Scholarships For Online Graduate Programs
Posted inGraduate Scholarships

How To Find Scholarships For Online Graduate Programs?

Getting an online graduate degree can be a big deal, with costs from $12,394 at public schools to $26,621 at private ones. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) says this. Luckily, there are scholarships and grants to help with the costs for online graduate students. This guide will cover the different scholarships, who can get them, and how to get funding for your online degree.

Key Takeaways

  • Graduate tuition costs can range from $12,394 for public institutions to $26,621 for private colleges and universities.
  • Only 43% of graduate students receive grants of any type, highlighting the importance of seeking out scholarships.
  • There are various types of scholarships available, including graduate school scholarships and subject-specific awards.
  • Eligibility requirements for graduate scholarships often include a minimum GPA, specific demographic or background criteria, and demonstrated financial need.
  • Applying for multiple scholarships can increase your chances of receiving funding, though not all applicants win every scholarship they apply for.

Introduction to Scholarships for Online Graduate Programs

More universities are offering online graduate programs as the demand for advanced degrees grows. But, the cost of tuition is still a big challenge for many students. Scholarships and grants are key in helping students, including those in online programs, pay for their education.

Scholarships for online graduate programs vary. They range from general academic scholarships to awards specific to certain programs or subjects. These funds can help reduce the cost of tuition, making online master’s degrees more affordable.

We will look at the different scholarships for online graduate students. We’ll also cover the requirements and how to apply. Knowing about graduate student financial aid can help you find ways to fund your online graduate studies.

“Scholarships and grants are essential in making graduate education more affordable and accessible, especially for those pursuing online programs.”

Types of Scholarships for Online Graduate Students

graduate scholarships

Getting an online graduate degree can cost a lot. But, there are scholarships and grants to help with the expenses. These include graduate school scholarships, need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students.

Graduate School Scholarships

Many organizations offer graduate school scholarships. These can come from universities, companies, states, and more. Scholarships can be based on need or merit. Students need to apply for them.

The requirements for these scholarships vary. They often look at your grades, field of study, community work, and financial situation.

Grants for Graduate School

Grants for graduate school are like scholarships but don’t need to be paid back. They usually focus on financial need rather than grades. These grants support students in their field of study, helping with research, projects, or training.

Scholarship/Grant Amount Eligibility
Beinecke Scholarship Program $4,000 before graduate school, $30,000 during graduate studies Undergraduate students planning to pursue graduate education in the arts, humanities, or social sciences
Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship $1,000 High school, undergraduate, and graduate students
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship $1,000 Undergraduate or graduate students based on merit
Return 2 College Scholarship Program $1,000 College students attending a two- or four-year college or graduate school

There are many more scholarships and grants for online graduate students. Some are for specific schools, subjects, or groups. Looking into these can make getting an advanced degree online less expensive.

General Scholarships For Online Graduate Programs

general graduate scholarships

Getting an online graduate degree is a great choice for many students. But, the cost of tuition and fees can be a big problem. Luckily, there are many scholarships for online graduate students to help with these costs. These scholarships are open to students in many fields, helping a wide range of graduate student financial aid applicants.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Financial Need Scholarship helps students with financial need. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Merit Scholarships go to students who excel academically and show leadership. Both are for online graduate degree scholarships.

The Beinecke Scholarship Program supports students who are outstanding in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. The Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship and the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship are for both undergrad and grad students. They offer financial help for those seeking general graduate scholarships.

The Return 2 College Scholarship Program is special. It’s for people who took a break from school and are now going back for an online graduate degree. These scholarships honor the hard work and determination of these students.

With many general graduate scholarships out there, online graduate students can get the financial help they need. By looking into these options and applying well, students can get the support they need to succeed in their online graduate programs.

School-Specific Scholarships for Online Graduate Programs

online graduate program scholarships

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for online graduate students. These scholarships help a lot with the cost of getting a graduate degree online.

For example, there’s the Colorado State University Academic Excellence Scholarship. Also, the Colorado Technical University Advantage Grant is available. The Dr. John M. Beckem II Scholarship at SUNY Empire State College is another option. There’s also the Edward Gersich Distance Education Scholarship at Bemidji State University and the Gladys McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship at the same university.

Other scholarships include the Jack and Audrey Hatmaker Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama. The John F. and Marjorie J. Alexander Scholarship at the University of Florida is also available. Plus, there’s the Maurine Allison O’Bannon Memorial Scholarship at Kansas State University.

These scholarships can help pay a lot of the tuition and fees for online graduate programs. They are key for those looking for online graduate program scholarships, university scholarships for online students, and graduate degree scholarships.

Subject-Specific Scholarships for Online Graduate Programs

graduate scholarships by field

Graduate students in online programs have more than just general scholarships to look at. They can also find scholarships specific to their field. For instance, the Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship is for those in nursing or nurse anesthesia graduate programs.

