 Prospective Graduate students:
Entering Graduate School? Or, Are you a junior or senior in college and getting ready to to graduate soon and not sure what to do after you finish?
Did you ever think you'd NEVER want to go to graduate school because you already have too many student loans? I thought the same thing as a junior when I was in college majoring in Chemistry. But then, my advisor told me the story that I am about to tell you here on BFF.
Actually, if you are an engineering, math, science, or computer major (and there are many more) -- then there are definitely graduate school out there that will have a tuition waiver available. If this sounds too good to be true ... it gets better. Many graduate schools not only waive your tuition, but will also pay you a stipend for expenses! The stipend may not be much, but it will usually cover the cost of your living expenses (food, apartment, and basic transportation).
For example, I went to Clemson University for graduate school and my tuition was waived AND I received $17,000 per year to live on. Believe me, it might not seem like a lot -- but, in South Carolina $17K goes a long way when apartments rent for less than $500!
So, pick your graduate school wisely. Or, if you haven't even thought about going to graduate school, then give it some thought! Most employers will pay you quite a bit more for having a master's degree ... and even more for having a Ph.D. after your name.
The most important thing to avoid is to pick a school because it is close to home, or will allow you to see your 'friends' on the weekends. It is more important to pick a graduate school with a good name ... one that will surely be recognized when you start your job hunt in a few years from now.
Most importantly, since many graduate schools offer a tuition waiver AND a living expense stipend; you should give serious consideration to these schools. If instead you pick a school that is "close to home" or is "close to friends" and does not offer any financial assistance in the form of an expense stipend or tuition waiver; then this choice will operate to increase your student loans.
Since you will have to pay these student loans back one day, your choice today will ultimately function to amplify your future financial burden - the burden of having to pay back the student loans once you start working.
Yours to consider,
- Professor Gary
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Gary Plourde is an independent author. He writes about Traveling, Sailing, Inventions and the Patenting process. Patent your new idea and explore an opportunity to generate revenue for your business, scholarship, study abroad, or sabbatical.Labels: expense, financial assistance, Graduate School, living expenses, stipend, student loans, tuition waiver |
