Funding a graduate education Unlike college financial aid, which is usually based on financial need, most graduate education is funded with grants based on the perceived merit of the student. Graduate departments should be able to provide information about the amount of merit aid they provide and the duration of the average grant. Be sure you apply to the appropriate major national competitions for support in graduate school. Lists of these are available on the web and in print. Start out at the College Fellowships and Scholarships web page, but also look at Office of Graduate Affairs web page, and at the CAPS page.
Many graduate schools offer teaching and research assistantships.
Find out whether these opportunities are available and how much they pay. Student loans may also be available.