Distance learning makes earning a graduate degree easy and convenient.
People who want graduate degrees but don't have the time or money to attend traditional graduate school have a range of choices for securing funding to get a degree online. Finding money to help pay for an online graduate degree is not as difficult as one may think.
The Federal Government
The federal government is an ideal resource to fund a pursuit of a graduate degree. Federal agencies that offer financial support for course work leading to a graduate degree include: the National Science Foundation (NSF); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the National Institutes of Health (NIH); and virtually every other federal government agency, depending upon the student's chosen field of study.
Professional Associations and Organizations
Organizations and associations established by and for professionals are excellent resources for mentoring and underwriting prospective colleagues in their pursuit of a graduate degree. Those associations include the American Association of University Women and other professional associations and organizations.
Corporations
Some corporations also offer scholarships to graduate students. These scholarships, however, often come with stipulations requiring a predetermined number of years' work after graduation in exchange for the financial assistance. Some employers may be more amenable to paying for an online program because employees are not required to alter their work routines to accommodate a class schedule.
Foundations
Fellowships and research grants are additional sources of funds to support graduate study. Aside from the federal agencies cited above, private foundations such as Ford Foundation, Guggenheim Foundation and Spencer Foundation underwrite significant portions of the total cost associated with earning an online graduate degree. Foundation funding, however, comes with restrictions as to how the money is to be used and research protocols. Foundation money may often be used for tuition or living expenses as well. Each foundation has its own set of priorities, requirements and restrictions. Graduate students seeking foundation support are advised to carefully review all of the stipulations before submitting an application.
Tags: graduate degree, federal government, graduate degree, online graduate, online graduate degree