Scholarships can lower the cost of a master’s degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid. They come from universities, employers, professional groups, foundations, and state programs. The school scholarship pages on this site list options to start with.
There are a few main types. Merit scholarships reward strong grades or achievements. Need-based awards depend on your financial situation. Many scholarships focus on a field of study, such as nursing or engineering. Others support students from specific backgrounds or regions. This scholarship search guide explains how to match awards to your profile.
Graduate students have other aid too. Grants are need-based and also do not require repayment. Fellowships fund research or advanced study in a specific area and often include a stipend. Assistantships pay a stipend or cut tuition in exchange for teaching or research work. If you are looking at business school, check MBA programs with scholarship options early, since their deadlines come first.
Start early. Aid deadlines often fall months before the term begins. Ask whether an award renews each year or covers only the first year. Some scholarships require a minimum GPA to keep them. Compare the full cost of each program, not just the tuition, and look at full scholarship programs alongside partial awards. Most students combine several sources, such as aid, savings, and work, to cover the total bill.

