However, the financial burden associated with a graduate education can often deter potential students from pursuing their academic dreams. The thought of financing a graduate education can seem daunting and overwhelming, and because of such it is common for individuals to assume that paying out of pocket is the only way to finance their advanced education.

With that stated, for many aspiring students, the reality is far more promising than they may think. From scholarships, graduate assistantships, federal aid, and loan assistant programs to employee tuition reimbursement programs and more, there is a vast array of financial opportunities that exist and are waiting to be explored.

This article aims to help demystify the idea that a graduate education program is financially impossible by providing students with options to consider that may lead to financing their graduate academic dreams.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarships and fellowships are two of the most sought-after forms of financial aid for graduate school. These awards are typically merit-based and can cover tuition, books, and living expenses. Awards may range from national scholarships to institution-specific awards. Students will want to research numerous award opportunities across academic disciplines.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships offer students the opportunity to gain a wealth of professional experience while receiving financial support for their education. The role of a graduate assistant is typically a part-time position that may include working as a teaching, or research assistant, at the university in exchange for credit towards their tuition and program fees. It would be up to the student to do research to see if the university offers this opportunity.

Loans and Loan Repayment Options

If a student decides to pursue the loan route such as Federal Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, or private loans, they would want to research the various interest rates and repayment terms. It is essential for students to carefully consider their borrowing options and explore repayment plans such as income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness programs. Students may want to visit https://studentaid.gov/ to see what possibilities exists to assist in fulfilling their academic dream.

Employee Tuition Reimbursement & Employer Sponsorship

If a grad student is employed there may be opportunities in which their employer may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to support them in advancing their education. By taking advantage of these benefits, graduate students can pursue their academic goals while continuing to work in their field. Additionally, students may want to see if a partnership exists between their employer and an academic institution to secure funding towards their education.

Personal Pursuits

A student may consider utilizing their personal savings to help finance their graduate education expenses. Developing a comprehensive financial plan and budgeting effectively, may allow students to maximize their resources resulting in minimal dependency on student loans.

Additional, Creative Funding Sources

Besides traditional forms of financial aid, students may explore alternative funding sources that they believe may be best suited for them, such as community-based scholarships and research grants. Thinking creatively and actively seeking out supplemental funding resources may help supplement existing financial aid opportunities.

What to Consider When Thinking Through Financing Graduate School

Financial planning is critical when considering graduate school. Students should research as many funding options and opportunities as possible, calculate anticipated and potentially unanticipated costs, and create a budget to manage their graduate program expenses. Students may also want to schedule an appointment with the financial aid department at the university for financial aid counseling to receive information that may assist them through the financial aid process.

When considering ways to finance one’s graduate education it will require careful consideration and strategic planning. Through exploring a variety of funding options, students can begin their graduate academic journey boldly in pursuit of their passion. Whether through scholarships, assistantships, loans, or personal savings, there are numerous pathways to make graduate school possible for aspiring scholars such as yourself.

About Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago prepares students academically, intellectually, practically and ethically for a meaningful career and life. Graduates are equipped to lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion.

U.S. News & World Report (2024) recognized Concordia University Chicago as a Best Regional University – Midwest, as well as a Top Performer on Social Mobility – Regional Universities Midwest.

Interested in continuing your education? Check out Concordia University Chicago’s master’s programs and doctoral programs and take your next step today!

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If you are currently in or are considering a graduate program, congratulations! The good news is that even if you have not yet enrolled, you are already on your way to success because you are prioritizing continued education, a decision which is not always easy but is always, in my experience, rewarding. Whether you are on your journey or still considering your path, I would offer a few tips as advice for those pursuing or considering the pursuit of a graduate degree.

Stay Organized

For some, staying organized might be unpleasant, but it will save so much time and angst. First, make sure you are organized in terms of your program and degree requirements, keeping in touch with your advisor to ensure that you are on track with your courses and know your plan and how it aligns with your goals. Then, ensure you are also keeping track of details such as tuition payments, course registration, ordering course materials, etc. Finally, determine a method to stay organized once each course begins. Many graduate students are also working full-time jobs or managing other responsibilities, so staying organized will help ensure you can prioritize all of your work to meet course deadlines.

Establish Connections

Many people experience amazing connections during their undergraduate years, often even leading to life-long relationships. In graduate school, though, connections can fall by the wayside, not by design but because of competing priorities, especially for students in part-time programs. Making it a priority to establish connections during graduate school, though, can make a profound difference. It can be easy to hop in and out of an in-person class, rushing in after work and racing out to return to other responsibilities; for online courses, it can be even more of a struggle to make connections. Make a point to establish relationships with your professors, mentors, and supervisors. They can help you even after your class or program ends, supporting you toward your career goals, writing letters of recommendation, or providing you with resources to assist you as you continue your path.

Creating connections with peers is equally or even more powerful. Having classmates to ask questions and receive support can make every class so much more enjoyable and valuable. Even if you are not meeting for class in person, don’t be afraid to reach out via email and just start making connections!

Use Your Resources

I truly believe your connections with others will be some of your best resources. However, it’s important to utilize other valuable resources that your university makes available to you, as well. I recently became aware of research workshops that are available for graduate students, and offerings like that can be easy to ignore or put off until a later date – which often turns into never – but taking advantage of the resources offered helps you stay connected, feel supported, and ultimately find more success. Resources also include financial aid or budgeting support, career resources, and even self-care opportunities offered by the university. As a student, you have access to so many valuable resources, so don’t limit yourself to only attending class or even just academic support when there are so many options available for Concordia University Chicago (CUC) students.

