Scholarships can be a helpful resource to pay for grad school and are available through many different avenues, including states, organizations, nonprofits, companies, and more.
Grants and scholarships are similar in that they’re both gift aid that typically doesn’t need to be repaid after graduation. The main difference is that scholarships are usually merit-based, while grants are need-based.
Let’s look at some common scholarships and grants for prospective graduate students.
Table of Contents
- State Scholarships & Grants
- Federal Scholarships & Grants
- Private Graduate Scholarships & Grants
- Fellowships
- How to Qualify for Graduate School Scholarships
- Where to Find Scholarships for Graduate Students
- When to Apply for Graduate School Scholarships
- Factors to Consider When Applying for Graduate School Scholarships
- Using Student Loans to Cover Grad School
- Alternative Funding for Graduate School
- The Takeaway
Key Points
• You can find graduate school scholarships at the state level, the federal level, through your university, through your community, and through your employer.
• Customize each master degree scholarship application to match the specific criteria of the scholarship, such as academic achievements, leadership skills, or field of study.
• Keep track of deadlines and submit applications well in advance. Late submissions are often disqualified automatically.
• Work with academic advisors or mentors to identify the best scholarship opportunities and ensure applications are complete and compelling.
• In addition to graduate scholarships, students can pay for graduate school with cash savings, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
State Scholarships & Grants
To find scholarships and grants at the state level, you can try contacting your state’s Education Department for assistance and resources. Scholarships and grants vary state by state, but here are 11 options you may want to consider:
Graduate Tuition Assistance Grant (Colorado)
Provides financial support to graduate students enrolled at participating Colorado public universities. Awards are need-based and subject to fund availability.
Kansas Comprehensive Grant (Kansas)
Offers need-based grants to Kansas residents attending state universities, private colleges, or community colleges for graduate programs.
Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant (Massachusetts)
Supports financially needy graduate students attending participating colleges in Massachusetts.
Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) (Texas)
Available to graduate students with demonstrated financial need attending Texas public colleges or universities.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (Florida)
Offers need-based aid to graduate students enrolled in eligible Florida postsecondary institutions.
New York State TAP for Graduate Studies (New York)
Provides financial aid for eligible New York residents pursuing graduate degrees at participating institutions within the state.
Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant (Oregon)
Supports former foster youth pursuing graduate studies in Oregon with financial need.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (North Carolina)
Available to graduate students who demonstrate financial need and meet residency requirements.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (Georgia)
Offers financial assistance to graduate students attending private colleges in Georgia, encouraging participation in higher education.
Maine State Grant Program for Graduate Students (Maine)
Provides financial aid to graduate students with financial need attending eligible institutions in or out of Maine.
California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program (California)
Provides financial support to economically or educationally disadvantaged graduate students at participating California State University (CSU) campuses.
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Federal Scholarships & Grants
To apply for federal grants and scholarships, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®, each year. There are several types of federal grants available, including:
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants provide up to $4,000 per year for students preparing to become teachers in high-need fields. In exchange, recipients must agree to teach for four years at an eligible low-income school.
Fulbright Grants
The U.S. Education Department provides Fulbright Grants for graduate students to study and research in designated countries abroad.
When you visit the Fulbright website, click on your country of interest to view the details. For example, in Germany, there are 70 study/research grants available, the program lasts for 10 months, and its recommended participants speak German at the beginner level. In Iceland, there are only seven grants available, the program lasts nine months, and there is no foreign language requirement.
Finding Additional Federal Grants
To find additional federal grants for graduate school, take a look at Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of Labor’s database. On these sites, students can specify their search by things like their program, field of study, or other qualifiers.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) provides generous funding to outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Fellows receive a multi-year stipend and cost-of-education allowance, giving them financial support and research flexibility early in their careers.
Private Graduate Scholarships & Grants
When it comes to paying for grad school, there are plenty of organizations, companies, and nonprofits that offer scholarship opportunities. The scholarships could be merit-based, need-based, or simply granted based on your affiliation or application. Some scholarships are on the smaller side, others much larger, but any amount of aid can help. You may want to consider these elements while you’re on the hunt for private scholarships for graduate school:
Your College or University
Your school might offer merit-based scholarships or grants for college. To see what your school offers, connect with the office of financial aid to see if you qualify for any scholarships from the school and what additional steps you may need to take to apply.
Your Course of Study
You may be able to find scholarships related to your field of study. To find scholarships in your area of study, search national foundations or companies that might provide a scholarship. This might be especially helpful in STEM fields and other careers where there’s a high need for employees in the workforce.
Recommended: Scholarships for STEM Students
Your Neighborhood
Another way to find scholarships as a grad student is to see if your religious organization, local civic group, or other community organizations you belong to offer scholarships. You could reach out to see what may be available and perhaps complete the necessary applications.
Your Background
Based on your ethnicity or cultural heritage, you may be able to qualify for several scholarships or grants. Reach out to national foundations or local community groups to see what they offer.
