The range of financial assistance available at the graduate level is very broad. There are three basic types of aid grants and fellowships, work programs, and loans and various sources the federal government, state governments, educational institutions, foundations, corporations, and other private organizations such as professional associations.
Competition is very keen.
Teaching Assistantships - Usually a full or partial remission and sometimes a stipend. Requires undergraduate teaching, lab supervision, proctoring exams, or grading papers depending on the level of the student. Research Assistantships - Similar to a teaching assistantship except the responsibility is to assist a faculty member in research efforts rather than teaching. Administrative Assistantships - Work in an administrative office on campus as opposed to teaching or doing research. Counseling Assistantships - Frequently given to Student Personnel, Counseling, Psychology, Higher Education, and Social Work Graduate students.