Graduate School Financial Aid

SkyGheNe

So I'm preparing to continue my studies in Fall 2011 and am trying to figure out how to come out with my masters with as little debt as possible. However, I've never really worked extensively with financial aid or how to go about it because I received a merit based scholarship that covered most of my costs in my undergraduate studies.

I've heard of people coming out with little to no debt for being a TA, but I wonder if that's something more commonly seen in state schools. I was planning on asking my former professors about this sort of thing, but figured that people in help/advice might have some useful information.

In case anyone was wondering, I'm looking at a mass communications degree with a focus in public relations. My understanding is that BC/BU, Syracuse, and a few other schools have pretty good graduate programs in those fields and also are near NYC/Boston, which lend themselves to easy commutes and prospective internships.

Any suggestions?

Hlubocky

I'm not sure if Computer Science differs from liberal arts programs in this regard, but I was able to get a tuition waiver + about $12,000/9 mos doing research for the department (which also provided me with material for my thesis) to fund my masters degree. I initially tried getting a teaching assistant position, but they were all over-promised to other students, so I had to look elsewhere. See if there is a professor with a grant that is looking for research assistants. You might be able to kill 2 birds with one stone like I did and have your research contribute to your thesis. This was at a state school btw (University of Illinois in Champaign).

Dachshund

I don't have first hand experience with those particular schools, but my cousin graduated from Syracuse in 2006 with his MS in mechanical engineering and was fully funded from being a TA.

I got my MSME in 2007 from SUNY Buffalo and was also fully funded from being a TA. I remember getting about a $300/week stipend on top of tuition. 'Course in state tuition for SUNY schools was < 5k a year then so it isn't like they were covering big bucks on my behalf!

Both of us did the all course option, because we are pussies who don't like research and also you get the same degree in 1 year (or in my case 1.5 because I am dumb)!

mts

there are options but it will really depend on teh school.

as a masters you have basically three (and a half) options

1. GSR type position. Basically you do the work/research for a PI and they pay for you. if you are doing a research type degree hopefully it is on your stuff. Typically will pay for everything, fees, + a stipend

2. TA position. For teaching or a reader (the half) and other responsibilitites you get your fees covered. my school also paid you teh stipend but it was reduced compared to a GSR

3. Student loans. You get money. but you have to pay it back. if going this route definitely try to stay with subsidized loans as you get better rates and a much nicer payback schedule.

There are also fellowships and such you can apply for, and you should before entering, but more than likely you won't get any as a first year.

There is also a work study. Basically if you fit the need requirement you get some financial monies to support you. However, you don't actually see a dime of this. This would go to your PI to help pay for you. While you may be like f that i want the green yo. if your PI only has to pay half for you, you are more likely to get a GSR

These are just some general options and it will vary by school and by program so it is best to actually talk to someone in financial aid or admissions or the grad program administrator for the program you are applying to.