Know Yourself, Your Habits, and Your Needs

Most importantly, forget the first three tips. Okay, I don’t mean that, of course, but it’s essential, especially for busy graduate students, to trust yourself and implement what works best for you. Focus on your needs and what works for you. For organization, for example, I print out everything and write lists. I love the feeling of physically crossing something off. Others might prefer a digital list or an app.

This small example just shows that although it’s important to take advice from others and make the most out of your experience, you also need to customize your decisions, so they meet your needs. Make time to consider what will work for you and what you need to do in order to have the most valuable experience possible.

Why Choose Concordia University Chicago for Your Graduate Degrees?

After I graduated from CUC with an M.A., I did not anticipate returning. Yet, just a few years later, I decided to return to pursue another degree. So, I can earnestly say that CUC is a great place to consider for your grad degrees. For me, I most appreciate the support and flexibility. I always know that I am supported in my educational journey. The programs, course offerings, and requirements are clear, and I know that I have so many advocates to whom I can reach out with questions and for guidance. Perhaps even more important for many graduate students is flexibility.

My master’s program was an in-person cohort program. At one point, my cohort had to switch to a different day for class, and I was unable to meet because of a prior weekly commitment on that day. My advisor worked with me to allow me to meet with a different cohort for that one course so I could honor my commitment and not fall behind the course sequence. My current program is an online, asynchronous program, which in itself offers flexibility, and I know that I am still receiving a high-quality education.

Next fall, I will need to take a pause during one of the sessions for personal reasons, and my advisor has already helped me figure out how to stay on track with my graduation requirements. Concordia University Chicago offers an amazing academic experience and always prioritizes supporting students and their needs as they work to meet their educational goals amidst their busy lives. It is truly a great place to pursue your education.

Interested in continuing your education? Check out Concordia University Chicago’s master’s programs and doctoral programs and take your next step today!

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It was hard enough obtaining my bachelor’s degree and that was my full-time job. Now I was going to back to school and teach full time in coherence. I had no idea how I would do this, but as I progressed through my program, I realized that this goal was much more obtainable and manageable than I had originally thought.

Here are my tips on how to balance being a teacher and pursuing a master’s degree at the same time.

To give a little context, when I went for my master’s degree, I was a third-year teacher in 2014.  The pandemic had not hit yet so course options were a bit different then. My program was designed where we met at an off-campus location for two years. One day a week we met for two months, and then a new course would begin, and a new professor would appear at our location. Two years, one day a week. At first, this can seem like a big commitment. And in ways it definitely is, but Concordia University Chicago made these a smooth two years and were very adaptable when life events would come up.

Find the Format for You

Today, there are more options for different learning formats. Which one works for you? To be honest, I prefer meeting in-person for class. I am able to focus more in class and get more out of the experience that way. But everyone has their own learning styles and needs and at the end of the day, it is the schedule that works best for you that is going to make you successful with pursuing a new degree.

How to Use Your Time Wisely (What Worked for Me)

In the beginning of my program, I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed. I was a third-year teacher, still trying to find my footing as a teacher and now I had a graduate-level course that I also had to focus on at the same. And I’ll be honest, I am quite a social person and love exploring the city life of Chicago. How would I also have a social life on top of all this? I do not mean to flex, but I managed to teach, and complete the two-year program; on top of that, I also did a year-long urban stem program and still managed to have a social life.

How did I manage to do all of this? Here’s the plan that worked for me. During the week, my focus was my job. I needed to focus on my students and ensure I fulfill my teacher duties. I would get all my grading, planning, communication with parents, and the many other duties complete from Monday through Friday.

I had my one special day, however, and that day was Tuesday. On Tuesdays, I would teach and then I would have my course at night.  This was a bit of a long day. Teaching for a full day can really tire me out and then I would need to be attentive for a three-hour course after. In the beginning, I was completely drained at the end of my Tuesday. After a while, I figured out some ways to make Tuesday a bit easier of a day.

Pack your lunch, but also pack snacks. You need fuel for your entire day. After work, I had snacks for my car ride to class. This helped give me some energy to make it through class and helped me to be more attentive.  I also would treat myself to a reward dinner after class. Pizza was a big winner and once the day was done, I would sit back, eat some pizza, decompress, and relax and be proud of myself for persevering though the day. Then, when the weekends came, I would devote one day to my classwork. I would catch up on readings, review notes, and complete projects. Sometimes, it would take the entire day, other times it would only take half of the day.

And on those days, I would celebrate with a social event with friends. This worked for me.  Once I got into a groove, those two years flew by. My biggest recommendation is to make a schedule. Set aside time when you are only focusing on your coursework and time when you are only focusing on your teaching responsibilities.  If you blend the two together, it’ll seem overwhelming and unobtainable.

How Concordia University Chicago Made This Easy

Concordia University Chicago makes the whole process very easy and obtainable. Once you get into a groove and find what works best for you, your time completing your program will fly by.

As you progress through your program, things in life happen. Pursuing another degree takes time and during that time, things can happen. And sometimes those life events can get in the way of you attending a class or submitting an assignment. Communication and honesty with your professors will be so helpful to you and give you the support that you need. During one of my courses, a woman had a baby and still managed to finish the class! One time I needed an extension on an assignment because I was visiting family. The professors are very accommodating and willing to work with you to make sure that you are successful without taking away from any major life events that are important to you.

This is a university that takes pride in the students and their success. The hardest part of the entire process is telling yourself that you are ready to do it.

Interested in continuing your education? Check out Concordia University Chicago master’s programs and doctoral programs and take your next step today!

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