02.22.10 | Grad loan options for the “less than half time” student
Finding the time to get your graduate degree is easier said than done.
You might be balancing a family, a full-time job, etc. In some cases, the only option is to take only one or two classes a semester.
This can make finding graduate student loans complicated, but not impossible. While it’s true that you are ineligible to receive federal financial aid and many private student loans if you go to school less than half the time, there are a number of options that can help you secure money for a graduate degree.
First, you can consider eschewing a graduate degree in favor of an online degree. Online degrees may be more flexible in their course offerings and better fit into your budget. Check out Edvisors.com for additional information about this option and to find out which online school is best for you.
If you have your heart set on attending a traditional grad school, check out the private student loan comparison tool. Some private lenders may have a different set of criteria for providing aid to a prospective graduate student.
If you have a full time job, you should absolutely check with your company to see if there are any tuition reimbursement options. Your employer may cover some, if not all of the costs of attending graduate school if you take classes relevant to your current field.
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Great advice
February 25th, 2010 | #