in school salary. For some, returning to school also means reducing hour at work and take-home pay. Really review your expenses and adjust your lifestyle to your in-school income.

Make realistic decisions about work and school. The return to school can be a major change, carefully consider your course work and time requirements for school to your family and work circumstances.

Get your employer to contribute or research companies that offer educational benefits.