Some specific private scholarships and grants include:
Greek Life Scholarships
Contrary to what society may think, enrolling in a fraternity, sorority, or other Greek organization has more benefits than the wild parties. Many Greek organizations reward their high-achieving members and alumni who pursue master’s degrees.
For example, members of Alpha Chi Rho could receive up to $3,000 for their graduate studies.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship is for students who want to make a difference in society. If you’re pursuing a degree, such as Master of Public Administration, Master of Education, or Master of Social Work, and you have significant community service experience, you could qualify for the Truman Scholarship.
To apply, you must be pursuing any major that could lead to a career in public service and interested in a graduate degree. Between 55 and 65 students receive the Truman Scholarship per year, each receiving up to $30,000.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Scholarships
GFOA Scholarships are for graduate students intending to pursue a career in state or local finance. The association offers 11 scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.
The four kinds of graduate school scholarships are as follows:
• The Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship for full-time students. Award amount is $30,000.
• The Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship for full-time accounting students. Award amount is $10,000.
• The Clark Burrus Public Service Academic Scholarship for minority students studying for a career in state or local government finance. Award amount is $10,000.
• The Betty Jo Harker Professional Development Scholarship for part-time graduate students. Award amount is $10,000.
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is for athletes who have attended an NCAA member institution for their undergraduate studies. Students must be in their final year of undergraduate athletics to apply.
The distribution of graduate school scholarships is unique. Three times per year (autumn, winter, spring), the NCAA gives scholarships to 21 men and 21 women per each sports season, for a total of 126 scholarships per year. This timeline splits up candidates based on the sport they play. Each scholarship is $10,000.
American Association of University Women
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships and Grants program provides substantial financial support to women pursuing graduate study, research, and professional development across a wide range of fields. These awards help recipients cover tuition, living expenses, and project costs, with specific programs dedicated to career changers, international scholars, and women advancing in male-dominated disciplines.
The Career Development Grant recipients will receive up to $8,000 for graduate school.
The Geological Society of America Grant
If you’re going into geological research, joining the Geological Society of America (GSA) and applying for their Graduate Student Research Grant may open up some opportunities. The GSA awarded 354 students money in 2025, with roughly 52% of students that applied receiving aid. The average grant amount was $2,688.
These are only a few avenues to consider when looking for private graduate school scholarships. Databases and search engines can help, but don’t be afraid to get creative.
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Fellowships
Unlike a grant or scholarship, graduate fellowships are money typically tied to an opportunity. Those who get a fellowship likely have to meet requirements to study, research, or work in a field for a short period. Not only will fellowships help students pay for graduate school, but they can also be a valuable opportunity to gain relevant experience.
Finding a fellowship will be specific to your field of study. One place to start your search process is by talking to your academic department for assistance or finding a nonprofit institution specializing in your field of study. Applicants should be aware that fellowships typically require a fairly rigorous application process.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a prestigious program that supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate education in the United States. Each year, the fellowship provides generous funding for tuition and living expenses, empowering recipients to fully focus on their academic and professional goals.
Since 1998, the program has awarded over $80 million to 805 Fellows from 103 countries, supporting graduate studies in a wide range of fields — from screenwriting and painting to medicine and neuroscience.
How to Qualify for Graduate School Scholarships
Qualifying for graduate school scholarships involves careful planning and preparation. Below are tips to help you qualify:
• Start by researching types of scholarships specific to your field of study, location, or demographics.
• Maintain a strong academic record, as many scholarships prioritize academic excellence.
• Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and unique skills, which can set you apart from other applicants.
• Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your achievements, goals, and passion for your field.
• Submit all required materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, by the deadlines.
• Make sure to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success, ensuring you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each opportunity.
Academic Achievement and Professional Goals
Graduate school scholarships often prioritize students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and clear professional goals. High GPAs, test scores, and a record of academic excellence can make applicants more competitive, while well-defined career objectives show scholarship committees that you have a purposeful plan for applying your education.
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Where to Find Scholarships for Graduate Students
When looking for scholarships for grad school, filling out the FAFSA is the first step. Just like undergraduates, the FAFSA is required for graduate students interested in federal student aid, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. Some schools may also use the FAFSA to determine aid awards.
Community organizations can be another source of scholarships. Some career or professional organizations may also offer scholarships.
Scholarship Databases and University Financial Aid Offices
From there, you can check in with your school’s financial aid office. They may have more information on the scholarship opportunities and requirements available at your school.
Scholarship databases compile thousands of scholarships in one place, allowing students to filter by field of study, eligibility, and award amount. SoFi’s scholarship search tool, for example, helps students quickly identify relevant scholarships, making it easier to find both school-specific and external awards that align with their academic and professional goals.
When to Apply for Graduate School Scholarships
Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. Some aid may be awarded on a first come, first served basis, so completing the application early could potentially improve your chances of qualifying for some aid.
