5 Smart Ways to Fund Grad School in 2025

You do not need to rely on your own resources or go into debt to pay for graduate school. There are numerous ways to save money while paying for school through planning, establishing a budget, and applying for scholarships that relate to your course of study. There are various ways for you to pay for graduate school in 2025 and here are some options..

1. Start With Federal Aid

Federal aid is still a major source of funding, even for graduate students. Things to look into include:

• FAFSA for direct unsubsidized loans and Grad PLUS Loans
• Federal Work-Study programs (available at many graduate institutions)
• Payment options based on income post-graduation

Quick eligibility tip: File early! Graduate students are classified as independent of their parents, so do not require parent information. Graduate schools typically award only a small number of Federal Work-Study slots, and filling out the FAFSA early increases the chances of receiving one.

1. Focus on Competitive Graduate Scholarships and Combine Multiple Scholarships if Possible

Graduate scholarships are  less promoted than undergraduate scholarships. But, they tend to be more generous as they are connected to specific academic disciplines, areas of research, or partnerships with nonprofit organizations. You can find these scholarships at:

•   University fellowship program offers
•  Professional association awards
•  Grants from private industries and other foundations

 Eligibility Tip: Note that many scholarships place a significant emphasis on clarity of purpose; a strong, focused statement describing your career goal will help distinguish your application from others who may have similar career goals.

1.  Evaluate Employer Tuition Assistance—There Are More Opportunities in 2025

In recent years, many employers have begun offering some type of tuition reimbursement or complete sponsorship for employees pursuing a degree, especially in Business, Healthcare, Data Management, and Leadership Programs. Employer-supported education is available in these forms:

•   Tuition reimbursement/payment
•   Direct payments by employers to colleges/universities
•   Sponsored executive and professional programs
•   Tuition reimbursement related to employee skills development

When reviewing potential educational programs, it is important to find programs specifically created for working adults, as they provide the opportunity to obtain a degree while working.

There are numerous examples of reputable schools actively designing flexible (evening and hybrid) two-year MBA programs that allow for full-time work and employer support; an example is the Executive MBA in Dallas by Baylor University. Many human resource policies require a minimum GPA or a commitment to continue employment with the company after being accepted into a program.

1.  Leverage Existing Benefits

By leveraging existing benefits, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense.

Veterans Benefits: The GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon programs will cover nearly the full cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Some private colleges provide supplemental funding above the federal VA benefits; so be sure to check for college-specific options.

 Graduated Assistantships: Graduate assistantships provide tuition waivers and stipends in the areas of research, teaching, and program support. Graduate assistantships are competitive, apply at the same time as your program application.

As you think about funding your graduate degree, it’s important to look at funding options beyond just the government and private financial institutions.

1. Pace Your Degree: Optimize Your Living Expenses

One of the best ways to help fund your education is through your education itself. Extending your graduate student career for an additional year or two will allow you to maintain a full-time job, offer you continued benefits and avoid having to dive deep deeply into student loans.

You can also save money with these practices:

• Share a rental with another student or two
• Reduce subscription or leisure spending for a time while in school
• Make the most use of student discounts

Endnote

Using multiple sources of funding together can make it easier to get through school in 2025. Federal financial aid provides the most basic level, while scholarships and assistantships take a significant burden off the graduate student. Employers offer programs and allow for flexible study schedules to create a safer environment for working while making progress toward the future.