Whether you’re making a career change, enhancing your learning or seeking a higher salary, there are a number of reasons to pursue graduate school. But, just like undergraduate programs, tuition for advanced degrees has skyrocketed over the decades. This makes outside funding opportunities — along with institutional opportunities like teaching assistantships and fellowships — even more attractive for incoming students.
This week, The Scholarship Coach is featuring several scholarships that could apply to your graduate studies. While most scholarships go toward undergraduate programs, there are opportunities out there for grad students, too.
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In addition to building friendships, fraternities and sororities can help build your scholarship opportunities. According to its website, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-lettered sorority started by African-American women. But, with the exception of one program, the national scholarships offered through its Educational Advancement Foundation are open to all students and you don’t have to be a member to apply.
The foundation offers two graduate-level scholarships: one based on merit, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, and one based on financial need. Both programs require full-time student status and a demonstrated commitment to community service and involvement. Applications are being accepted until Aug. 15.
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Remember to check in with professional associations that support students in your field of study, too. It’s likely that they’ll offer their own awards or know of related associations that would. For instance, if you’re an accounting or finance candidate, consider the Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship , which is designed for graduate students pursuing a career in state and local government finance.
This award includes a $12,000 stipend plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the Government Finance Officers Association annual conference. This year’s conference will be hosted in Philadelphia.
Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to apply. Applications will be evaluated based on past academic record and work experience, a statement of future career goals and a letter of recommendation from your academic adviser or dean of your graduate program. The 2015 deadline recently passed, but check back later this year for an updated application.
If you’re strapped for time, smaller awards can add up, such as the Exede Internet Scholarship. This essay contest is a relatively quick and easy application process.
Learn about [possible changes facing graduate school loan borrowers.]
The sole objective is to craft a response on what you think the status of the Internet will be in five years, and what future technologies and limitations there might be related to Internet access. Complete your 600 to 1,000-word essay and submit by June 1 to be considered for the $500 prize.
If you identify as a minority student, national and local cultural organizations can provide great opportunities to advance your higher education. For instance, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute offers U.S. Latino students a $5,000 scholarship to pursue graduate-level study.
There’s no GPA or major requirement, as this program is more interested in awarding community-minded students who are consistently involved and have a desire to continue providing public service-oriented activities in their community. Applicants should also demonstrate financial need. Online applications will be accepted until April 16.
Finally, we encourage you to check out tips and graduate-level scholarships that we’ve featured before. These provide even more options to help you in your scholarship search. Award amounts vary widely with scholarship programs, but every dollar counts.
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