It is best to learn the school's policy before you apply. Financial Aid Financial Aid is often based on a combination of merit and financial need. Applicants should begin by contacting the schools to which they're applying to determine what support is available and to obtain the requisite financial aid application forms. Applicants are automatically considered independent after graduation, although some schools require parental information for the purpose of determining the applicant's eligibility for private institutional funds. FinAid has information on loans, scholarships, and grants.
Private aid represents a major source of funding.
In addition to general university funds, many graduate departments have special awards, scholarships, and research or teaching assistantships. In addition, consult a financial aid advisor at the school you wish to attend for specific information and instructions. Due to the highly regulated and complicated system of aid, you will want to find out exactly how the funding works, what the aid covers, and the application deadlines, which are strictly enforced. Look into scholarships administered by agencies outside the universities. It contains an extensive list of references, which give additional funding sources.