After deciding that I wanted to enroll in graduate school, my next and most natural thought was How am I going to pay for this? I already had loans stacked up from my previous degrees, leaving me unsure about going the financial aid route. Furthermore, my family’s budget didn’t leave room for me to finance my degree out of pocket. Determined to further my education by any means possible, I turned to the Thomas University Financial Aid office for guidance.
After navigating through some telephone prompts, I was greeted by a friendly voice from Thomas University. I explained that I was not a student yet, but needed help deciding if I could afford to enroll in the program I had been accepted into. The representative was very helpful and kind, taking time to explain concepts such as lifetime loan limits and Thomas University disbursement practices. I left that call feeling confident that I could finance my degree. My options, listed below, were both viable and affordable for teacher-learners like me.
Payment Plans
One thing I learned about Thomas University early on is that they are dedicated to making graduate school convenient for teachers, and finance is no exception to this dedication. I was pleasantly surprised to find that on top of the tuition discounts that are available to teachers who pursue off-campus programs, students can also pay tuition in three or four installments. This means that unlike many universities, prospective students who are not using financial aid do not have to produce all or even half of the tuition before beginning classes. For a teacher, this means that tuition can be factored into your monthly budget throughout your time as a Thomas University student. Students can make payments online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Financial Aid
Like many adult learners, I was leery of taking out loans on top of the undergraduate loans I had yet to pay off. After weighing all factors, however, I decided that financial aid was the best method for me to finance my degree. The financial aid process was not new to me, but what made Thomas University stand out was the level of support. Financial aid personnel was available by phone and email for my numerous questions, and they took the extra step of issuing reminders for deadlines. By applying for and accepting financial aid, I was able to complete all of my classes without worrying about the cost. I am now done with my degree and have a higher salary that enables me to make payments on my loans.
Thomas University understands that paying for a degree can be a roadblock for some teachers who wish to pursue advanced degrees. As such, the university has designed payment options that are affordable, and they offer the optimal level of support through the financial aid process. Since that day when I spoke to the Thomas University financial aid office for the first time, I have never regretted my financial investment in my graduate degree.