Post-graduate degrees for doctorate, masters, and graduate programs

Scholarships are not just for the high school student who is aspiring to go to college. There are scholarships out there that are specifically designed to help the college graduate continue their studies for a masters or doctorate degree. Just because you have a four year degree does not mean that the well has run dry. On the contrary, there are many opportunities out there for the graduate student to apply to and prosper from.

Tips to advance Ahead with Graduate Scholarships

We have listed some of the most important tips for college graduates seeking advanced degrees:

  • Research programs that fit your interests and career goals. Look for programs with a strong reputation in your field of study. Reach out to current students and alumni to learn more.
  • Take entrance exams required for your program, like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc. Give yourself time to prepare and take practice tests. Some programs waive test requirements if your undergrad GPA is high enough.
  • Get strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can speak to your academic and professional abilities. Provide them plenty of time and information about the programs you’re applying to.
  • Craft a compelling personal statement highlighting your background, interests in the field, academic achievements, research experience, and goals for graduate study. Tailor statements for each application.
  • Apply for scholarships, fellowships, grants and other financial aid. Deadlines are early so start your search for funding early. Consider graduate assistantships that provide tuition remission and a stipend.
  • Make connections in your target programs. Attend info sessions and reach out to faculty. Site visits can also help you evaluate programs.
  • If required, take prerequisite courses to fill any gaps in your undergraduate preparation for the advanced degree. Aim to get As to demonstrate your readiness.
  • Prepare for admission interviews by researching programs, practicing responses, and having questions ready to ask. Dress professionally and show genuine enthusiasm.
  • Manage application deadlines carefully. Submit all components early and follow-up to confirm your application is complete. Be aware of early admission deadlines.
  • Choose recommenders, essays, and other application elements strategically to present yourself as a strong candidate aligned with each program’s values.

Let’s face it – advanced degrees are expensive. Not only do you have to take your college classes, but you often have to work on a research project or dissertation. This can drain the student’s ability to work full time or, in extreme circumstances, the student can not work at all. This puts a dramatic financial pressure on the student and without financial assistance most students would not complete their graduate programs.

Now that a student has a four year degree, that student needs to look for scholarships that are important to their field of study. If a student has a biology degree and wants to go for a master’s degree, then that student needs to look for something in the biology field. The scholarships are listed by category on most websites so this will not be such a daunting challenge.

Most graduate scholarships are rewarded off of essay work. Graduate school requires a new, more difficult level of writing and scholarship committees look for that level of writing in essays. By getting your essays in early and making sure the essays are at a master’s level, you will have a better chance winning these kinds of scholarships. The judges look mostly at format, wording, and citations.

Post-graduate Degree Statistics for the Past Few Years

To provide context to advanced degrees from the past few years, here are some recent statistics related to post-graduate degrees in the United States:

  • In 2022, over 3 million students were projected to enroll in post-baccalaureate degree programs, with over 2 million of those pursuing master’s degrees. (NCES)
  • Of the doctoral degrees conferred in 2021-2022, 40.7% were in health professions and related fields, 17.9% were in legal professions and studies, and 16.4% were in education. (NCES)
  • In 2021, women earned more than half of master’s degrees (56.7%), and over half of doctoral degrees (53.5%). (NCES)
  • The total number of master’s degrees conferred in 2020-2021 was 820,713, up 4.1% from the previous year. The number of doctoral degrees conferred was 187,641, a 2.5% increase. (NCES)
  • In 2021, the highest paying master’s degree majors were pharmacy, physical sciences, and engineerings, with median earnings of $105,000, $103,000, and $93,000 respectively. (Georgetown University)
  • The number of graduate students with over $100,000 in student loan debt quadrupled between 2004 and 2019, reaching 56,000 borrowers. (Forbes)
  • In 2020, first-time graduate student enrollment increased 8.7% at public institutions and 11.1% at private non-profit institutions compared to the previous year. (Council of Graduate Schools)

Graduate Scholarships by Industry or Type

Other graduate scholarships are industry led. For example the pharmaceutical giants offer many scholarships for people who are looking for advanced degrees in chemistry and medicine. Some scholarships require that the student works for the company for so many years after they complete school. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door for a new, better paying job.

Another way to pay for that graduate program is from research grants. If you write a decent research proposal and it is accepted by the University you are a student of, then most of the time the university will foot your tuition and the cost of books. There are several options, but a research grant is a sure way to get you through the graduate program.

Advanced degree scholarships options for graduate students by state

Alabama

Alaska

  • University of Alaska – Provides scholarships specifically for graduate students at the University of Alaska campuses.

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

  • Boettcher Foundation – Awards full-ride scholarships to Colorado residents pursuing graduate studies.

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

  • Iowa College Aid – State agency providing financial aid programs for Iowa graduate students.

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

  • Michigan Works – Provides career-specific scholarships and stipends for Michigan graduate students in high demand fields.

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

  • Montana University System – Offers graduate scholarships and fellowships through its campuses like University of Montana.

Nebraska

Nevada

  • Nevada Student Aid – State grants and scholarships for Nevada graduate and professional school students.

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

  • Oregon Student Aid – State agency providing financial aid programs for students pursuing advanced degrees.

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Additionally, there are many nationwide scholarship programs open to graduate students across the U.S.

National Advanced Degree Opportunities for Graduate, Doctorate, or Masters Studies

Q. What are some good sources for finding scholarships for graduate school?

A: Some good places to look for graduate school scholarships include your college’s financial aid office, professional associations in your field, government agencies, private foundations, and major companies that offer educational assistance. You can search free scholarship databases like Fastweb and Scholarships.com as well.

Q: What types of scholarships are available for graduate students?

A: Common types of graduate scholarships include merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, need-based scholarships for financial need, diversity scholarships for underrepresented groups, scholarships within your field of study, scholarships from colleges or universities, and scholarships from private organizations and foundations.

Q: When should I start applying for scholarships for graduate school?

A: You should start your scholarship search at least 6-12 months before you plan to start graduate school. Many applications are due 4-10 months before the academic year begins. It’s best to identify scholarships early so you don’t miss any deadlines.

Q: What information do I need to provide for graduate scholarship applications?

A: Scholarship applications often require a transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and information on extracurricular activities and community service. You may also need to provide financial information for need-based awards. Make sure you follow all instructions carefully.

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