For private scholarships, be sure to track all relevant deadlines. Each scholarship may have its own deadline, so it may help to put together a spreadsheet so you can see a high level overview of important deadlines and application requirements.
Application Timing for Fall vs. Spring Admissions
Application timing can significantly impact your chances of receiving graduate school scholarships, depending on whether you’re applying for fall or spring admissions. Many scholarship deadlines align with fall entry, so students aiming for a spring start may have fewer opportunities or tighter timelines. Planning ahead and submitting materials early ensures you meet all deadlines and remain competitive for available funding, regardless of your intended start term.
Recommended: FAFSA Guide
Factors to Consider When Applying for Graduate School Scholarships
Applying for scholarships is a time commitment, but it may be time well spent if you can secure money to help pay for your graduate school program. Consider the following factors when applying to graduate school scholarships:
Eligibility Requirements
Review eligibility requirements closely. Do you need to be enrolled in a specific school or program of study? Be sure you understand and meet the eligibility requirements so you don’t waste time applying for grad school scholarships you aren’t actually eligible for.
Application Requirements
Some applications may require an essay and letters of recommendation. Think carefully about who you want to ask to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Be mindful of deadlines and ask with enough advance notice to give them enough time to write a letter.
Deadlines
Each scholarship may have its own deadlines. Track these closely. Many scholarships won’t accept late submissions.
Some scholarships may go unclaimed when the school year starts. Consider checking in with your financial aid office to see if there are any unclaimed scholarship funds available. For more information on appealing for these awards, take a look at SoFi’s guide to unclaimed scholarships.
Renewal Terms and Conditions
Many scholarships are only awarded for one year or require recipients to meet specific criteria to maintain funding, so it’s important to read the renewal terms and conditions of the scholarships you receive. Students may need to maintain a minimum GPA, be enrolled full-time, or continue in a particular field of study. Understanding these requirements upfront helps students plan academically and financially, avoid losing their award unexpectedly, and ensures long-term support throughout their graduate program.
Using Student Loans to Cover Grad School
Scholarships and grants aren’t the only options for paying for graduate school. You may also choose to take out graduate student loans.
Consider focusing on scholarships and grants before student loans, as those don’t need to be repaid. Student loans, on the other hand, will have to be paid back. If you’re applying for graduate federal or private loans, it’s worth noting that you can borrow more as a graduate student, but you might be looking at higher interest rates.
If you don’t receive enough financial aid through federal loans, you can consider private student loans. Rather than being provided by the government, these loans come from private businesses, banks, and online lenders. Students should focus on private student loans as a last resort, as private student loans lack the borrower protections afforded to federal student loans.
Alternative Funding for Graduate School
Other than taking on student loans, there are several alternatives to funding your graduate degree. If you’re able to work while attending school, you can save and budget to cover a portion or all of your tuition.
Employer Tuition Assistance
If you are working, you can speak with your employer to see if they offer a tuition reimbursement program. Employee tuition reimbursement might require you to stay at the company for a number of years or pursue a specific degree. Program requirements will vary by company.
Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Roles
Graduate assistantships and teaching roles offer graduate students a valuable way to fund their education while gaining professional experience. In exchange for assisting with research, teaching undergraduate courses, or supporting academic departments, students often receive tuition waivers, stipends, or both. Speak with your particular university for specific details.
The Takeaway
There are a wide array of grants and scholarships available for students pursuing graduate school. These include those offered by federal and state governments, individual schools, and other interest groups like nonprofit organizations. To find grants and scholarships, students can review online databases, speak with the financial aid office at their school, and fill out the FAFSA each year.
In addition to scholarships, students can pay for graduate school with cash savings, grants, and federal and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
How do I get a full scholarship to graduate school?
It’s possible to get a scholarship that will pay for all of your graduate school costs. It can be very competitive to qualify for full-ride scholarships, so it may help to complete an application and make sure you meet all the requirements. If an essay is required, be sure to allocate enough time for writing and editing so that you are submitting a strong application. Some schools may offer full-ride scholarships to the top students.
Do master’s programs give scholarships?
Yes, many master’s programs offer scholarships to help offset tuition costs. These can include merit-based awards, need-based scholarships, and funding for specific fields of study. Additionally, universities, private organizations, and government programs often provide scholarships tailored to graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in various disciplines.
Are scholarships available for graduate school?
Yes, scholarships are available for graduate school. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid if you are interested in federal scholarships or grants. Check in with your school’s financial aid office for more resources.
Can I apply for scholarships if I’m already enrolled in grad school?
Yes. Many scholarships allow applications from students already enrolled in graduate programs. Schools, professional organizations, and private foundations often offer awards for current students to help cover ongoing tuition, fees, or living expenses. Always check eligibility requirements, as some scholarships target specific years, fields, or academic progress.
How can you find scholarships for graduate students?
Graduate students can find scholarships by checking their university’s financial aid office, searching online scholarship databases, and exploring awards from professional associations in their field. Local nonprofits, employers, and community organizations also offer funding.
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