Graduate School Grants: 2025 Guide

Most graduate students borrow money to pay for school, but taking on debt isn't the only option. Grants can help cover the cost of a graduate degree without the burden of repayment, and they've become more widely available.

Over the last decade, total grant aid to graduate students increased by 22%, according to the College Board.

“I advise anybody who is going to grad school to first try to find any and all available free money,” says Kevin Ladd, chief operating officer and co-creator of Scholarships.com.

This guide explains how graduate school grants work, where to find them, and how to boost your chances of getting one.

Current private student loan rates

What are graduate school grants?

Graduate school grants are a type of financial aid that helps you pay for your education without taking on more debt. Unlike loans, you don't have to repay them after graduation. While they're similar to scholarships, graduate school grants are usually based on financial need or linked to your area of study.

What types of graduate school grants are available?

Graduate school grants come from a range of sources. Here are the most common types:

• Institutional grants: These are grants provided directly by your university. They're the largest source of graduate grant aid, accounting for 52% of all grants awarded to postsecondary students in the 2023-24 academic year, according to the College Board.
• Federal grants: While most federal grants are limited to undergraduates, the TEACH Grant is an exception. It's available to both undergraduate and graduate students who plan to teach in a high-need field. For the 2023‑24 award year, eligible graduate students can receive up to $4,000 per academic year.
• Private and employer grants: Some private organizations and employers offer grants for graduate students, often based on your field of study or career goals. Private grants made up 11% of grant aid awarded in 2023-24, according to the College Board.
• State grants: Many states provide grants for graduate students. Eligibility is often based on financial need, and funding varies by state. State grants accounted for 9% of total grant aid awarded to postsecondary students in the 2023-24 academic year, according to the College Board.

Who is eligible for graduate school grants?

Eligibility for graduate school grants depends on the specific grant, but most programs consider a few common factors:

• Financial need: Many grants are need-based and prioritize students with limited financial resources. However, some grants are available regardless of income.
• Academic performance: You may need to maintain a strong academic record to qualify or continue receiving a grant. Falling below certain GPA requirements could make you ineligible.
• Enrollment status: Most grants require you to be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program to qualify.
• Field of study: Some grants are designed for students in specific fields, such as education, health care, or STEM. Your area of study can impact which grants you qualify for.

How to apply for graduate school grants

To maximize your chances of getting grant funding, it's important to explore every opportunity you're eligible for.

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“For schools that are part of the Federal Student Aid system, make sure to fill out the FAFSA to potentially qualify for state, federal, and institutional grants,” says Jack Wang, a wealth adviser specializing in college financial aid at Innovative Advisory Group.

Next, look for private grant opportunities through professional organizations, nonprofits, and your personal network. These grants are often tied to a specific field of study, but it's worth exploring all available options.

Tips for finding and applying for grants

Consider implementing the following tips as you explore your grant options.

Start early and track deadlines

Start applying for grants as soon as possible. If you find grant opportunities that aren't currently accepting applicants, mark down the application deadline so you know when to check back. Tracking deadlines can help you avoid missing an opportunity.

“You may never have a greater opportunity to put yourself in a better financial situation down the road than by doing the work now to greatly reduce the amount of money you have to borrow for your education,” says Ladd.

Customize your application essays

While submitting the same application essay multiple times might require less work, it could also hurt your chances of actually receiving a grant award. When possible, take the time to customize your application essays to showcase why you deserve to receive a particular grant.

Ask professors for recommendations

If you're on good terms with your professors, consider asking for a letter of recommendation to submit with your grant applications. When the reviewers consider your application, hearing positive feedback from your professors could tip the scales in your favor.

Use grant search tools and databases

Online grant and scholarship search tools can make it easier to find grants that fit your background, field of study, or financial situation. Start with platforms like Fastweb.com, Scholarships.com, and College Board's BigFuture.

“Additionally, you definitely should ask around about local opportunities, reach out to friends and family, post on LinkedIn and any other social media that you are intending to go to grad school, and see who chimes in,” says Ladd.

Apply for multiple grants

Don't stop at just one application. The more grants you apply for, the better your chances of getting funding. Treat it like a numbers game and submit strong applications to several opportunities to significantly improve your odds of receiving support for grad school.