Paying for Graduate School
Here's a guide to your funding options for grad school
So you're planning on pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, or some other form of post-graduate professional education, and you're curious about how one goes about paying for graduate school? Here's a quick overview of the types of student loans that are available to you.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans
Graduate and professional degree students are eligible to borrow under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program up to their cost of attendance, less other financial assistance. Applicants must first exhaust their loan options under the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program before applying for a Graduate Direct PLUS Loan. You do so, as with all other federal student aid, by filing the FAFSA form.
Private education loans
After grants, scholarships and federal aid have been maximized, a private school loan is also an option. Our TruFit Student Loan® is available to graduate students attending at least half-time and enrolled in a degree granting program.
Graduate fellowships
The federal government offers a wide range of financial assistance to graduate students through scores of fellowship programs. They include such opportunities as the State Department's well-known Fulbright International Exchange Program to research funding from the National Science Foundation. To learn more about these abundant opportunities, visit www.students.gov.
Tuition assistance programs
If you plan to continue working while attending graduate school half-time, you may be eligible for your employer's tuition assistance program. Check with your company's benefits department for more information.
Other graduate loan options
If you plan on attending medical, dental or law school abroad, look into specialized loan options devoted to those areas. The Global Health Education Loan Program, for instance, supports American medical students who study at accredited institutions in other parts of the world. Some state education departments also offer targeted student aid in these areas of study.
Learn about our affordable private student loan to fit your borrowing needs
Get on the road to reaching your higher education goals with our helpful online student borrowing resources and tools. Also, answer your questions about student loans and find helpful information about our affordable Citizens Bank TruFit Student Loan® for graduate students. If you still have questions, call a student loan specialist at 1-800-708-6684, and we'll help walk you through the process.