During this period you'll focus intensely on your academic subjects and the people in your program, forfeiting salary and workday routine. Perspective is important, and a sense of long-term direction can make your graduate school experience more meaningful. Everyone places a different value on education, and ultimately you'll have to decide if graduate study is worth the financial sacrifice. Before making that decision, however, you should familiarize yourself with potential funding sources. Fellowships, or scholarships, may be awarded by individual departments or institutions, as well as by outside organizations.
Institution based aid most frequently takes the form of graduate assistantship.
Loans are the primary source of government assistance. If you are open to the thought of working full-time and taking classes on the side, there are some employers who offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefit package. The types of aid available to you will vary tremendously from one institution or program to another.