To find these scholarships, it’s key to look into organizations and foundations in your field. Groups like the American Psychological Association or the American Bar Association offer scholarships for graduate students in their areas.

Scholarship Field Award Amount
Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia Varies
AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships Historically Underrepresented Minorities $5,000 to $18,000
COGDOP Graduate Student Scholarships Psychology Up to $5,000
C200 Scholar Award MBA, Female Students Up to $10,000

By exploring and applying for field-specific scholarships, online graduate students can greatly reduce their education costs. These scholarships offer financial help and recognition in their chosen field.

Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Scholarships

graduate scholarship eligibility

When looking for scholarships for your online graduate degree, knowing the eligibility criteria is key. These criteria can change a lot, depending on the scholarship. But, there are some common things that graduate students should know when applying for financial help.

To qualify for most graduate scholarships, you usually need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Many scholarships also require a minimum GPA, often between 3.0 and 3.5. The field of study matters too, as some scholarships are only for certain academic fields.

Citizenship is another big factor, with many scholarships only for U.S. citizens or legal residents. Some scholarships might also require you to be part of a certain group or have a family tie to the school.

Graduate scholarship providers often look for community service, volunteer work, or leadership. Showing you care about making a difference can help you stand out.

To make sure you qualify, it’s important to read each scholarship’s guidelines carefully. Understanding the specific criteria can boost your chances of getting the funding you need for your online graduate degree.

“Winning a graduate scholarship can open doors to countless opportunities and help alleviate the financial burden of advanced education.”

Remember, each graduate scholarship has its own set of rules. By knowing these and tailoring your applications, you can increase your chances of getting the funding you need. This will help you reach your academic and professional goals.

Also Read: How To Secure Graduate Scholarships For International Students

Conclusion

Getting scholarships and grants is key for funding an online graduate program. Tuition and living costs can be high. By looking into different scholarships, online students can get financial help for their studies.

It’s important to know who can apply for these scholarships. This way, students can increase their chances of getting one.

With the right approach, online students can make their degrees more affordable. As more people take online courses, there are more online graduate program scholarships and graduate student financial aid options. This makes it easier for people to reach their educational and career goals through online graduate programs.

By spending time and effort on scholarship research and applications, online students can reduce financial stress. This lets them focus on their studies and move forward in their careers. The main thing is to stay informed, keep trying, and be smart in searching for scholarships for online graduate programs.

FAQs

Q: How can I find scholarships for graduate students pursuing online programs?

A: To find scholarships for graduate students pursuing online programs, you can search scholarship databases, visit university financial aid offices, and check with professional organizations related to your field of study. Websites like Fastweb and Cappex also list top scholarships for online students.

Q: Are there specific scholarships for grad students enrolled in online degree programs?

A: Yes, there are many scholarships specifically designed for grad students enrolled in online degree programs. These scholarships are often offered by universities, private organizations, and foundations. It’s important to research and apply for scholarships that are open to graduate students.

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

A: Scholarships for graduate school available to students include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships based on specific criteria like field of study, demographic background, or professional experience. Many scholarship programs cater to students seeking an advanced degree.

Q: How do I apply for scholarships for grad school?

A: To apply for scholarships for grad school, you typically need to complete an application form, submit a personal statement, and provide letters of recommendation. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each scholarship program, as they may vary.

Q: Can undergraduate and graduate students apply for the same scholarships?

A: Some scholarships are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, while others are specifically for graduate students. It’s essential to read the eligibility criteria to determine if students can apply for a particular scholarship.

Q: Are there scholarships available to students who are pursuing their graduate degree in specific fields?

A: Yes, there are many scholarships available to students who are pursuing their graduate degree in specific fields, such as education, healthcare, engineering, and social sciences. Organizations related to these professions often offer scholarships to support students in their educational endeavors.

Q: What are top scholarships for online students that I can apply for?

A: Some top scholarships for online students include the American Indian Graduate Center scholarships, the National Black MBA Association scholarships, and various university-specific scholarships designed for online grad students. Make sure to research and apply for those that fit your qualifications.

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for a scholarship program?

A: Eligibility for a scholarship program is typically outlined in the scholarship’s guidelines. Students must review the requirements, which may include being a full-time graduate student, enrolling in a specific degree program, or meeting GPA criteria. Always check the application details for specific eligibility requirements.

Q: What is the best way to pay for college as a grad student?

A: The best way to pay for college as a grad student includes applying for scholarships for graduate students, considering federal or private student loans, and exploring assistantships or fellowships that provide tuition waivers. Combining these options can help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a graduate degree.

Q: When should I start looking for scholarships for graduate programs?

A: It is advisable to start looking for scholarships for graduate programs as early as possible, ideally six months to a year before you plan to enroll. This gives you ample time to research, prepare applications, and meet deadlines for many scholarship programs.

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